But everyone seems to be missing my point about Michalek and Martin. While I don’t think Martin is anywhere near as bad as people seem to think, I certainly wouldn’t have any issues with trading either. I just don’t think that they’ll be able to. Who would trade for a guy that just had surgery a month ago? Who would trade for a guy who hasn’t played since sustaining a concussion?

Orpik wasn’t anywhere near as consistent or physical this year as he has been in the past, and even if you give him a pass for a terrible playoffs, he may very well be the only top-4 defenseman the Pens CAN trade – unless, as I said, they wait until M and M have proven they are healthy to start the season.

I think the Staal stuff was kind of knee jerk after getting bounced from the playoffs. The only reason I see Staal being traded is if Carolina ante’s up and sends the 8th pick, and one or both of their D line prospects (Faulk and whats-his-name). But who knows.

I don’t understand what your history has to deal with my feelings other than the fact that you live in Pittsburgh.

I’m sorry to hear that, never heard a girl that watches hockey (Including my girlfriend) ever care how they are stereotyped.

I made no excuses, that’s what I have seen.

No problem with what woman say, or think, just making observations. When you sit behind someone at a game that won’t watch the game unless Sid or Staal is on the ice, it tends to further the stereotype. Sorry if that offends you but I have seen it time and time again.

It wouldn’t surprise me if the defenseman they have to move is Orpik, since he has a good reputation, a low cap hit, veteran experience, and health. ZM can’t be traded because he just had surgery. And Martin ended the season with a concussion. I’d be sad to see Brooks go, but he was uncharacteristically terrible in the playoffs, probably the worst defenseman over the course of the Flyers series. You’ve also got a completely expendable Ben Lovejoy, as well as Derek Engelland, who could actually be worth something on the market.

I also wouldn’t be surprised to see a younger player go (in addition or very possibly instead) – Niskanen, Bortuzzo, Strait, maybe even Morrow or Harrington if the price is right. Shero’s been stocking up young defensemen since he came to Pittsburgh because they are so useful on the trade market.

Given the LNT clauses of the older defenseman and their injury issues – I suspect the moves that Shero ultimately makes will not be the obvious. If he makes room for Despres over the summer (and hopefully Niskanen) – he could trade one of the older defensemen in Nov or Dec, after they show they are healthy and are past disappointing years last year. That would still clear up the cap room for Staal long before necessary. Given how tight the market for defensemen is this year, you could have some seriously desperate teams still hoping for the playoffs.

Thank god, there goes half of the High School / College girls from Pens games that have no idea what’s going on…. Wait, that’s not a good thing!