Whether the Penguins want to admit they aren't in a position to be a competitor next season, it's where they are.
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Disagree.
First I feel I need to correct a few misconceptions:
1). The Pens problem is not that "You can't afford two superstar salaries."
There problem is their core hasn't been healthy or consistent.
-Malkin is chronically hurt
-Letang is chronically hurt.
You can't have three players taking up over $24 million in cap space with two of them hurt or not producing.
2). The Pens problem is Malkin and Letang are tying up too much salary for chronically I Jared stars and they have absolutely NO youth forward depth.
3). Fleury is fine. He hasn't cost the Pens a cup. He had a few bad bad playoffs but he's been solid, and is paid the league average. He is a very good value and the least of their issues.
Second, let's talk solutions.
1). Please deal Letang. He takes up too much salary for a guy who is injured and not a shutdown defender or PPQB. We have many young puck movers, give them a chance and get that hungry, youth, depth needed at forward.
2). Keep Geno. He's a superstar that needs to stay healthy, and can be an MVP. Protect against his risk with more forward depth. His risk is worth the reward.
3). Get rid of the following:
-Kunitz/Dupuis/Downie/Bennet/Ehroff/Scuderi
-Kunitz has trade value, he and Dupuis are old, either injury prone or washed up, and the locker room needs a shake up.
-Bennett can be dealt
-Scuds can be dealt or bought out
-Ehroff and Downie are FAx
4) On the fence about:
-Martin/Comeau/Spalding
-Only re sign Comeau to a cheap deal as a bottom six, not top six.
-Spalding takes up 2 million, he's ok but if they need space they can get a replacement cheaper
5) Re-sign Winnick, Sutter, and Greiss. Good depth players.
6). Do NOT TRADE ANY MORE DRAFT PICKS and DRAFT FORWRDS PLEASE!!!!
7) Acquire draft picks/young forwards who are improving.
-The next Dupuis and Kunitz ate out there, no need to keep the same two.
8) Get a smart vet. At a good deal.
-Need the next Guerin type who can put them in their place
It's not closed at all, just requires some re-tooling and patience. They may transition for a year or so, be patient.