Proposal: Reilly Smith for Kotkaniemi and a 3rd round pick

[Chrispy]

A team pressed against the cap might not want to have to wrestle with that annoyance for 14 years if it can be avoided. It’s also more likely than not they could have other buyouts in the future on top of it that are unavoidable, like Vancouver's with OEL.

Carolina has largely avoided long term contracts for 30-something players for this reason. It’s doubtful they will have 3 more buyouts at once that would make this an issue.

And in terms of the cap, I think they can survive with 99% of the cap. Bonus overages are typically larger than Kotkaniemi’s buyout penalty.

 

[Fatass]

Penguins need to take home run swings if they want to "get younger".

Kotkaniemi's contract will be very insignificant in a few years and gives PIT a depth bottom six forward with potential.



See above.

Pens go after JK and PLD?

 

[GAGLine]

You're not making even a remotely compelling case for this.

You're just saying "they have to take risks to get younger" while not acknowledging that the risk with Kotkaniemi is monstrous. If he washes out at 25 just like guys like Galchenyuk and Kapanen did, the Penguins are stuck with a $5 million anchor for like 4 years. And for what upside? To get a 3rd this year and maybe have him hit as a good middle-6 center if he pans out?

It's not nearly as much risk as you think.

If he doesn't work out, the Pens can buy him out in 2 years for 1/3rd:

It would be 8 years of cap penalties, but the penalties are pretty negligible.

 

[Empoleon8771]

It's not nearly as much risk as you think.

If he doesn't work out, the Pens can buy him out in 2 years for 1/3rd:

View attachment 872999

It would be 8 years of cap penalties, but the penalties are pretty negligible.

Or they can just keep Smith for 1 year and let him walk in free agency, rather than having to deal with an 8 year buyout.

 

[chethejet]

Or trade Smith and get a pick and see who is out there at draft day.

 

[Scintillating10]

Canes promised him a long term deal when he signed the 1 year deal. Can't turn around now and haul it away from him.