Let’s do it. Unite the hometown besties.

To COL: 87

To PIT: F Nichushkin (for money balance)
C Callum Ritchie
F Oskar Ollauson
2027 1st

Equates to the uncertainty in Nichushkin + 3 1st’s for Sid. Not bad value there.
- 13of39

If he were to be traded, this should be considered a solid return for Sid. I think from a Pens perspective they would rather just retain 50% on Sid than have Nichushkin's contract come back however.

He has control in the situation, so it will limit the return. Sid isnt going to New York, so even if they offered 4 1st rounders that isnt happening.

Based on Crosbys comments it seems like this is a moot point however.

Sid has all but said its a guarantee haha...I mean, it could go south I guess. However, just like I didn't think Sid was the type to leave this up in the air going into the season I also dont think he'd just spit sh!t out to help with negotiations or his stance in them.
- MattStrat

The truth is Sid has told Dubas he needs to surround Sid with a lineup that isn’t a bunch of Wussies. Sid will not sign until then.

I mostly agree but every now and then you get a trade where there is no perceived leverage but someone like Jordan Staal, who everyone and their mother knew wasn't going to re-up with the Pens and wanted to play with his bro in Carolina, hauled in a 1st round pick, a middle 6 center (I know he didnt work out like that with Pens but at time of trade he was young with only 3 full seasons one of which with 17 goals and another with 21) and Brian Dumoulin (who was a 51st overall pick with some promise and potential, ended up being a top pairing staple).

EDIT: I guess a big factor in that trade could have been the fact that it was known Staal would sign long term there. If Sid were traded it would be a very good chance of being a pure rental....

EDIT 2: but then again just the fact that it was known he would sign with the Canes, and could have for free on July 1st, does swing it back to what a haul for someone you have no leverage with hahah
- MattStrat

Well, it was a Jim Rutherford trade, so you almost have to throw out the leverage because when he wants a player, he usually overpays lol.

Looks like most everyone is in town though don't think I saw Letang's name. Interesting top 3 lines to start (informal, Sully isn't involved though Jeff Carter is filling in as a coach).

DOC-Sid-Rust
Beau-Malkin-Hayes
Bunting-Eller-Rackell

Feels like Sid knows who he wants to start with and Malkin wanted to try out a couple of the new guys today. Rooting for McGroarty and Glass myself, but that wouldn't shock me as a top nine.

Also wonder if they would put someone with Malkin that can take some of the center responsibilities. As nice as the line with Bunting and Rackell looked, we may not want a line where Malkin is the defensive conscience.