News Article: Kovacevic: Time to trade Letang could be now

[Jacob]

Regardless of what any of us wants or doesn't want... Signing a guy to a very long-term deal and then trading him before that deal even kicks in just doesn't seem like it's in the Penguins' or Ray Shero's MO. We can debate on whether or not it should be but we all know it just isn't. He's hardly played up to his potential the past few months either so they'd be selling pretty low.

The only way I see a deal happening is if it's an absolute steal AND if Letang verbally states he wants out. The former might happen, the latter won't.

I see no reason why Letang can't return to his Norris-candidate form or better so I'm fine with keeping him.

 

[SEALBound]

Regardless of what any of us wants or doesn't want... Signing a guy to a very long-term deal and then trading him before that deal even kicks in just doesn't seem like it's in the Penguins' or Ray Shero's MO. We can debate on whether or not it should be but we all know it just isn't. He's hardly played up to his potential the past few months either so they'd be selling pretty low.

The only way I see a deal happening is if it's an absolute steal AND if Letang verbally states he wants out. The former might happen, the latter won't.

I see no reason why Letang can't return to his Norris-candidate form or better so I'm fine with keeping him.

I agree with that statement...but do we really need that more than a wing for Sid? Other teams in the league need that and they have what we need...

 

[Jacob]

I agree with that statement...but do we really need that more than a wing for Sid? Other teams in the league need that and they have what we need...

We need wingers but we can get those without trading Letang IMO.

 

[Ogrezilla]

Regardless of what any of us wants or doesn't want... Signing a guy to a very long-term deal and then trading him before that deal even kicks in just doesn't seem like it's in the Penguins' or Ray Shero's MO. We can debate on whether or not it should be but we all know it just isn't. He's hardly played up to his potential the past few months either so they'd be selling pretty low.

The only way I see a deal happening is if it's an absolute steal AND if Letang verbally states he wants out. The former might happen, the latter won't.

I see no reason why Letang can't return to his Norris-candidate form or better so I'm fine with keeping him.

My thing is, I think we need another winger more than we need a Norris-candidate offensive d-man. I can understand keeping Letang. I just think trading him would be better for the team assuming we can get a good return.

I think Letang is out of place here. He tries to do way more than he needs to do with the forwards in front of him. We don't need him to be as offensively minded as he is.

 

[SEALBound]

My thing is, I think we need another winger more than we need a Norris-candidate offensive d-man. I can understand keeping Letang. I just think trading him would be better for the team assuming we can get a good return.

I think Letang is out of place here. He tries to do way more than he needs to do with the forwards in front of him. We don't need him to be as offensively minded as he is.

We need less turnovers in any case.

 

[Jacob]

My thing is, I think we need another winger more than we need a Norris-candidate offensive d-man. I can understand keeping Letang. I just think trading him would be better for the team assuming we can get a good return.

I think Letang is out of place here. He tries to do way more than he needs to do with the forwards in front of him. We don't need him to be as offensively minded as he is.

I don't think we need an elite winger, or Letang's equal at wing.

 

[Ogrezilla]

I don't think we need an elite winger, or Letang's equal at wing.

what about Letang split between a top 6 and 3rd line winger. That would be the ideal situation.

 

[NastyNick]

Can't really trade Letang with the low cap this year anyways. We won't get good value for him.

Orpik on the other hand.. i would LOVE to see them dump his worthless ass.

 

[UnderratedBrooks44]

I guess I still kinda like Kovacevic, but at a certain point in the last year or two he's gone from "I'm going to tell it like it is" to "Everything I write is going to be contrarian"

 

[KIRK]

I agree with that statement...but do we really need that more than a wing for Sid? Other teams in the league need that and they have what we need...

That should be the real question here, and I think the answer is NO, not because of Letang but because of how the rest of this team is constructed and given the organization's assets.

 

[jmelm]

I see no reason why Letang can't return to his Norris-candidate form or better so I'm fine with keeping him.

We need wingers but we can get those without trading Letang IMO.

I agree with both of these posts. Yes, I would trade Letang for the right offer (i.e. a young, legit winger with all-star potential); but I think it would be prudent to first see if we can acquire said player with a combination of assets or moves by first seeing what we can get for Orpik and/or Niskanen and/or Despres and/or this year's 1st rounder.

I realize that we're not going to get an all-star for any one of those guys straight up, and that nor are we likely to get that for even a combination of them (although I wonder if an Orpik/Nisky + Despres, or Despres/Nisky + 1st rounder might fetch us a Silfverberg or Coyle).

But even if we were to only get, say, 2 or 3 second round draft picks and a prospect, for our UFA rental Dmen (if we decide we don't have any intention of re-signing Niskanen), or even just a couple of 2nd round picks for Orpik like we gave up for Murray, then I wouldn't mind. Because these are the types of picks that can turn into good players down the road and continue to keep your window of competing open with young assets, or give you picks & prospects you can move by adding to packages in subsequent deals.

If we decide to hold on to everyone, maybe or definitely re-sign Nisky, and cannot get a good deal to bring in a talented forward for those other assets, then we should turn to Letang and see what that could fetch us.

 

[KIRK]

I agree with both of these posts. Yes, I would trade Letang for the right offer (i.e. a young, legit winger with all-star potential); but I think it would be prudent to first see if we can acquire said player with a combination of assets or moves by first seeing what we can get for Orpik and/or Niskanen and/or Despres and/or this year's 1st rounder.

I realize that we're not going to get an all-star for any one of those guys straight up, and that nor are we likely to get that for even a combination of them (although I wonder if an Orpik/Nisky + Despres, or Despres/Nisky + 1st rounder might fetch us a Silfverberg or Coyle).

But even if we were to only get, say, 2 or 3 second round draft picks and a prospect, for our UFA rental Dmen (if we decide we don't have any intention of re-signing Niskanen), or even just a couple of 2nd round picks for Orpik like we gave up for Murray, then I wouldn't mind. Because these are the types of picks that can turn into good players down the road and continue to keep your window of competing open with young assets, or give you picks & prospects you can move by adding to packages in subsequent deals.

If we decide to hold on to everyone, maybe or definitely re-sign Nisky, and cannot get a good deal to bring in a talented forward for those other assets, then we should turn to Letang and see what that could fetch us.

I can agree with that, although I think Letang may be the only one to get you that caliber of winger for Sid.

I will say this . . . save MAYBE Maatta, I don't think the word 'untouchable' should be in Shero's vocabulary where his defensive players and prospects are concerned.

And, I say that, not because I'm in a rush to give anything away, but because there's little point to having these kind of assets unless your willing to leverage them throughout Sid's and Geno's primes.

Example: The return for Staal was reasonable, but what we had to show for Staal last year and will have to show for Staal this year, two years of Sid's and Geno's primes, is Sutter. Maybe I'm off, but I don't think that's how you leverage assets when you've got Sid and Geno, with an eye towards the biggest piece really making a Staal like impact just in time for Sid's 30th birthday.

 

[Gallatin]

I realize that we're not going to get an all-star for any one of those guys straight up, and that nor are we likely to get that for even a combination of them (although I wonder if an Orpik/Nisky + Despres, or Despres/Nisky + 1st rounder might fetch us a Silfverberg or Coyle).

Jmelm have you lost your mind?

I realize this is Hockey's Future and all, but Silverberg & Coyle have 12 goals between them this year. They are still completely unproven, have never had so much as a 15 goal season between them, and you want to give up Nisky, Depres, and a 1st for one of these guys?

Perspective buddy. It's a good thing, you should try it.

 

[KIRK]

Jmelm have you lost your mind?

I realize this is Hockey's Future and all, but Silverberg & Coyle have 12 goals between them this year. They are still completely unproven, have never had so much as a 15 goal season between them, and you want to give up Nisky, Depres, and a 1st for one of these guys?

Perspective buddy. It's a good thing, you should try it.

To waste one's mind is a terrible thing.

 

[66-30-33]

We wanna keep Letang, we wanna keep Despres, we wanna keep Maatta...well then let's not bother trying to trade for Crosbys winger, instead let's keep Dupuis!

 

[jmelm]

Jmelm have you lost your mind?

I realize this is Hockey's Future and all, but Silverberg & Coyle have 12 goals between them this year. They are still completely unproven, have never had so much as a 15 goal season between them, and you want to give up Nisky, Depres, and a 1st for one of these guys?

Perspective buddy. It's a good thing, you should try it.

Umm, I'm pretty sure you missed the term "and/or" in my statement. I clearly meant, even if it was quite so explicit, that it could be some combination of those guys. At no point did I say I would trade that package you mentioned or ALL of those assets for just one of those young forwards. I was using those players as an example (or insert any elite young player here, who projects to be a top line, blue-chipper regardless of their stats), and said Despres + 1st or Nisky +1st or Orpik + 1st etc.. I never proposed to trade all of them in one deal. I said that we *might* want to consider moving one of those packages instead of Letang, just as an alternative, piggybacking on the point that Jacob was making.

I'm sure it was unintentional, but yes: if you put words in my mouth, that looks pretty bad. That was not, however, what I had said.

 

[Jacob]

We wanna keep Letang, we wanna keep Despres, we wanna keep Maatta...well then let's not bother trying to trade for Crosbys winger, instead let's keep Dupuis!

Plenty of chips we can use to make that deal. Future 1st/2nd round picks, Dumoulin/Harrington, Sutter, etc. There's also unrestricted free agency in the summer, where we wouldn't have to give up any assets (though we'd probably have to overpay salary-wise).

 

[Gallatin]

Umm, I'm pretty sure you missed the term "and/or" in my statement. I clearly meant, even if it was quite so explicit, that it could be some combination of those guys. At no point did I say I would trade that package you mentioned or ALL of those assets for just one of those young forwards. I was using those players as an example (or insert any elite young player here, who projects to be a top line, blue-chipper regardless of their stats), and said Despres + 1st or Nisky +1st or Orpik + 1st etc.. I never proposed to trade all of them in one deal. I said that we *might* want to consider moving one of those packages instead of Letang, just as an alternative, piggybacking on the point that Jacob was making.

I'm sure it was unintentional, but yes: if you put words in my mouth, that looks pretty bad. That was not, however, what I had said.

Must have misread your post JM. Sorry bout the incredulousness.

Nisky & a 1st for Silverberg.... Ok, would have to think twice about that one. In November I would have been for pulling the trigger ona deal like that.

The kid has a Nealesk release and seems solid defensively. Having a tough season in Cali though.

And Nisky's playing like an all-star of course.

What do you think the chances are DB would actually play the kid in the top 6?

 

[JimmyTwoTimes]

It's funny pirates fans hate DK because how much he rips the team yet pens fans love him. Shows the mentality here.

As for the people against trading Letang and claim he's hated on too much here.....there wouldn't be many here who would want him gone if not for our current situation. For example, if our D( NHL guys and prospects ) were as thin as we are at forward then nobody would care about his contract nor would they consider trading him.

It's the situation Shero has put this team in that's led to most of the Letang hate. Tanger is going nowhere right now whether we like it or not. Shero made his bed...not gonna wash those sheets for awhile.

But I guess I'll just wait til the trade deadline to see if Shero can pull off another Whitney /goligoski type trade with our other dmen. He drafted all these guys ( and even traded for a couple) for a reason..something good better happen before this deadline is up.

 

[Jules Winnfield]

Outside of our defense, this team really doesn't have too many bargaining chips of value to make a deal that greatly impacts this team, other than giving up more prospects and draft picks for rentals.

That said, there are 3 players that would likely bring back some value in a trade:

1) Letang - When he's on his game, he's a top 3 defenseman in the NHL. Rare combination of athleticism, speed, strength, puckhandling and gamebreaking ability. When he's not on his game, he's a liability due to mental breakdowns. Letang is at his best when he plays a simple game. When he tries to do too much or force plays, he turns into Brett Favre and his risks can hurt the team. The Pens have been drafting defensemen over and over again to the point where we can deal from a strength we have. Letang may not be moved this season because of his current cap hit and bringing anyone back will likely be higher.

2) Sutter - He's young, has the Sutter name, and is considered one of the best 3rd line Centers in the NHL. Teams needing a 3rd line Center would be interested in parting with a decent player to get their hands on Sutter, especially because he will also be under their control for the next upcoming years due to being an RFA. The problem with trading Sutter is the Pens have the weakest bottom 6 in the entire NHL. Sutter is the only bonafide NHLer in our bottom 6. We would be trading from a weakness. Sutter's role as a 3C in Pittsburgh hasn't been stellar but it's hard to fully evaluate his play when he hasn't been playing with wingers that aren't solid 3rd line players either. The Pens will likely keep him and try to build up the 3rd and 4th line next season. The 3rd line is missing some grit. Sutter doesn't provide any of that. The loss of Cooke and not replacing him is turning out to be a major issue for the Pens. As it's been said before tonight, the Pens 3rd and 4th lines outside of an EN goal has not scored in over 1 month. The Pens will probably keep him even though they'd receive some value for him.

3) Orpik - As bad as he's been this year, I still believe he would bring us back a player of value that can help us. Orpik is probably highly regarded around the league. Physical defensemen with Stanley Cup rings are few and far between in today's NHL. Doug Murray brought 2 2nd round picks to San Jose and Orpik brings more to the table than Murray. As an example, Orpik for Kulemin would help both teams. Will the Pens deal Orpik? Between Shero and Bylsma and their insistence of Orpik being on Team USA makes you question how much they value Orpik and if their high valuation of him means they would deal him.

Something has to give. Shero needs to take some responsibility because he's continued to stack the cupboard with defensemen and we are completely bare when it comes to forwards. Our top 4 defensemen get hurt, no problem. We bring up our young guns and don't miss a beat. We have a few forwards get hurt and then we are ****ed. In the past few years, Shero has passed on highly regarded forwards (that were grading out as high or higher than our pick in that particular draft) such as Forsberg and Saad. Shero can talk about drafting the BPA all day however there comes a time where teams draft for need also.

All that said, if I had to guess, the Pens stick to their guns. They hope Bennett comes back and fills the first line RW spot. Shero will make a few smaller deals to bring in some help for the 3rd and 4th line and we will roll with this for this season. With the cap going up next season, and if we have another failed playoffs this year, you will see Shero transform the team with moving one or two main players and bringing in some others via FA or trade.

The only thing that throws me off about making minor moves, I cannot recall seeing the Pens scout a team as long as they've scouted the Avs this year. The Avs need defense and that's what we have as a strength to deal from.

 

[vodeni]

I guess I still kinda like Kovacevic, but at a certain point in the last year or two he's gone from "I'm going to tell it like it is" to "Everything I write is going to be contrarian"

contrarian to who?

 

[jmelm]

Outside of our defense, this team really doesn't have too many bargaining chips of value to make a deal that greatly impacts this team, other than giving up more prospects and draft picks for rentals.

That said, there are 3 players that would likely bring back some value in a trade:

1) Letang

2) Sutter

3) Orpik

Sorry Jules, had to abbreviate your post so mine isn't crazy long. I do agree with you about value, although Niskanen's UFA trade value is probably pretty close to Orpik's. But the big issue is this:We know that we have replacements for Letang (Nisky), and Orpik (Despres or Dumoulin), but we do not yet have a replacement for Sutter, yet.

In a year or two, perhaps Sundqvist will be able to take over from Sutter. But I would not want to trade Sutter without an adequate replacement. I know Sutter hasn't been lighting the world on fire (and this is a VERY good thing, because we'll be able to lock him up long term, which will increase his trade value, at very reasonable cap hit), but I also firmly believe he'll get better and better over the next few years. A signed Sutter who's better in a couple of years and when we have a replacement for him, that's when we should trade this player and not before.

Must have misread your post JM. Sorry bout the incredulousness.

Nisky & a 1st for Silverberg.... Ok, would have to think twice about that one. In November I would have been for pulling the trigger ona deal like that.

The kid has a Nealesk release and seems solid defensively. Having a tough season in Cali though.

And Nisky's playing like an all-star of course.

What do you think the chances are DB would actually play the kid in the top 6?

A 1st rounder + one of Nisky/Despres/Orpik might get us Silfverberg, but might not be enough. He was on fire before his injury, but not so much since, so maybe we could get him, but not for certain. Same goes for the Coyles/Niederreiters and others of the league we've been discussing.

But like Jacob said, I would try to see what we could get by dangling those guys before Letang (unless Shero really decided he would move Letang despite giving him verbal assurance he wouldn't, and that Nisky gets re-signed).

 

[xxxxxxxxxxxxxx]

I understand and appreciate the whole "I won't trade you" thing, but when you play like complete ass and you're the team's most realistic and valuable trade chip, be ready to be moved. Shero won't do it, because he thinks a GM should run a team like a family before a business, and that's just simply the wrong move.

 

[WayneSid9987]

We wanna keep Letang, we wanna keep Despres, we wanna keep Maatta...well then let's not bother trying to trade for Crosbys winger, instead let's keep Dupuis!

Then trade Orpik and sell high on Niskanen.
Theres more options than just trading Letang.

 

[xxxxxxxxxxxxxx]

Then trade Orpik and sell high on Niskanen.
Theres more options than just trading Letang.

Orpik's return is laughable compared to Letang's. Niskanen is a rental so his return isn't going to solve the issue, and he is playing extremely well for us. No reason to move him.