Quote: Originally Posted By donaldjl on 5/14/2010

While that's all true, kid, there is still a plus side of knowing what you're getting from the investment....Every team has the salary cap to deal with and needs to find the right players to sign for their system. The Pens have their plan based on Crosby, Malkin, Staal, Fleury, Orpik, etc....They could definitely use scoring wingers, but how much would they add by trading Malkin, for example?

If they were to trade Malkin for a 30 goal winger and some prospects, how will they be sure they return will be worth it? Dumping a 100 point scorer that you know for a potential guy is a huge gamble. The salary cap is a hinderance for sure, but eventually every team with 3 or 4 top tier players is going to face the dilemma of having to fill the roster with cheaper guys to hopefully complement the stars....No matter what they do, it could bite them in the ***, but I don't think trading away a sure thing for more cheaper players is the answer.

I am of the mindset that the team that gets the best player in a trade, wins the trade. So the Pens would certainly not get the better of any deal involving Malkin.

At the same time, there is no guarantee he will score 100 points every year. Sure he missed 12-15 games this year, but did you feel like he lived up to his contract this year when healthy? How about in the playoffs? I think all but one of his playoff goals were on the PP. He was badly outscored at even strength, and while playing against mostly 2nd toughest minutes.

I'm not trying to bash the guy. I'm just saying there isn't a player out there that should be making 9 million a year if you can't depend on him EVERY SINGLE GAME. While they would surely lose out in any trade involving Malkin, there is a need for several bodies. Spreading that 9 mil out across two above average players and a top prospect wouldn't be a total loss.

None of this matters though. It's just my mind considering the possibilities. I don't expect any of the 3 centers to be moved this summer.

Quote: Originally Posted By maskman46 on 5/14/2010

could u explain why 87 just parks himself at the side of the net, never creates anything and i really dont whats so special about him . every time datsyuk touches the puck he creates things and hes moving . however he'll never get his due because hes russian . Go canadiens . and yes cammalleri is the best hockey player at this moment in time .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jvh_50q1Hig&feature=related

This is one of countless examples of how complete Crosby's game is. Your assessment of him is way off the mark.

But I can understand why so many people 'don't see what's so special about him'. The NHL is HORRIBLE at marketing, focusing almost soley on Crosby and Ovechkin while overlooking many good teams and great talents.

Datsyuk (and Zetterberg) are exceptional players, and neither get their due in terms of media praise. I don't understand the league's decision to hitch it's wagon to only two horses when there are dozens of stars out there.

Cammalleri certainly has the hottest stick right now, but you could make an argument for Halak, Toews, Pavelski or even Pronger playing the best hockey at this moment in time. I assume you are thinking of playoff MVP and not just claiming Cammelleri to be the best player in the league.

Quote: Originally Posted By sergei91 on 5/14/2010pens suc

Quote: Originally Posted By pttsbrghkid on 5/14/2010

Quote: Originally Posted By donaldjl on 5/14/2010

While that's all true, kid, there is still a plus side of knowing what you're getting from the investment....Every team has the salary cap to deal with and needs to find the right players to sign for their system. The Pens have their plan based on Crosby, Malkin, Staal, Fleury, Orpik, etc....They could definitely use scoring wingers, but how much would they add by trading Malkin, for example?

If they were to trade Malkin for a 30 goal winger and some prospects, how will they be sure they return will be worth it? Dumping a 100 point scorer that you know for a potential guy is a huge gamble. The salary cap is a hinderance for sure, but eventually every team with 3 or 4 top tier players is going to face the dilemma of having to fill the roster with cheaper guys to hopefully complement the stars....No matter what they do, it could bite them in the ***, but I don't think trading away a sure thing for more cheaper players is the answer.

I am of the mindset that the team that gets the best player in a trade, wins the trade. So the Pens would certainly not get the better of any deal involving Malkin.

At the same time, there is no guarantee he will score 100 points every year. Sure he missed 12-15 games this year, but did you feel like he lived up to his contract this year when healthy? How about in the playoffs? I think all but one of his playoff goals were on the PP. He was badly outscored at even strength, and while playing against mostly 2nd toughest minutes.

I'm not trying to bash the guy. I'm just saying there isn't a player out there that should be making 9 million a year if you can't depend on him EVERY SINGLE GAME. While they would surely lose out in any trade involving Malkin, there is a need for several bodies. Spreading that 9 mil out across two above average players and a top prospect wouldn't be a total loss.

None of this matters though. It's just my mind considering the possibilities. I don't expect any of the 3 centers to be moved this summer.

I agree with all of that too.....I'm not sure why he disappears at times but when he's on, he's great....I know from your posts that you're not the typical Pittsburgh basher fan, I was just using Malkin as an example....You could use that analogy for any of the players I mentioned. I am hopeful that they can find the right players to work with the money guys to stay at this level...It's just ridiculous that most everyone wants to dismantle the team because they lost in these playoffs after two awesome seasons. Those guys are still young and know how to win. We can only wait to see what happens during the off-season and how it works next year.

Quote: Originally Posted By sergei91 on 5/14/2010pens suc

Quote: Originally Posted By donaldjl on 5/14/2010

Quote: Originally Posted By pttsbrghkid on 5/14/2010

Quote: Originally Posted By donaldjl on 5/14/2010

I agree with all of that too.....I'm not sure why he disappears at times but when he's on, he's great....I know from your posts that you're not the typical Pittsburgh basher fan, I was just using Malkin as an example....You could use that analogy for any of the players I mentioned. I am hopeful that they can find the right players to work with the money guys to stay at this level...It's just ridiculous that most everyone wants to dismantle the team because they lost in these playoffs after two awesome seasons. Those guys are still young and know how to win. We can only wait to see what happens during the off-season and how it works next year.

Dismantling may be forgone conclusion given how many of the over-30 guys they have are free agents this summer.

I'd like to see Colby come back and fill the Cooke role. And how great would it be if Tangradi improves enough to play with Crosby?

Tangradi-Crosby-xxxx

Kunitz-Malkin-Talbot

Armstrong-Staal-Kennedy

Rupp-Letestu-Godard?



I'd love to be a fly on the wall in Shero's office. Looking at Eaton/Gonchar/McKee/Leopold, figuring out who I want to keep, who I need to add, etc.

Quote: Originally Posted By pttsbrghkid on 5/14/2010

Quote: Originally Posted By donaldjl on 5/14/2010

Quote: Originally Posted By pttsbrghkid on 5/14/2010

Quote: Originally Posted By donaldjl on 5/14/2010

I agree with all of that too.....I'm not sure why he disappears at times but when he's on, he's great....I know from your posts that you're not the typical Pittsburgh basher fan, I was just using Malkin as an example....You could use that analogy for any of the players I mentioned. I am hopeful that they can find the right players to work with the money guys to stay at this level...It's just ridiculous that most everyone wants to dismantle the team because they lost in these playoffs after two awesome seasons. Those guys are still young and know how to win. We can only wait to see what happens during the off-season and how it works next year.

Dismantling may be forgone conclusion given how many of the over-30 guys they have are free agents this summer.

I'd like to see Colby come back and fill the Cooke role. And how great would it be if Tangradi improves enough to play with Crosby?

Tangradi-Crosby-xxxx

Kunitz-Malkin-Talbot

Armstrong-Staal-Kennedy

Rupp-Letestu-Godard?



I'd love to be a fly on the wall in Shero's office. Looking at Eaton/Gonchar/McKee/Leopold, figuring out who I want to keep, who I need to add, etc.

I meant the dismantling of the young core....I have no problem with the older guys leaving....I would like to see Tangradi, Letestu, and Dustin Jeffrey all make the big club next season. Armstrong coming back would probably work given his relationship with Sid and most of the other guys. We will see.

Not bashing anyone myself here, but I seriously hope they pulled the extension offered to Gonchar. He's done a lot for this team, but his better days are way behind him now.

Quote: Originally Posted By nickhead on 5/14/2010I am one of the Crosby haters, but I have a hard time saying Ovy is better after the early exit... Crosby has a cup, even though Malkin was the star for the team... and watching Crosby the few times i have this season, he seems to be working hard and not whining... so i cant make fun of him that much now... but, he still has that photo that will always be in my memory and make me cring