About a month ago, I wrote an article titled “What Should Dubas Do Now” where I shared my thoughts on the then-distant trade deadline.
With the Olympics nearing an end and the NHL set to resume play in the coming week, the March 6 deadline is just around the corner.
Our situation has also changed since I posted my piece. Sidney Crosby’s recent injury aside, overall for the better. Starting on January 19th, our Pens went on a 7-1-1 run to solidify their grip on a playoff spot. Conventional wisdom suggests that if we play slightly above .500 hockey the rest of the way, without regard to our schedule, we will get a postseason berth.
Some people, including a PP colleague Other Rickthink the deadline presents a golden opportunity to get rid of some veterans to make room for kids whose engines are revving at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton while they continue to build draft capital.
Colleague PPer Caleb DiNatale thinks Kyle Dubas should swing big, as in Jason Robertson big.
With all due respect to both, I disagree.
My reasoning? This group has absolutely earned the right to compete for a playoff spot and more. Given our surprising success and obvious chemistry, I think it would be a serious mistake to break up the gang now. At least to the extreme.
In any case, a few low-key deals to strengthen our defensive depth could be the order of the day. And even that might not be absolutely necessary, considering how well guys like it Connor Clifton, Jack St Ivany And Ilya Soloviev are performing.
One player I would trade, absolutely through no fault of his own? Noel Acciari. The UFA-to-be has done absolutely everything you could ask of him and more, including winning faceoffs at a 54.8 percent clip (second to Sid). “Cookies” have been a huge and underrated part of the success of our fourth line.
He is 34 and has an expiring contract, but that is not the reason why I would consider moving him. The Baby Pens winger game Avery Hayes is. I’ve already documented the kid’s incredible recent production, 10 goals and 13 points in his past 11 games, including a pair of hat tricks. It appears he has little left to prove in the AHL.
As an added bonus, Hayes plays a fast, snappy game that would match up nicely with that of the current fourth liners Blake Lizotte And Connor Dewar. Plus, as we saw in his sensational two-goal NHL debut against the Sabres, the kid is perfectly capable of filling a top-nine role.
What returns can we reasonably expect for Acciari? Probably a light one. Still, I’ll make a deal if there’s a demand for his services.
I would also be willing to trade spare parts in advance Kevin Hayes. The 33-year-old vet, very popular among his friends, is likely untradeable unless we retain a healthy portion of his $3.5 million cap hit, which we certainly have the cap space for.
As for other commonly suggested trading chips, including forward Anthony Manthadefender Brett Ear and goalkeeper Stuart Skinner? All UFAs pending?
At least in the case of Mantha and Kulak, unless the return predates their services, I won’t move them.
With his 20 goals (second best after Sid) and 42 points in third place, Mantha is far too productive and valuable to part with. Plus, the big guy with the ever-present mouthpiece just seems to be a very positive and popular presence.
Kulak has been a stabilizer Kris Letang. Point. Dealing him will probably cost you two effective defenders. Additionally, his skating and mobility skills aid the way And Muse likes his defenders to play.
I would be a skosh more open to trading Skinner, or 1A Arthur Silovto make room for it Sergei Murashov. But as promising as Murashov is, there’s no guarantee the kid’s minor league success will automatically translate to the bigs. Maybe the Skinner-Silovs tandem wasn’t spectacular, but it was certainly good enough.
I say, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Experience the things with who we have.
Oddly enough, and this suggestion comes completely out of left field, is there a completely off-the-radar guy I would consider moving? Justin Brazeau. The big man has been hot and cold since his bunny beginnings. Definitely still effective, just not the revelation we thought it could be. Contractually, he is under control for one more season for a very affordable $1.5 million. Combined with his surprising production, this could make the supersized winger an attractive addition. Someone who could possibly add some extra depth to ‘d.’
At the same time, a permanent place would be opened for it Rutger McGroartywho seemed ready (17 points in 14 games at Wilkes).
Again, I have absolutely no qualms about keeping Brazeau, which I like.
Finally, I don’t think the pens will be super active at deadline. However, when it comes to predictions, I’m wrong once or twice a lot of. And Sid’s injury, still of unknown severity but serious enough to keep him out of the gold medal game, could affect Dubas’ approach.
I stayed informed…
USA!!! USA!!!
Speaking of the Olympics finals, Team USA pushed aside Team Canada 2-1 in a pulsating match between hockey’s superpowers, thanks to an overtime winner from Devils star Jack Hughes.
The jets Connor Hellebuyck deflected 41 of 42 shots in a heroic performance worthy of the gold. The first for the United States since the epic victory of ‘Miracle on Ice’ in 1980.
Congratulations to the members of Team USA and especially to those with Pittsburgh connections: Coach Mike Sullivanassistants John Hynes And David QuinnGM Bill Guerin and assistant GM Tom Fitzgeraldand forward Jake Guentzel.
#penguins #buyers #sellers #deadline