they might not score more points, but they'd help us win more hockey games. They bring the exact attributes our top 6 is missing.
I wouldn't bring in Kulemin to replace Dupuis on Sid's line. But he'd be a better fit on Geno's line than Dupuis would be. Kulemin does everything we need in a 3rd wheel for Geno and Neal. He is hard to play against, plays great defense and could do the work in the corners freeing them to do what they do to score just like Kunitz did. That way Geno and Neal don't have to do as much of that work. Would his production be higher (even as high) as Dupuis? Probably not. But he'd help us win more playoff series.
Stewart also brings the size that would really make us harder to play against in the playoffs. He's a guy that can punish the other team which is huge over a 7 game series. He's a good right shot which would help the powerplay. He can use his size and strength to maintain possession of the puck. He's simply more talented offensively. Would his production be much higher than Dupuis' was last year? Maybe not. But he'd help us win more playoff series.
My ideal pickup would be someone like Iginla. He is just plain better than all of these guys at hockey and it isn't even close.
That's what it boils down to for me.
I like Dupuis. But, in the playoffs, on this team, his ideal role is L3 RW. Maybe, if you got a Perry or even an Iginla, then you could slot him on Sid's other wing. Short of that, you're lessening the probability that you advance further in the playoffs.
Note: I think people sometimes confuse what could happen and what will happen when others talk about guys like Iginla, Stewart, Kulemin, etc. Guys like that don't guarantee anything. Not even Perry guarantees anything. With so many variables (matchups, injuries, how the refs call the games, etc), the playoffs always are a crap shoot.
In 2008, with two stacked lines, the Pens marched through the Eastern Conference. Rookie jitters in the cup finals and an injured Geno meant a Detroit win.
In 2009, with less talent if you think about it, the Pens got the best possible matchups (no Boston or New Jersey in the east), everyone way healthy, and Datsyuk was injured. The Pens won the cup.
So, like 2008 with Hossa, acquisitions this year would guarantee nothing beyond the enhanced probability that the Pens advance further in the playoffs.
Ray Shero just needs to decide what that's worth. In 2008, it was worth trading away all of his chips. Last year, no deal was worth it.