With Wednesday’s NHL trade deadline quickly approaching, the long discussed and debated topic of what the Penguins will do should finally come to a resolution.
Will the Pens make that splash deal for a winger to play with Crosby? Will they improve their bottom six forward situation by adding some grit, size, and toughness to the team? If the rumors are true, the Penguins could do both by acquiring the Vancouver Canucks do it all forward, Ryan Kesler.
We know Pens GM Ray Shero has never been afraid to make a splash at the deadline; Marian Hossa, Bill Guerin, James Neal, Chris Kunitz, and Jerome Iginla are just some of the big name players brought into the fold in recent deadline deals. Maybe Kesler could be the next in line, and if Rob Rossi from the Pittsburgh Tribune Review is correct, we might just see that happen.
The cost could be problematic. Rossi is reporting that a deal for Kesler would involve Brandon Sutter, a choice of one of the Pens defensive prospects, and likely at least one high pick in the 2014 draft, possibly two. Those prospects being mentioned include Brian Demoulin, Simon Despres, and Derrick Pouliot. Though the Pens would certainly get a great player in Kesler, it’s a lot to give up, especially if draft picks become a part of the equation.
Lets take a closer look a Kesler as a player, and what kind of fit he would have if he ends up a Penguin.
First off, Kesler is a proven commodity. Even though he has often played on the second and third lines during his time in Vancouver, Kesler has been a consistent goal scorer topping out with 41 goals three seasons ago. This season he has 21 goals and is on pace to approach the 30 goal plateau this season.
Whats most intriguing about Kesler as a player is he can do everything well. He’s 11th in faceoffs won this season, is considered one of the best penalty killers in hockey, yet has the ability to play on the power play and score goals. Whats not to like?
In a nutshell, if Kesler plays his natural position of Center, he’s a significant and immediate upgrade over Sutter, who has played well for the Pens, but lacks the scoring punch of Kesler. The comparison would be more along the lines of a better version of Jordan Staal. A player who is matchup nightmare on a third line due to his goal scoring ability, a top flight penalty killer, and a player you can match up against other teams top lines as a shutdown defender.
Additionally, though Kesler has balked at playing the wing during his time in Vancouver, one would have to wonder if his tune might change if he got some shifts playing with Sidney Crosby and Chris Kunitz? Its a variable that makes acquiring Kesler even more exciting, and possibly more worthwhile.
Another important factor in this potential deal is Kesler would not be a rental, a la the Iginla deal. Kesler is signed for two more seasons at the cap friendly price of 5 million per season. With Sutter heading to free agency after the season, and almost certain to due a raise from the 2 million he made this season, the trade seems possible.
Though both Demoulin and Pouliot are very solid prospects, the Pens have enough depth on defense to afford losing one of them. In a perfect world, the Canucks would take Despres in the deal. Though Despres is very talented, he seems to need a change of scenery, and is eternally in Dan Bylsma’s doghouse.
The loss of another 1st round pick would be tough to swallow, but ultimately, this team would be considerably better with Kesler, and the notion that this core group of player’s window will be open forever is simply not true. If the deal can be made, I think the Pens need to get Kesler. Adding him and possibly another bottom six forward might prime this team for a long run in the playoffs.
