One rental option I was thinking about
: Jeff Carter.
- Obviously has a history with Sutter and his systems so should take less time for him to fit in compared to other potential acquisitions
- Right hand shot that can play RW/C that would be a top 9 forward on the Flames
- Half his cap hit is already retained by the Kings and final year of his contract
- Good possession metrics this season and was good for the Pens in the playoffs
- No trade protection*
The tricky part is that does a team with Crosby and Malkin ever decide to become sellers? Probably not if a playoff spot is within striking distance.
Also Carter has shown in the past he can get pouty if he gets traded where he doesn't want to go. (see Columbus and the rumors that he would retire if the Kings were to trade him). But if it is for a cup run with a coach he flourished under, maybe he would be open to it.
Of course a 37 year old rental will not appeal to most of the fan base. But if the Flames do go down the rental path and the Pens continue to struggle I think Carter checks most of the boxes.