Hockey Trade Rumors

Instead of the top-line scoring winger we always hear that Pittsburgh needs, I have a slightly different idea:
Target Alex Tanguay, and target him HARD. Get a playmaker to play with Crosby or Malkin who can turn those guys into goal-scoring centers. Tanguay is one of the few star playmaking wingers in the League, and this may just help Crosby offensively pick up those goals.
Also: Target John-Michael Liles.

I was reading TSN’s excellent summary of the players they’ve heard mentioned in possible trades.
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First, let me state the Penguins would be extremely foolish to target a goaltender, and they won’t. There’s zero chance they go after Raycroft, even though the Pens are ‘rumored’ to be interested.

If the Pens had LW Tanguay, they’d likely shift Malkin back onto the 2nd line, diversifying the lines again. Or else try Malkin on the right wing (I’m sure he’s talented enough to try that), though personally I like Colby Armstrong and his two-way play on that line.

Tanguay could also potentially play on the 2nd line with Staal and try to get HIM going offensively again, but at $5.25 million, he shouldn’t really be a 2nd line player.

As for Liles, the combination of him and Tanguay would bring a much needed PP quarterback and playmaker to our 2nd PP unit, because let’s face it, as soon as Crosby and company (Gonchar and Whitney included) come off the ice, there’s virtually no chance of the Pens scoring. Letang has been great, but Sydor and Orpik shouldn’t be on the PP unit, IMHO.

Tanguay was stolen during Draft Day in Vancouver by the Flames from Calgary (Jordan Leopold, a 2nd round selection in 2006 and a conditional draft selection in 2006 or 2007). He has one year remaining in his contract at $5.25 million, perfect for when the Pens need to re-sign Malkin and Staal.
Last year many of you will remember that I suggested the Pens HEAVILY target Kovalev… oh man… if ONLY management had listened to me! Back then I suggested that Kovalev had 2 years at $4.5 million, so that when Malkin and Staal become RFAs, those two years will have expired, freeing up space for them. It’s the same situation with Tanguay now.

A possible trade for Tanguay could be:
Eric Christensen, Tim Brent and a 2nd round pick.
Tanguay’s salary and Cap troubles next year for the Flames will weaken Calgary’s bargaining position. This seems like a reasonable trade for both sides.

A possible trade for Liles could be:
Darryl Sydor. TSN reports that the Aves are looking for “more size and toughness on defence”. I’m not sure if Sydor gives that, but he does bring lots of experience. However, his play of late may negate trading him. Liles is also a UFA and I’m not sure how much he would be worth on the free market or if the Pens would consider re-signing him long-term.
I’m also not sure if the Aves would want to take on the extra million bucks, and another year at $2.5 million of Sydor’s, but who knows.

What do you think Pens fans?