Pittsburgh Penguins 2023 Off-season Discussion Thread

[FLPensFan]

This team is in a tough spot with all the NMC and NTC that have been given out. Granlund and Rutta would be two guys that I'd look to move if possible. They don't have any clauses and could be the quickest way to get some space. I don't have any hope over moving Carter unless they trade some pieces with him and have another team take on his deal. But would he accept a deal? Same deal with Petry, really tough contract to trade. Guentzel is probably the biggest wildcard of the summer. They have a real decision to make with him but I feel like they will probably extend him.

Given Dubas' history with goalies, I'd expect him to move on from Jarry unless they get him on a really good price. Seems like a guy like Varlamov or Andersen could be a good stop gap for a couple years. Korpisalo also but might be too much. This feels like a position where the Penguins have to make a change. Given how things have gone the last 3 years, there just hasn't been a lot of stability at this position.

I think Varlamov's days as a full time starter are probably done, but, he'd be a solid split starter guy or even a backup.

I still have this odd feeling that, if the price isn't exorbitant that John Gibson is going to be a Penguin. Gibson at 6.4M and maybe Varlamov at around 3M might not be a bad duo for the next few years, assuming we shed a big salary like Granlund's in that Gibson deal.

[Daniel]

Poulin hasn't produced at the AHL level. He's nowhere near ready for the NHL.

I don't think he'll have a full time NHL job, but I would expect him to be a top callup. He may not have put up the points you want to see, but if the coaches trust his skating and defensive play is good enough, he'll be given a shot. I think it's very unlikely at this point that Poulin develops into a top 6 threat, but he still has a good chance at being a solid bottom 6 player for the Penguins.

I think he can top out as a Chris Kunitz type player, aggressive, will score enough to be in the top six, needs a top center or winger to succeed.

I think worse case he can be a Jordan Staal kind of 3C, just a solid player who doesn’t overwhelm but makes a nice career.

Like you said though, skating and defensive play needs to be NHL caliber.

I think full time NHL depends on 3 thing. Legit commitment to youth, competition in training camp, Poulin’s willingness to be the best can be. My thought is he comes out of camp in the NHL lineup and goes back and forth if necessary, though if he has anxiety that can make things worse so Sullivan and the organization will have to careful with that. If WBS is improvement and Poulin knows he needs to improve on XYZ I think he’ll be fine.

[FLPensFan]

Poulin hasn't produced at the AHL level. He's nowhere near ready for the NHL.

I don't think he'll have a full time NHL job, but I would expect him to be a top callup. He may not have put up the points you want to see, but if the coaches trust his skating and defensive play is good enough, he'll be given a shot. I think it's very unlikely at this point that Poulin develops into a top 6 threat, but he still has a good chance at being a solid bottom 6 player for the Penguins.

I think he can top out as a Chris Kunitz type player, aggressive, will score enough to be in the top six, needs a top center or winger to succeed.

I think worse case he can be a Jordan Staal kind of 3C, just a solid player who doesn’t overwhelm but makes a nice career.

Like you said though, skating and defensive play needs to be NHL caliber.

I think full time NHL depends on 3 thing. Legit commitment to youth, competition in training camp, Poulin’s willingness to be the best can be. My thought is he comes out of camp in the NHL lineup and goes back and forth if necessary, though if he has anxiety that can make things worse so Sullivan and the organization will have to careful with that. If WBS is improvement and Poulin knows he needs to improve on XYZ I think he’ll be fine.

If we didn't have Carter and Granlund on the roster, Poehling, Poulin, and a UFA with some grit and defensive ability might be a nice 4th line.

[ville5]

Poulin hasn't produced at the AHL level. He's nowhere near ready for the NHL.

Have you watched him play or read scouting reports or just looking at stats?

Edit to add that I’m sincerely curious, not trying to dispute what you said.

Someone I'm close to is at most home games. Poulin isn't very good at hockey.

[Daniel]

Poulin hasn't produced at the AHL level. He's nowhere near ready for the NHL.

I don't think he'll have a full time NHL job, but I would expect him to be a top callup. He may not have put up the points you want to see, but if the coaches trust his skating and defensive play is good enough, he'll be given a shot. I think it's very unlikely at this point that Poulin develops into a top 6 threat, but he still has a good chance at being a solid bottom 6 player for the Penguins.

I think he can top out as a Chris Kunitz type player, aggressive, will score enough to be in the top six, needs a top center or winger to succeed.

I think worse case he can be a Jordan Staal kind of 3C, just a solid player who doesn’t overwhelm but makes a nice career.

Like you said though, skating and defensive play needs to be NHL caliber.

I think full time NHL depends on 3 thing. Legit commitment to youth, competition in training camp, Poulin’s willingness to be the best can be. My thought is he comes out of camp in the NHL lineup and goes back and forth if necessary, though if he has anxiety that can make things worse so Sullivan and the organization will have to careful with that. If WBS is improvement and Poulin knows he needs to improve on XYZ I think he’ll be fine.

If we didn't have Carter and Granlund on the roster, Poehling, Poulin, and a UFA with some grit and defensive ability might be a nice 4th line.

I can see something like Poehling/Poulin, Carter as a 4th line to start the season and Granlund with Malkin or on the 3rd line, depending how they start the season. Heck, best case scenario is Poulin earning a stop on the top six ya know.

[FLPensFan]

Poulin hasn't produced at the AHL level. He's nowhere near ready for the NHL.

I don't think he'll have a full time NHL job, but I would expect him to be a top callup. He may not have put up the points you want to see, but if the coaches trust his skating and defensive play is good enough, he'll be given a shot. I think it's very unlikely at this point that Poulin develops into a top 6 threat, but he still has a good chance at being a solid bottom 6 player for the Penguins.

I think he can top out as a Chris Kunitz type player, aggressive, will score enough to be in the top six, needs a top center or winger to succeed.

I think worse case he can be a Jordan Staal kind of 3C, just a solid player who doesn’t overwhelm but makes a nice career.

Like you said though, skating and defensive play needs to be NHL caliber.

I think full time NHL depends on 3 thing. Legit commitment to youth, competition in training camp, Poulin’s willingness to be the best can be. My thought is he comes out of camp in the NHL lineup and goes back and forth if necessary, though if he has anxiety that can make things worse so Sullivan and the organization will have to careful with that. If WBS is improvement and Poulin knows he needs to improve on XYZ I think he’ll be fine.

If we didn't have Carter and Granlund on the roster, Poehling, Poulin, and a UFA with some grit and defensive ability might be a nice 4th line.

I can see something like Poehling/Poulin, Carter as a 4th line to start the season and Granlund with Malkin or on the 3rd line, depending how they start the season. Heck, best case scenario is Poulin earning a stop on the top six ya know.

I'll be thoroughly disappointed if Carter and Granlund are in the opening night lineup. I'm resigned to the fact that moving Carter may be near impossible, but that doesn't mean Sullivan has to play him every game if he is here. A similar player I'd compared Carter to in terms of age and output has been Eric Staal. Staal's a 4th liner at this point. So should be Carter.

[FLPensFan]

Bettman has confirmed that escrow has not been paid off by players and cap is going up by 1M this year, but 24-25 season should see a sizeable increase in cap space.

[thehockeyguru]

The question I've been wondering since Dubas signed is does he make a run at Austin Matthews next off-season?

And/or Nylander?

To bring him Matthews you have to trade Guentzel which I would do.

The real question is could Dubas convince Malkin to move to Sid's LW to replace Guentzel? It makes sense from a salary standpoint with Malkin making 100k more. Malkin hasn't been as good defensively at C. Use the Guentzel money and what you'd save on Carter to help offset a Matthews contract

[ville5]

I don't think he'll have a full time NHL job, but I would expect him to be a top callup. He may not have put up the points you want to see, but if the coaches trust his skating and defensive play is good enough, he'll be given a shot. I think it's very unlikely at this point that Poulin develops into a top 6 threat, but he still has a good chance at being a solid bottom 6 player for the Penguins.

I think he can top out as a Chris Kunitz type player, aggressive, will score enough to be in the top six, needs a top center or winger to succeed.

I think worse case he can be a Jordan Staal kind of 3C, just a solid player who doesn’t overwhelm but makes a nice career.

Like you said though, skating and defensive play needs to be NHL caliber.

I think full time NHL depends on 3 thing. Legit commitment to youth, competition in training camp, Poulin’s willingness to be the best can be. My thought is he comes out of camp in the NHL lineup and goes back and forth if necessary, though if he has anxiety that can make things worse so Sullivan and the organization will have to careful with that. If WBS is improvement and Poulin knows he needs to improve on XYZ I think he’ll be fine.

If we didn't have Carter and Granlund on the roster, Poehling, Poulin, and a UFA with some grit and defensive ability might be a nice 4th line.

I can see something like Poehling/Poulin, Carter as a 4th line to start the season and Granlund with Malkin or on the 3rd line, depending how they start the season. Heck, best case scenario is Poulin earning a stop on the top six ya know.

I'll be thoroughly disappointed if Carter and Granlund are in the opening night lineup. I'm resigned to the fact that moving Carter may be near impossible, but that doesn't mean Sullivan has to play him every game if he is here. A similar player I'd compared Carter to in terms of age and output has been Eric Staal. Staal's a 4th liner at this point. So should be Carter.

For all the Granlund haters, Seravalli reported the Leafs almost acquired Granlund either this or last season. :lol:
One poster said this season, one said last. Can't track down the quote.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.yardba ... 2_38878171

[FLPensFan]

I'll be thoroughly disappointed if Carter and Granlund are in the opening night lineup. I'm resigned to the fact that moving Carter may be near impossible, but that doesn't mean Sullivan has to play him every game if he is here. A similar player I'd compared Carter to in terms of age and output has been Eric Staal. Staal's a 4th liner at this point. So should be Carter.

For all the Granlund haters, Seravalli reported the Leafs almost acquired Granlund either this or last season.
One poster said this season, one said last. Can't track down the quote.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.yardba ... 2_38878171

The problem I have with Granlund is:

1) I saw absolutely nothing from him. I didn't see one area where he appeared to excel in his brief time with Pittsburgh. Didn't see much in terms of driving play, defensive play, or anything stand out on special teams.

2) His career numbers indicate he is more of a pass first type of forward, and presently, we have nobody for the 3rd line that is a finisher. Maybe that changes with a trade or via UFA, but combined with item #1, I just don't see the fit

3) Imagine Jan Rutta costing 5M per year. I actually didn't mind Rutta's presence last year. He obviously played many more games than Granlund, and I thought he had more of an impact. But Rutta at 5M is not worth it for what he brings. It's the same thing with Granlund. For 5M, he's not worth what he brings and, through no fault of Granlunds...when you add in Carter, that's too much money invested in players that we need to "hope" turn things around and work out. This team is a little beyond hoping a 5M player can contribute something useful.

All of that said, I do think Granlund still has value. He did put up 64 points in 21-22 season, and I think some team out there may look at him and say he could be a great fit in our system. I just don't see the fit in the Penguins system, in his limited time here with the Penguins, and I see much more potential bringing in other players with lower risk, higher reward than keeping Granlund and Carter on this roster.

Really hoping at least one of them is gone.

[ville5]

I'll be thoroughly disappointed if Carter and Granlund are in the opening night lineup. I'm resigned to the fact that moving Carter may be near impossible, but that doesn't mean Sullivan has to play him every game if he is here. A similar player I'd compared Carter to in terms of age and output has been Eric Staal. Staal's a 4th liner at this point. So should be Carter.

For all the Granlund haters, Seravalli reported the Leafs almost acquired Granlund either this or last season. :lol:
One poster said this season, one said last. Can't track down the quote.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.yardba ... 2_38878171

The problem I have with Granlund is:

1) I saw absolutely nothing from him. I didn't see one area where he appeared to excel in his brief time with Pittsburgh. Didn't see much in terms of driving play, defensive play, or anything stand out on special teams.

2) His career numbers indicate he is more of a pass first type of forward, and presently, we have nobody for the 3rd line that is a finisher. Maybe that changes with a trade or via UFA, but combined with item #1, I just don't see the fit

3) Imagine Jan Rutta costing 5M per year. I actually didn't mind Rutta's presence last year. He obviously played many more games than Granlund, and I thought he had more of an impact. But Rutta at 5M is not worth it for what he brings. It's the same thing with Granlund. For 5M, he's not worth what he brings and, through no fault of Granlunds...when you add in Carter, that's too much money invested in players that we need to "hope" turn things around and work out. This team is a little beyond hoping a 5M player can contribute something useful.

All of that said, I do think Granlund still has value. He did put up 64 points in 21-22 season, and I think some team out there may look at him and say he could be a great fit in our system. I just don't see the fit in the Penguins system, in his limited time here with the Penguins, and I see much more potential bringing in other players with lower risk, higher reward than keeping Granlund and Carter on this roster.

Really hoping at least one of them is gone.

That wasn't really directed at you specifically. Just pointing out Dubas has had interest in the past. I wouldn't count on him definitely being moved. Dubas could feel his cap is better used elsewhere or that a different player/players are a better fit though. I for one am pumped to see how GMKD reshapes the rosters throughout the organization.

[ville5]

Poulin hasn't produced at the AHL level. He's nowhere near ready for the NHL.

I don't think he'll have a full time NHL job, but I would expect him to be a top callup. He may not have put up the points you want to see, but if the coaches trust his skating and defensive play is good enough, he'll be given a shot. I think it's very unlikely at this point that Poulin develops into a top 6 threat, but he still has a good chance at being a solid bottom 6 player for the Penguins.

I think he can top out as a Chris Kunitz type player, aggressive, will score enough to be in the top six, needs a top center or winger to succeed.

I think worse case he can be a Jordan Staal kind of 3C, just a solid player who doesn’t overwhelm but makes a nice career.

Like you said though, skating and defensive play needs to be NHL caliber.

I think full time NHL depends on 3 thing. Legit commitment to youth, competition in training camp, Poulin’s willingness to be the best can be. My thought is he comes out of camp in the NHL lineup and goes back and forth if necessary, though if he has anxiety that can make things worse so Sullivan and the organization will have to careful with that. If WBS is improvement and Poulin knows he needs to improve on XYZ I think he’ll be fine.

If we didn't have Carter and Granlund on the roster, Poehling, Poulin, and a UFA with some grit and defensive ability might be a nice 4th line.

I can see something like Poehling/Poulin, Carter as a 4th line to start the season and Granlund with Malkin or on the 3rd line, depending how they start the season. Heck, best case scenario is Poulin earning a stop on the top six ya know.

Top 6? Who's he replacing Malkin or Crosby? You realized he was moved to Center this season right? Partly because he sucks and they're trying anything to keep him from being a bust. Hopefully his hiatus changes things.

[dark_forces]

I'll be thoroughly disappointed if Carter and Granlund are in the opening night lineup. I'm resigned to the fact that moving Carter may be near impossible, but that doesn't mean Sullivan has to play him every game if he is here. A similar player I'd compared Carter to in terms of age and output has been Eric Staal. Staal's a 4th liner at this point. So should be Carter.

For all the Granlund haters, Seravalli reported the Leafs almost acquired Granlund either this or last season.
One poster said this season, one said last. Can't track down the quote.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.yardba ... 2_38878171

The problem I have with Granlund is:

1) I saw absolutely nothing from him. I didn't see one area where he appeared to excel in his brief time with Pittsburgh. Didn't see much in terms of driving play, defensive play, or anything stand out on special teams.

2) His career numbers indicate he is more of a pass first type of forward, and presently, we have nobody for the 3rd line that is a finisher. Maybe that changes with a trade or via UFA, but combined with item #1, I just don't see the fit

3) Imagine Jan Rutta costing 5M per year. I actually didn't mind Rutta's presence last year. He obviously played many more games than Granlund, and I thought he had more of an impact. But Rutta at 5M is not worth it for what he brings. It's the same thing with Granlund. For 5M, he's not worth what he brings and, through no fault of Granlunds...when you add in Carter, that's too much money invested in players that we need to "hope" turn things around and work out. This team is a little beyond hoping a 5M player can contribute something useful.

All of that said, I do think Granlund still has value. He did put up 64 points in 21-22 season, and I think some team out there may look at him and say he could be a great fit in our system. I just don't see the fit in the Penguins system, in his limited time here with the Penguins, and I see much more potential bringing in other players with lower risk, higher reward than keeping Granlund and Carter on this roster.

Really hoping at least one of them is gone.

I agree. I could stomach Granlund at 3 mil per season, but he just doesn't seem to fit. He's a skill player, but when he's not getting points, he's not doing much.
Maybe they acquire a legit 3rd line center that can sync with him, maybe not. If moved, I see Granlund playing on a team like San Jose, where he can play a bigger role and get power play minutes—then, when his contract ends, their younger players are ready top step in. Chicago could offer a similar scenario. All that being said, I think we'll either keep him and hope he improves with new line mates, or deal him at a loss (either by retaining or a straight up deal) for a '24 mid round pick, or a contract for contract swap. That last part leads me back to the end of season speculation involving Campbell / Granlund contract for contract deal. The only reason I bring it up again is that Dubas is quite familiar with Campbell and it brings in a starting calibre goalie for likely less $ than what it is going to cost to retain Jarry.

[KG]

I could see Columbus showing some interest in Granlund. They are always looking for skilled forwards. Roslovic is said to be available for cheap. Could be a 3C option for us.

Really looking forward to seeing what Dubas will do with this roster.

[FLPensFan]

I'll be thoroughly disappointed if Carter and Granlund are in the opening night lineup. I'm resigned to the fact that moving Carter may be near impossible, but that doesn't mean Sullivan has to play him every game if he is here. A similar player I'd compared Carter to in terms of age and output has been Eric Staal. Staal's a 4th liner at this point. So should be Carter.

For all the Granlund haters, Seravalli reported the Leafs almost acquired Granlund either this or last season.
One poster said this season, one said last. Can't track down the quote.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.yardba ... 2_38878171

The problem I have with Granlund is:

1) I saw absolutely nothing from him. I didn't see one area where he appeared to excel in his brief time with Pittsburgh. Didn't see much in terms of driving play, defensive play, or anything stand out on special teams.

2) His career numbers indicate he is more of a pass first type of forward, and presently, we have nobody for the 3rd line that is a finisher. Maybe that changes with a trade or via UFA, but combined with item #1, I just don't see the fit

3) Imagine Jan Rutta costing 5M per year. I actually didn't mind Rutta's presence last year. He obviously played many more games than Granlund, and I thought he had more of an impact. But Rutta at 5M is not worth it for what he brings. It's the same thing with Granlund. For 5M, he's not worth what he brings and, through no fault of Granlunds...when you add in Carter, that's too much money invested in players that we need to "hope" turn things around and work out. This team is a little beyond hoping a 5M player can contribute something useful.

All of that said, I do think Granlund still has value. He did put up 64 points in 21-22 season, and I think some team out there may look at him and say he could be a great fit in our system. I just don't see the fit in the Penguins system, in his limited time here with the Penguins, and I see much more potential bringing in other players with lower risk, higher reward than keeping Granlund and Carter on this roster.

Really hoping at least one of them is gone.

That wasn't really directed at you specifically. Just pointing out Dubas has had interest in the past. I wouldn't count on him definitely being moved. Dubas could feel his cap is better used elsewhere or that a different player/players are a better fit though. I for one am pumped to see how GMKD reshapes the rosters throughout the organization.

Didn't think it was. Was just pointing out the reasons why I think the team is better served moving on. Right now, the Penguins are going to have about 20M in cap space. About half of that is going to be taken up by a goalie (whether Jarry or someone else) and Zucker (or his replacement), so the available cap room isn't as plentiful as it seems.

I, too, am excited to see what Dubas does this summer. While the UFA crop isn't great, there are a good half dozen or more good teams that are looking for some major shakeups. This has the potential to have a lot of draft day and summer trades.

[KG]

Looking at the Leafs pending UFA's. Most if not all would be an upgrade to the Pens lineup. I would expect Dubas to go after some of his former players. GM's stick with what they know.

UFA:

F
Kerfoot
ROR
Kampf
Acciari
Bunting
ZAR

D
Holl
Schenn
Gustafsson

Watch the only one we bring in will be ZAR

All of those forwards would be of use to the Pens for sure. On D, Schenn would be a good get for cheaper version of Rutta.

[dark_forces]

Looking at the Leafs pending UFA's. Most if not all would be an upgrade to the Pens lineup. I would expect Dubas to go after some of his former players. GM's stick with what they know.

UFA:

F
Kerfoot
ROR
Kampf
Acciari
Bunting
ZAR

D
Holl
Schenn
Gustafsson

Watch the only one we bring in will be ZAR

All of those forwards would be of use to the Pens for sure. On D, Schenn would be a good get for cheaper version of Rutta.

There are some real useful players I could see in Penguin uniforms this fall.
Acciari would be a good get if they can rid themselves of Carter. I wouldn't be opposed to a ZAR return. Our PK hasn't been the same...

[Skatingpen]

So now we like ZAR again? :)

[FLPensFan]

Will have a long post on potential goalie options for the Penguins later today, but as a primer, who would you rather have as a Penguin goalie next season (stats below are for the past 2 years):

GoalieA: .906SV% at ES, 3.35 GAA at ES, -21.66 GSAA at ES, 3.09 HDGSAA at ES
GoalieB: .909SV% at ES, 3.10 GAA at ES, -10.97 GSAA at ES, -2.39 HDGSAA at ES

In my view, both goalies are fairly even statistically over the past 2 years, however, some people have been promoting goalie B as an option quite often.

Spoiler:

GoalieA is John Gibson; GoalieB is Karel Vejmelka. It's also important to note that Vejmelka has only 2 seasons in the NHL

[KG]

Will have a long post on potential goalie options for the Penguins later today, but as a primer, who would you rather have as a Penguin goalie next season (stats below are for the past 2 years):

GoalieA: .906SV% at ES, 3.35 GAA at ES, -21.66 GSAA at ES, 3.09 HDGSAA at ES
GoalieB: .909SV% at ES, 3.10 GAA at ES, -10.97 GSAA at ES, -2.39 HDGSAA at ES

In my view, both goalies are fairly even statistically over the past 2 years, however, some people have been promoting goalie B as an option quite often.

Spoiler:

GoalieA is John Gibson; GoalieB is Karel Vejmelka. It's also important to note that Vejmelka has only 2 seasons in the NHL

Speaking of goalies. I would also add Ullmark to the list. Looking over at Cap Friendly, he appears to be available for a discount, due to the B's cap crunch. Like 2nd and 3rd round pick or Ty Smith type of deal.

If that's all it costs to get Ullmark I would think Dubas would be on it. Plus he is only signed for 2 more years at $5mill AAV.

Boston also has Charlie Coyle. He would be a great 3C. Contract is rich at $5.25mill AAV, but he would be a solid get. Seems like a lot of teams are in cap crunch going into the off season. Could do some nice poaching.

[ville5]

Will have a long post on potential goalie options for the Penguins later today, but as a primer, who would you rather have as a Penguin goalie next season (stats below are for the past 2 years):

GoalieA: .906SV% at ES, 3.35 GAA at ES, -21.66 GSAA at ES, 3.09 HDGSAA at ES
GoalieB: .909SV% at ES, 3.10 GAA at ES, -10.97 GSAA at ES, -2.39 HDGSAA at ES

In my view, both goalies are fairly even statistically over the past 2 years, however, some people have been promoting goalie B as an option quite often.

Spoiler:

GoalieA is John Gibson; GoalieB is Karel Vejmelka. It's also important to note that Vejmelka has only 2 seasons in the NHL

Yeah cause Vejmelka is 4 million cheaper, only signed for 2 more years and is looked at more as a 1A. Which Gibson's $6.4 million wouldn't allow for a 1B.

[dark_forces]

Will have a long post on potential goalie options for the Penguins later today, but as a primer, who would you rather have as a Penguin goalie next season (stats below are for the past 2 years):

GoalieA: .906SV% at ES, 3.35 GAA at ES, -21.66 GSAA at ES, 3.09 HDGSAA at ES
GoalieB: .909SV% at ES, 3.10 GAA at ES, -10.97 GSAA at ES, -2.39 HDGSAA at ES

In my view, both goalies are fairly even statistically over the past 2 years, however, some people have been promoting goalie B as an option quite often.

Spoiler:

GoalieA is John Gibson; GoalieB is Karel Vejmelka. It's also important to note that Vejmelka has only 2 seasons in the NHL

Yeah cause Vejmelka is 4 million cheaper, only signed for 2 more years and is looked at more as a 1A. Which Gibson's $6.4 million wouldn't allow for a 1B.

What would it realistically cost to acquire him? Are we looking at POJ (or) Smith + our 3rd this year? or more?

[ville5]

Will have a long post on potential goalie options for the Penguins later today, but as a primer, who would you rather have as a Penguin goalie next season (stats below are for the past 2 years):

GoalieA: .906SV% at ES, 3.35 GAA at ES, -21.66 GSAA at ES, 3.09 HDGSAA at ES
GoalieB: .909SV% at ES, 3.10 GAA at ES, -10.97 GSAA at ES, -2.39 HDGSAA at ES

In my view, both goalies are fairly even statistically over the past 2 years, however, some people have been promoting goalie B as an option quite often.

Spoiler:

GoalieA is John Gibson; GoalieB is Karel Vejmelka. It's also important to note that Vejmelka has only 2 seasons in the NHL

Yeah cause Vejmelka is 4 million cheaper, only signed for 2 more years and is looked at more as a 1A. Which Gibson's $6.4 million wouldn't allow for a 1B.

What would it realistically cost to acquire him? Are we looking at POJ (or) Smith + our 3rd this year? or more?

No clue. But I'd think they'd want a goalie prospect back.

[cojac]

I’d tell Carter that he’s going to be a healthy scratch, maybe he’ll be more open about going to a team that will play him.

[offsides]

I’d tell Carter that he’s going to be a healthy scratch, maybe he’ll be more open about going to a team that will play him.

That might be a hard team to find.