I mean, f*** sentimental value. I'm a Penguins fan, not an X player or Y player fan. I'd rather Sid, Geno and Letang stuck around and helped this team turn a new corner before handing off the baton to the new generation of guys, but that's not realistic. You either look to trade these guys and see what you can get to help rebuild and aim at competing again in 3-5 years, likely giving them a chance at one last Cup somewhere else, or you accept that you'd rather watch the last seasons of their careers mired in the swamp of mediocrity--at best--and put the inevitably painful rebuild on layaway.
I don't think Sid will ever leave. He is the Pittsburgh Penguins now, and no owner or GM would ever ask him to waive, nor would he accept it. His idol is Yzerman, a one team guy, and that was a big thing for him.
Geno's always been about winning, he said as much in interviews. If he doesn't think this team can compete anymore, and who could blame him, I have zero doubt he'd entertain a trade somewhere else for a better shot at one final Cup before he rides off into the sunset. Dude's always first to the guillotine every off-season, regardless of his performance, and the guy every media personality/reporter wants traded. Can't imagine that's fun to read or hear about constantly. He's said, verbatim, that he had a chance to chase more money elsewhere and be a new team's main piece that they build around, but he stuck around to play second fiddle to Sid because he knew it was his best shot at winning. If this team continues the trend it's been on for years, I don't think it's unrealistic that Geno has second thoughts about re-signing here, or asking for a trade before his deal is up. He knows time's ticking, and between age and constant injury, he only has so many chances left to be the only Russian to ever win four Cups. I genuinely don't think that's gonna happen here, and I think we all know that deep down.
Letang's an odd case. Super prideful, won't admit he's gotta change his game and take less minutes to maintain his effectiveness. He, like Geno, has a little kid and I'm sure he'd seriously think about hanging 'em up to spend more time with his family. Both these guys have battled serious injury for years, and as they age, that's not gonna get any easier.
I think it's a toss up as to who we'd miss more, Geno or Letang. Geno was still an elite player last year, but beyond Letang, this blueline is absolutely laughable in terms of transition and offensive punch. Marino's got the potential to take over Letang's defensive duties some day, but nobody can hold a candle to what Letang means to this team's ability to produce offense from the blueline--direct production or simply getting the play going the other way with his skating.
I still don't think anyone significant will be dealt in-season. I'd be absolutely shocked. Seems like GMs and owners around the league are going to take a very conservative approach to the deadline and that sort of thing, and with JR specifically, I'd imagine ownership would put the kibosh on any potential significant deal. They'll wait and see how things play out and if/when we miss the playoffs entirely or we're out in the 1st round again, everyone will be replaced and it'll be up to the new GM/coach to decide what avenue to take.
