We absolutely have to get more physical. Having four people standing around doing nothing while Fleury got molested was awful. We have cap space this offseason, and if we buy out Scuderi, Dupuis retires and we trade Kunitz, we'll have 10 more million in cap space. A trade proposal I would like is to Anaheim, Kunitz and Bennett for Etem and Nicolas Kerdiles. Two former first round picks swap, Etem more of a net front guy, which we would prefer. Bennett is a local Cali kid who could provide some young skill. Kunitz gives them a veteran winger who used to play for them, Kerdiles is a former 2nd round pick who is almost ready to play in the NHL and plays a very solid 2 way game. I like Bennett, but I don't see him as fit here. He has never produced up to his potential, the coaches don't seem to love him, might as well get another young winger for him who may fit out system better instead of trading him for Mark Letestu, like you know JR wants to, or letting him continue to rot here as per status quo.
You know what is a good indicator of whether we want a player or not? Check the message boards of the teams those players are on. Cody Franson for instance, I am doing a complete 180 on. You know who is going to probably available, and is lauded for their physical play? Jeff Petry and Adam McQuaid. They would be cheaper than Scuderi, Martin, and Erhoff combined by far, even if we overpay for them. Petry, 5 years for 5.25 each would be reasonable and enough to attract him to play for us, I'd think. I would offer McQuaid up to 3 per for up to four years. I think they would set our #3 and #5 defenseman spots in stone for years. Letang and Maata taking up the top 2 spots; Cole, Lovejoy, Dumoulin, Pouliot, Harrington and hell even Chorney can compete for the #4, #6, and #7 spots.
As much as the fans want to complain about getting scoring wingers for Geno and Sid, the Pens biggest problem is their lack of effort and ability in clearing the crease on d, followed by their lack of grit and energy provided by their third and fourth lines. Petry isn't considered a beast or anything, but he'll certainly be more well rounded and tougher than Martin or Erhoff. McQuaid someone we absolutely need though. We have no one that is willing to fight and clear the paint, and prevent ugly goals like the game loser in ot last night.
As far as forwards, I'd really like Michael Frolik. Jets fans love him, too. His possession numbers are very solid. He will probably get a boost from his 3.3, but I'd be willing to go up to 4.5 per for 5 years. Belesky should also be getting a huge raise, I would also expect 4.5 mil for 5 for him. But he is a well rounded scorer who can hit. That's what we need up front.
As far as the bottom six....I for am in favor of keeping Sutter for a reasonable amount. He can score goals, short handed ones at that, and kill penalties. Yes, he is kind of soft on the boards. But he does have plenty of skill. We need wingers who can play tough on the boards for him and spring him with more chances. Spaling doesn't do that. Winnik doesn't do that. Neither does Comeau. Downie I do like, just more as a 4th than 3rd liner. Bennett has been too soft with Sutter. Instead of thinking of Sutter as a problem, we should looking at how to maximize his contributions while minimizing his deficiencies. We do that by signing grittier third and fourth liners. Rust, Farnham, and Sundqvist should all be given chances to compete. We may be stuck with Spaling for the year. But we need to target at least 2-3 bottom six type forwards with character, grit, and speed. If we trade for Etem like I mentioned earlier, he could replace Bennett on the third. While not a physical player, he's certainly at least a slight upgrade in that department. I also would want Sean Bergenheim. Minnesota has been burying him, so we may be able to get him as a discounted price. But his possession numbers have always been outstanding. I'd prefer him over resigning Winnik, I'd say.
So anyways, my final roster is:
Perron-Crosby-Hornqvist: With more experience together, hopefully improvement comes.
Belesky-Malkin-Frolik: Finally get Malkin two wingers again, total cost: 9 mil but should be a huge improvement.
Bergenheim-Sutter-Etem: Replacing Winnik and Bennett with Bergenheim and Etem. May be rotating similar chairs, but the previous two haven't been working out so a mix up is in order.
Sundqvist/Rust/Farnham-Spaling-Downie: Give the young guys a chance, hopefully they play with an edge. Spaling, while mediocre, can tie it all together.
Letang-Maata: Need to stay healthy, could be best pairing in the league.
Petry-Pouliot/Lovejoy: Lovejoy may be trusted more earlier on, but Pouliot should really grow into the number four role this year. His offense needs to take over some games.
McQuaid-Cole: There are plenty of young guys waiting to fill in too, but this is what I start the year with. I've liked Cole as a bottom pairing guy so far, and McQuaid adds the toughness we need and can play a PK role as well.
Sure would I take him on them for free with 1 year/6mill left absolutely, but thats not reality. Lucic would further the problem we have going on in pittsburgh. 
