I originally planned on writing a piece on the Penguins’ Developmental Camp before continuing on with this series on the Free Agent (FA) and Trade Markets. There are a couple of players attending that camp that interest me. However, after a very quite Entry Draft, there was a flurry of activity and rumored near future activity swirling around our Penguins.
Jim Rutherford appeared to be doing his level best to steal my thunder for this series I am trying to write. What is worse, as I quipped at the height of yesterday’s activity, to our own Phil Krundel, Rutherford was doing so many things that I agreed with (and planned on writing about) or at least was okay with that I would have nothing to complain about.
Sheary and Hunwick
The flurry kicked off with the announcement that Rutherford had off-loaded the contracts of Conor Sheary and Matt Hunwick to the Buffalo Sabres for a conditional draft pick (3rd or 4th round depending on conditions being met). It looks like Mr. Rutherford is getting his Mojo back. I would have bet that at least Hunwick was unmovable. This trade may not have been as improbable as the Scuderi – Daley trade; after all Sheary could be dressed up to look somewhat attractive, especially to a team at the bottom of the league looking to climb back into relevance. Furthermore, a 3rd round pick is a real gamble with a fairly high probability of being nothing more than a bag of pucks while Daley was actually a good player in exchange for what became a millstone contract.
I do wish both players, Sheary and Hunwick well and their new the Buffalo Sabres, but as Rutherford pointed out, in the modern Cap era of hockey, decisions have to be made for the good of the team.
The Sheary – Hunwick deal opened up $5.25 million in Cap space for the Penguins to sign and resign players.
Jack Johnson
The next news that came out involved Jack Johnson. The old saying, “don’t count your chickens before they are hatched” would suggest we hold off too much excitement or whatever emotion you may be having until July 1st (Opening day of FA), however, reports are saying that the Penguins came to terms with left handed, free agent defensemen Jack Johnson for what appears to be a 5 year deal at $3.3 million per year.
A lot of people are really happy about this signing citing Johnson’s size (6′-1″, 227lbs) and his 82 game average of 121 hits and 131 blocks, as well as his perceived offensive skills.
I have read some people, including national media sources questioning the wisdom of this signing citing his age 31 (turning 32 during the season) and length of contract (5 years), Johnson’s negative +/- (-109 for his career and only being a on the plus side of that stat only 1 time during 12 seasons.) and his sub 50% CORSI stats at even strength (47.2% for his career, only season over 50%). The media sources also imply that that Johnson’s offensive talent is over-rated and that he has never fulfilled expectations.
However, I am okay with this deal for now. No, I don’t like the length of the contract. Johnson will be 37 when the contract expires. However, I can understand the idea behind the length of the contract. The Penguins were able to sign Johnson for a very reasonable $3.3 million per year (according to reports). Most sources I was reading was suggesting that he would be asking $6 million per year. After all, he was making $5 million last year.
Although I am a stat kind of person, I am not all that concerned over the stats for and against Johnson, for now. I have never followed Columbus or Los Angeles close enough to understand his stats in terms of the systems he played under and the competition he faced. I say this because I started to look at the numbers behind the numbers and saw that Columbus has only had 2 season where their team CORSI stat was 50% or higher over the years Johnson was there.
Furthermore, Hunwick never fit in, cost the team only a little less ($2.25 million) and was not an option, so I am more than willing to wait and see how Johnson fits in. My only real concern over the Penguins’ defense at the moment is that Rutherford’s language would seem to indicate that the team really doesn’t want to acknowledge that Kris Letang is a problem and needs to be moved while a team like Edmonton may be in the market for a one dimensional Power Play Quarterback and willing to put up with a defensive liability to get it. Outside of coaches, Letang was the player most responsible for the teams early exit from the playoffs
Riley Sheahan
After the Johnson story leaked, it was announced the the Penguins used some of the Cap space saved from the Sheary – Hunwick trade to sign Riley Sheahan to a 1 year deal for $2.1 million. Sheahan was a beast in the Face Off circle (56.3% at even strength and 54.2% over all). Sheahan also started to show offensive flashes during the stretch run as the Penguins’ 3 line Center, at least until the Penguins brought in Derick Brassard. Interestingly enough Sheahan had climbed back into the 3rd line Center role during the playoffs and was often employed as Sidney Crosby’s Left Wing late in games to provide for a secondary face off option during those critical minutes.
Sheahan joins Bryan Rust, Daniel Sprong and Dominik Simon as Restricted FA (RFA) resigning with the team.
According to Cap Friendly, this morning, the Penguins still have $8.1 million in Cap space (about $5 million if the report of Johnson turns out to be true) to try and resign Jamie Oleksiak and maybe even one more player.
Teddy Bleuger, Ethan Prow, Andrey Pedan, Thomas DiPauli, and Tristan Jarry remain as unsigned RFAs. However, right now, signing these players will not impact the Penguins’ Cap since they are non roster players.
If you are still looking to keep me from complaining Mr Rutherford, at least resign Bleuger, Prow, Pedan (find a way to keep him here and get him an NHL look), and Jarry.
There are still a couple of moves I would like to talk about but that can wait for another time. After yesterdays activity all I can say is;
Go Pens!
Very suspect.Rutheford wanna put Brassard in top 6 role But not Phil Kessel who clearly belong in the top 6 role anyway. Phil Kessel needs to be solid of defense with Geno. Win Battles etc.I am not knocking Sheahan at all. If Phil plays with Sheahan it will not work unless Sheahan becomes more effective to drive offense for Kessel . Pens top 6 should include Phil, Sid and Geno. No third line scoring with them on different lines. I don’t see it been effective unless they get Patty or Skinnier. Who ever . Brassard was brought in for 3C nor wing. I’m lost. Penguins Gm disappointing me.
Lol. Rutherford wants Big Rig to play in top 6 . That’s fine . I guess. He want johnson there too. Basically he’s fine with 3-4 left handed defenseman in the top 6 . Wow .
Pens needs another RFD solid defenseman . He wants guys to play either side like last year. Big Fail. It was bad last year. Basically toasted Cole . He couldn’t play the right side. I think players should play their natural side to be effective.
Big Rig can play either side. I think he better suited on right side and Johnson should stay on the left side.
Also Rutherford wants Brassard in the top 6. Idk. This is recipe for something bad . It make Brassard-Cole-Reaves-Gusty trade more bad imo. Sorry. Penguins are hurting themselves. What’s the point of getting him to be 3C if he can’t stay and produce in 3C. I don’t think he fit here. He could bring a lot to the table . But it’s not good look . I wish Penguins had Pageau, Galchenyuk and Duchene. Someone to be more effective for 3C .
Pens are weak on D and LW. Something is off here. Two bad off-seasons. Slight ok with Hunwick-Sheary salary dump.
Maybe. Rutherford isn’t done. Idk. Yikes!
Hey Dee,
It does look like that the Pens are looking at running 4 Left Handed D w/1 playing RD. I agree with you, that could get problematic. They got away with it in Daley, and althoguh I like Oleksiak wherever they play him, I am very worried, especially considering 1 of the 2-RD would be Letang.
I am not saying that JR has had a great off-season but I really don’t think this year is anywhere near the epic failure that was last year. So far the only questionable move in my mind – unless Brassard is traded – is signing Cullen.
Hi.
Brassard’s situation is very puzzling. Supposedly they want him in the top 6 role.
Rutherford is off-season is ok good. My expectations might be to high . Agree . Some stuff is very problematic and has some red flags. IMO. Especially putting Brassard in the top 6 role.
Do you think they can trade Brassard and Letang together? Separate trades? 3 way trade?
Could Edmonton or Leafs be trading partners? Vegas ? Jets? What’s your thought process on Letang and Brassard? Bottom lines? 3C ? Top d paring?
Hi Dee,
I do think a package trade could be worked out, more than likely 3 way, but I doubt the Penguins would do that. The eye test tells everyone with the power of sight that Letang is still barely trade able (given his Cap Hit) but very expendable on this team. The best value he can provide this team is trade bait. However, the organization is still stuck somewhere between 2010 and 2016 when it comes to their ability to see clearly. Their Letang colored glasses block the truth.
The team won their last Cup without Letang and he was the biggest failure this past post-season; bearing the lion’s share of the responsibility for the teams bounce-out in the 2nd round.
Hello.
I love it . Spot on.
I hate that the media articles are putting the blame on the goalies. Suggesting he’s the victim (bad goaltending)instead of being brutally honest about his season beyond the stats and points. Letang was brutally from regular season to post season. I’m waiting to see a article that will be brutally honest about him.
Eye test tells you.
IMHO . Letang will continue to get worser and he isn’t the #1 top defenseman for this team. He shouldn’t be playing top minutes with this team. He’s uncoachable and undisciplined. Penguins don’t need some high risk OFD that cost games every night and simply inconsistent ( bad defensively)in all three zones. He never fitted with this team.
Every year, its excuses for Kris Letang and to keep gambling on him to be better for this team. Penguins defense needs to be strengthened more with reliable depth defenseman like back in 2016 champion season.
If pens keep on having the blinders (sentimental and obstinacy)on with him then they will see themselves potentially caught hard with tight cap space to buyout his contract. I can see teams taking on his contract and give the Penguins a good decent return back. It could be a strong possibility they will move him since Rutherford keep suggesting Rig and Johnson will be playing in the top 6 pairing ng .
At the end of day Penguins can definitely get better without Letang and win more Stanley cup without him. We can agree on that. It’s proven.
I think Penguins should be shopping him right now . I don’t want to see Letang in a Penguins Jersey anymore nor wearing a n ‘A’ on his jersey this season. Many teams still do have some open cap space left and do need a OFD to strengthen their defense core.
Vegas, Chicago, Edmonton,Montreal,Toronto , Vancouver and Arizona.
Clearly. It’s time to move on. It can happen ( with his ntc and nmc)and be very beneficial for this team. Penguins can either retain some of salary to get one team to take him or take Package trade to move on from him.
Rutherford can do it without hesitation and teams will jump for Kris Letang.
Hey Dee,
Vegas? Hmm…. I wonder if Vegas would be willing to deal to reunite MAF wit Letang. I would hate to do that to the Flower, but better in Vegas than here.
I still would love to get hold of Nicolas Hague, the guy I wanted the Penguins to draft last year until they traded their #1 pick. He is another LD but he is just a kid. In 2 or 3 years I would love to see the left side anchored by Hague and Oleksiak.
(Not saying that they would be locks for the job, just would like to see if they could hold those spots)
Hey the oTher Rick,
Lol. I don’t know if MAF would like that. I get the sense that MAF and Sid was always ok good friends with Letang. Cordial and Nice . From what I know They tolerated him. Sometimes Letang does rub people the wrong way with poor play/attitude on the ice. I see it all in Shultz face all the time. Sid is very close with MAF than Letang . Nothing to deep . Like Sid is quite close with Geno as well.
It seem like some teams have open cap space and McPhee might deal with Rutherford again. It might work and they ( Vegas could buyout him.Like Colorado did Oprik. It’s hard to predict. On cap friendly some teams have some good money left .That nTc and NMC is the problem with Penguins hesitation.
For the most part, teams will line up for Letang , despite his injuries and go off of his resume of cups. It will be hard. I believe some GM will be stupid enough to do it. If not . Penguins are doom. I would hate to see another big injury from Letang than Penguins put him on ITR and buy him out. Maybe Edmonton or Vancouver will do it.
I would love Hargue. Lucas Sisba too. They both are good solid players. Lucas hasn’t been sign to another contract. Ufa. Penguins do need another defenseman. Its frustrating that 7.2m can be use somewhere else.
Hey Dee,
I would have to think your are right. Maybe MAF tolerated him in Pgh – Fellow French Canadian comrades – maybe; I don’t know. However, now having played behind a solid, solid Defense, even if he is friends with Letang, I doubt he would want to play behind him again.
I must confess I am not that familiar with Sbisa. Looking at his stats on Hockey Reference, I love his hit and block stats but he is another LD. With Johnson, Oleksiak, Dumoulin, and Maatta, but with only Schultz and Ruhwedel on RD (Letang is no D-man – maybe the old Rover Position but definitely not a D-man); and with Sbisa being 28 and probably not a long term answer; unless Dumolin or Maatta are traded I still would rather them get another RD.
But I agree 100% that $7.2 mil could be used in many other more important areas.
Hey.
They sign Big Rig with 745,000 left in cap space. 4 players still to sign h.I still think Rutherford can do better and miss the punch for two past season without Botterill. Hopefully it’s a trade coming. Very hopeful it’s Letang. Teams still need a defenseman . Rutherford can do it. IMO . Without Sentimental or obstinacy on Letang. Fingers Crossed.
Hey Dee,
So far, this off-season, the Oleksiak signing probably rates as around the 2nd most important signing behind only the Daniel Sprong signing.
I am with you Dee, the net most important move the Pens can do to improve their chances to win the cup is trade Letang, but don’t hold your breath. Reading comments by JR it would appear that the team is still out of touch with reality and apparently their still are tons of people who still follow Letang blindly regardless of the damage he does to the team during games.
I have a hard time biting back my tongue when I read comments about how people are expecting a bounce back year from Letang. How they can say this and keep a straight face is a mystery to me.
They should go to the next open mic night at a comedy club.
Most of what I am reading even suggests that Letang is still a top pairing.
Wow!
I hate to burst their bubble but Letang has already bounced back completely. He did have a solid offensive year. Offense is not his problem. His problem is his defense, his decisions and his age.
If Letang were to have even a good year next year, for the Pens, he would have to get better defensively. For Letang to improve defensively, he would not have to bounce back from anywhere, he will have to venture into what is virgin territory for him. He has never been good defensively. He has been a millstone around the neck of every partner he has played with. Only Paul Martin was ever able to mitigate Letang’s presence on the ice defensively. This past post-season Letang was the Capitals most important weapon in their series against the Pens, being on the ice for over half of the goals the Caps scored
Letang will be starting his 13 season, yet he was caught of position more frequently than any defensemen on the team. The Kid Oleksiak made better decisions than Letang and got caught out of position, not only less frequently but proportionately less frequently. If the Penguins are really entertaining thoughts of making it back to the finals they need to admit to themselves that Letang should never play in the 1 min or last min of a period.
When he was younger, Letang was able to help himself a little with his speed, being able to cover-up in many situations. Unfortunately, he is now on the wrong side of 30 and has lost at least half a step. Taylor Hall blew past him, even when Letang was in a good position.
On top of everything else, Letang gave up on many plays and just stood there as players raced past him. He doesn’t have the compete to play to the whistle. Maybe he can find some umpf to try a little harder, but his decision making and lost step will only cause tons of problems.
If JR can package a deal to ship Letang off to Edmonton, regardless of what they get in return it will be a win for the Penguins. They won the Cup and played a lot better 2 years ago without Letang. However, if Edmonton is looking for that PP QB then JR could possibly dress Letang up to get a 1st round pick +.
And trading Letang could free up Cap space to really consider dealing for Pacioretty.
Agree.
Penguins fans are out of control. Pretty delusional. They go more crazy over Letang than Sid and Geno. It’s crazy and bizarre.
Sorry. I don’t they can get him better defensively. I don’t think so. I don’t think they should gamble with Kris Letang anymore. I hate that Penguins do this and can’t get the blinders off. 2018 season showed the real Letang that will continue regardless the points with elite players. He’s older now . To me he only had great year 2011 and ok solid year2016. Over the years he’s always have to much bad brutal decision-making and mental lapses. It will gets worse for him. You described it great in detail . We can agree on that. I still believe that players will run pass on him and score on him. Yes . Taylor Hall did. Other players too. Spot on . It was just chaos on the ice with him.players left out dry and Sid consistently tryna cover him in the Dzone. You never know what Letang will do. It was brutal to watch.He’s Very uncoachable. I don’t think Letang listens very well and undisciplined to do better on this team. Sully and coaching staff don’t know what to do with him. I have seen Martin reign him in on the bench and he just don’t listen. It was told months Penguins organization and players were fed up with him. Edmonton maybe be a great fit for him. Change scenery might be good for him. If Rutherford pulls it off. I would be more happy about the D core. It’s thin. Letang shouldn’t be leading the D core anymore.
Don’t get me wrong Hes good offensively. I don’t think he’s that elite in that department like people exaggerate . I don’t see nothing from him that make him #1OFD especially this season and years going back. He’s still got some offense to give just not on high end elite level . He does to much. Very high risk that Penguins don’t need that at all.
I miss Jason Botterill.
Penguins free agency was ok . I guess. I guess Rutherford is waiting to trade market open more to Penguins needs. I think they missed some good opportunity to sign some players on the roster. 7.2m can get you more better players for your blue line and LW position. Pgh media suggest that Johnson will help reduce Letang’s minutes to be effective. I don’t think so. Like I said Letang isn’t Penguins top #1 defenseman nor should they keep harping on him to be great .
I wonder would Montreal or Edmonton take Letang. I would like to get Max Pacioretty , Someone else and another defenseman. Idk . It was many players that was reasonable for Penguins that sign elsewhere. Penguins didn’t have the money in their cap space.
I have no problem with Brassard since Penguins wanted him. I didn’t. I would have went for Pageau or someone else. Brassard is little overrated in my book. He doesn’t drive offense for his wingers. No chemistry. I’m just very skeptical that he isn’t a fit for 3C position. If that’s the case. I would try him at wing and Sheahan as 3C . It might be a better 3C out there for the Penguins. I wouldn’t mind patty from Montreal. I would use him on the third line or see if he can play either side. I still will give Hagelin a cheap deal.
Tinordi is in Nashville.
I would like to know you guys ideal lineup and trading partners for Kris Letang.
Do you need to give first pick? I know they don’t have any first to give.
What your take on Jimmy Hayes and Pedan get a chance to play?
Hey Dee,
I did hear that Edmonton wanted a PPQB and Letang can still be dressed up to look like a silk purse in that dept. so I would definitely work my tail off to make that trade happen. The real question becomes, who do I want in exchange. Looking down Edmonton’s line-up and the Penguins weaknesses now and in the future, honestly I would try and make getting a 1st round pick the central factor in that trade. Letang’s PP numbers are still incredible so I would think if Edmonton wants a 1-trick pony then we both are satisfied.
I would love to see Pedan get a chance to play, the team needs to sign him first. Right now, if I am JR, my top priority is signing Oleksiak and Jarry, followed closely by signing Pedan.
Jimmy Hayes? eh. Although a big guy he is 28 and has nothing to show for his time. I honestly don’t think he can add much if anything to the team. So, no I doubt he will get much playing time. The Penguins would need to sustain injuries down the lineup to get him a shot and I am okay with that. As much as I want the Penguins to get more size, I wish they would get some size with at least some skill.
My ideal line-up? Hmm. This isn’t my ideal line-up but the closest I can realistically think JR can get to my true ideal line-up with respect to how the team has fallen down.
Offense
Crosby, Geuntzel, Sprong
Malkin, Pacioretty, Kessel
Sheahan, Hagelin, Hornqvist
Cullen, Rust, Grabner
I would have loved to get a a JVR or E Kane but the big winger ship has sailed.
I would have even settled on getting Reaves back but Sullivan blew that deal.
I do think that Lindholm will end up being the swing man on the bottom 6 but for
me the swing players would be;
Bleuger 4th line Center bumping others up during injuries
Aston-Reese 1st bottom 6 Winger with Rust bumping up to fill and top 6 Winger slot.
Simon 2nd top 6 Winger replacement if Rust is already forced into that role unless I use him in a trade.
Defense
Oleksiak – Schultz
Johnson – Hersley
Dumoulin – Mozik
with Pedan the 1st left D sub and Ruhwedel the 1st right D sub.
Goalie
Murray
TBD
I haven’t decided what I would want the G to look like. The team screwed itself up badly by trading Gustavsson. I don’t dislike either DeSmith or Jarry and think both can be solid players in the NHL. Last year they really didn’t look as bad as some would complain considering the lack of D support the team offered them but I doubt the team could hide either in the AHL right now. Had they still had Gustavsson, he could have hid in the minors for a year or 2 while that position worked itself out.
I tend to like DeSmith as Murray’s back-up, I think he may have the better temperament for it but I don’t want to commit yet.
I will be very interested in camp and the prospect tourny to see how Bellerive is recovering and how Militec, Angello, Pavlychev, Olund, A Johnson, Bjorkvist, Lindholm, Drozg, Hallander, Almari, Riikola, Palojarvi, and D’Orio look.
Before anyone gets mad, I still like Maatta, but with the Johnson signing, I would move either him or Dumoulin. I would definitely move Letang. I would also do my level best to make the Brassard trade happen, not so much as a condemnation of Brassard but as a affirmation that I think Pacioretty would benefit the team more. I would also sacrifice Simon if needs be.
With the Cap space I would now have I could look for a veteran G to back-up Murray or at least push my kids at training camp.
Somewhat Agree.
I would like
Dumoulin-Shultz
Määttä-Big Rig or another RFD
Then
Johnson-Big Rig or Johnson-another RfD.
You know. I like like to keep Määttä and Dumoulin with Shultz. I feel like they are core and deserves to stay and that i see more great things to come with them without them. Rutherford can pull it off . IMO.
I think it will be asinine to trade young great solid defenseman while keep some older one trick pony defenseman. I love them. I believe they will be around with new defense core. We will agree to disagree on that. Letang should be be the big priority to move.
I don’t know to be honest what Edmonton can give. I happen to check on that. I was thinking Letang to Montreal since Weber is down. I guess.
Arizona, Buffalo and Toronto.
Toronto needs defense. Idk . If Dubas will take it. Arizona took Hawks smdead money so they might be dumb to take it. Who knows.
Idk. I feel like Penguins have miss their punch over the years to let go of Letang for better defenseman and wings to strengthen behind the core with 7.25 million. Don’t get me wrong at all. Letang has ok good moments and his somewhat physicality to stand up . His bad outweighs the good to me. Yes. He has been through a lot like Sid and Geno. But he has never been on solid elite level like them nor develop some all- around game to so call take ‘talent ‘ to another level despite injuries and health issues. That’s Penguins bubble who puts him there. It’s so many defenseman they are better players than him. He can be top 15 or 20 d players. Not top ten. Yes. You need some offense from defenseman. At the end of day you need more defense from defenseman then get into offense with great players. I have always advocated for him to be gone. I don’t like that Penguins keep taking on gamble on him. I know Penguins are fed up with him but the sentiment is in the way.
He isn’t elite . Sid and Geno has many great years ahead to come. I just think money should use somehere to help Sid and Geno so they won’t be overused like this past season. I like Sprong but I still think sometimes that some new RW needs to be with Sid. due to Sully bias that might happen. He might put Simon there. I don’t like that. I don’t mind Rust. He just needs to be consistent and maintain the space for Sid.
I just can’t help to think if Pens trade Letang if Karlsson or Doughty would be on this team. If Tampa get Karlsson. I will say they can possibly get over their 2 round hump and win Stanley cup with Karlsson.
Big Rig is locked in . 3 years. People criticizing the deal . Same with Cole. I will never get.
Penguins definitely losss Pedan,Garbner and Tindori. Very excited for the training camp. Although Penguins like OFD all time. I believe they should get more better with defense position with physical all -round defenseman We have good prospects pool. IT needs to be better regardless if they are in win mode.
I thought it was some defenseman that could’ve been pick up this off-season and on the left wing position. Simon is good . He happens to stop the penalties and be consistent in scoring. Resse is ok. he can be great fourth liner Pk and other things. He seem slow to me. Sometimes out of position after hits. I know they happen to developed more to give better assessments on them. I believe they great bottom 6 – role players. Simon can be top 6 if he brings significant scoring, no penalties and just be consistent to keep up. It could be great season for them.
Yes. I did stated I rather see a veteran back up goalie behind Murray. I love Jarry and DeSmith. I hope Penguins don’t let them go like Gutavosson. I was hoping for Robin Lehner or another goalie. I hope Murray find consistency. I don’t know if he’s the core in the goalie position. I don’t what Jim Rutherford is thinking with strengthening the team. I do know LW and back up goalie needs to better. Letang needs to be trade to have money to do things.
Also I hope johnson doesn’t play in the top 6 d paring. Big possibility that Brassard will be gone. I don’t mind him . He just doesn’t fit not I don’t think they will pay next year. Idk. If Sheahan take 3C he needs to drive more offensively behind Sid and Geno. If Sid and Geno dominanting in shift then he needs to step his game up.
Määttä is part of the core to me. I hear that Rutherford likes to keep him. That’s my understanding.
my bad, Tinordi went to Nashville. Maybe the Pens are still lacking in toughness…
Pittsburgh did very well with some really good signings to beef up the defense, but I think they are going to part way with some players who weren’t that bad.
Jack Johnson definitely got the better end of the deal. I am very curious to see how some of the other players, signed, Tinordi, Hayes, Elliott, and the return of Cullen. I am very surprised by the return of Cullen. Does the team really need another skilled center? It is nice to see him back, but it seems a bit too much.
Tinordi and Hayes seem to be some pretty good answers to the loss of Reaves and Cole. I hope they keep Oleksiak and Jarry, but I am not sure now what they might do because of the signing of John Muse. I think they may let Jarry go and I think another team will pick him up and he’ll prove himself.
A more experienced goalie would have been nice to see, to support Murry, like Cam Ward, but Chicago won out on that. I just hope they don’t expect too much from the young average goaltenders they have if Murry has any problems.
Agreed Wirewrapper,
The Pens need to resign Oleksiak and Jarry. In fact, I doubt they Pens LET Jarry go. Although I will not be surprised if/when he gets traded. None of the Penguins goalies are bad at all (Murray, Jarry, DeSmith). No goalie, including George Vezina, could have looked good backstopping the joke that masqueraded as the Penguins Defense last season. Considering, that all of those kids are kids, I though they acquitted themselves pretty well.
I doubt Muse is anything more than a replacement for Leighton. He played most of his games last year in the ECHL. Neither, Murray, DeSmith, nor Jarry have to worry any about that signing. I don’t know if D’orio has any Jr time left, but if he doesn’t, even he probably doesn’t have to worry. Precious few is any 29 year old goalies who were just playing in the ECHL ever really challenged for an NHL position.
I can’t help but think the Cullen signing is to give the team the flexibility to move Brassard; either move Brassard to Wing or to trade him (there still may be something to the Brassard – Pacioretty trade).
I like that the team got a big player (Hayes) but again, at 28 yrs of age, I seriously doubt that he is going to challenge anyone for an NHL roster spot.
Of the 4 minor signings, the only one who may be able to challenge for a roster spot is Trotman and that is only a testament to the weakness on the Penguins Right D; and they could stand to pare back one RD (Letang) and then bring in 2-new RD.
If I had a vote, I am still liking Patrick Hersley and Vojtech Mozik of the KHL, but with JR doing so many other things I wanted, I guess I can’t complain if I don’t get a vote here.
Brassard for Max Pacioretty?
Not sure it will workout but I did read that Montreal wanted Brassard.
I really wish Ian Cole was getting a deal like Johnson ‘s deal. It is what it. is .
I doubt Cole would want to come back to Pgh – just like Reaves.
Correct. Ian Cole didn’t go back to Columbus either.
I agree with you .
I don’t like term for Jack Johnson. I will hold my mouth on him til he plays with Penguins. He’s a good person .
I love that Cully is back . It’s great to see Sid with him especially his great friend Jack Johnson .
I’m just really hoping Kris Letang is getting traded . I wish Rutherford would take his blinders off with him. Kris Letang is one trick pony to me that became elite in some people minds because he plays with elites centers that boast him. No matter how he trains his mental lapses and bad atrocious cities defense will not changes. I would like to see Kris Letang gone . I would like to see Shultz and Dumoulin thrive and be top D Corp for Pens. I do not want to see Shultz numbers continue dipped anymore more because they want to cater to Kris Letang. Letang isn’t their top #1 defenseman. I’m tired of excuses for him and to me he hurt Sid’s production last season. I don’t want to see players suffering due to Penguins organization catering to Kris Letang. I would like to see players playing with minutes spread out to win together by committee.
I don’t want to see him playing 24+ mins, on the ice for key moments and the top powerplay.
I wish Penguins will stop refusing to trade
him. They will get a decent return now .
I would like to see Pedan and other players than Letang.
I hope Rutherford has one to two more trades up his sleeve this season.
Am I the only one ? Who thinks Pens should sign a veteran goalie to back up Murray . Let Jarry finish his development and probably DeSmith to.
Hey Dee,
We see things pretty much the same with Letang. I wish it was different, since the team refuses to see the obvious about him, but Letang is a serious weak spot on the team. The Penguins still NEED 2 Right-Handed D-Men to compliment Schultz.
Rutherford at least acknowledged Letang shouldn’t be getting 24 minutes, but now Sullie has to acknowledge it and then both need to agree to trade him.
I don’t think Jarry has much more learning down in the minors, nor does DeSmith. For this reason, I am still really disappointed in the Brassard trade. If the Pens felt a pressing need to trade they should have held on to Gustavsson and dealt either Jarry or DeSmith. Gustavsson could still be hid in the minors for a couple of years, but these 2, the time is up. They need to play or go away.
Jarry, may be gone before the year is out.
So, They may indeed need to pick up a Goalie.
Hello.
Exactly. I couldn’t agree more. I think they should have keep Reaves,Cole and the prospect goalie. I didn’t like the trade. I didn’t like Sully strategies and tactics either. I miss Rick Tocchet and Jason Botterill. I He didn’t input players in their right limitations. I hope Sully does better . Idk. I believe they missed a opportunity with those 3 players and I don’t like the that people particularly the fan base talk down on Ian Cole. IMO he was quality sound defenseman in the system. Great for top 4 /5 pairing Sully took that for granted and it hurt him. With Reaves as well.
I’m happy Sheary is gone. I’m worry that Sully will do Simon the same way and continue to cater to Letang. Yes. They need to get a right handed
defenseman. I would have have Dumoulin-Shultz as the top pairing.imo. I like them together. small sample size that they were pretty good. I would try Määttä and Rig . Maybe not. I would do Johnson-Big Rig as the bottom pairing. Rig is good . But he needs to still work on some things and I think he needs a veteran to guide him. It may work. I would just get RHD for Määttä and the second pairing. I like Määttä and I don’t see him going anywhere so I would get a big body defenseman to be beside him. I wish it could be Jacob Trouba or Ristolainen. I know Petty is ok . I won’t mind him . I’m just dreaming and throwing out names. I think Penguins should go after a tall big body good quality defenseman with upside. Idk . I hope Sully can agree with Rutherford on Letang’s situation. It seems to me Rutherford is ready to pull the trigger with the right return. I read between the lines . He comments speak volumes to me. It’s time to let go and use that money elsewhere. I will be mad if other players get trade and Letang is still on the roster. Penguins have a opportunity for now. I don’t want them to wait to late and be stuck to move him.
I believe DeSmith and Jarry are great. I said that to say I’m Little worry that Sully has mess with his confidence and the organization are tryna use him as trade bait. I read they want Jarry to fight for his back up position with Murray. They are sold on DeSmith. That’s not good. To trade him. It could be that maybe Jarry will be better Murray. Idk. I know that Penguins are giving up great goalie and I would trade DeSmith before Jarry. I would be upset if Jarry is gone. I like both.
Murray isn’t bad goalie. He just injured prone and lack consistency with veteran behind him. He needs that. He needs sound defensively unit in from of him to protect him and to have them laying out their bodies for him. I know will he get better. I appreciate the 2 cups . But he happens to prove himself and play probably 45 games this season. Who knows. I hope Sully will pull Murray in games if it’s necessary as well.
I was hoping for them to sign Robin Lehner since they have ties with Buffalo. I need a list of goalies to see the possibilities behind Murray.
Interesting Dee,
I too get the impression that JR is ready to move on from Letang but Sullie is still living the delusion.
Update. Johnson has signed. Already here looking at houses.
Also, they signed Matt Cullen. Can he do it one more time?
And, is JR now done?
— 55
Hey all,
Just tossing another name on my free-agent wish list…Matt Calvert of Columbus.
He’s not the biggest guy in the world (5-11 186) but he’s versatile, productive (scores around 10 goals a season) and plays with a bit of an edge. Good penalty killer, too. At 28, a much younger version of present-day Chris Kunitz.
In my mind, he’d be an ideal fourth-line left wing, with the ability to slot up to the third line if needed. Made $2.2 million (AAV) on his most recent contract.
Rick
If the rumours are true and we sign JJ, it could turn out great. When Justin and Big Rig arrived, in my eyes, they have played great. Hopefully Gonchar can help JJ in our system and he can make the transition.
Love the Sheary & Hunwick trade…thanks Jason for helping out your former team!!!
I don’t think Letang is going anywhere guys…. coach loves him, so he is staying. No, he should be gone, maybe some team calls after free agency starts and has a great offer and BOOM… but I doubt it!!
HAPPY CANADA DAY!!
Happy free agency day
The Johnson deal is one that might be expected of a team that perpetually flirts with the cap ceiling. If he’d held out for the $5 mil he was making in Columbus, or the $6 mil some guessed he would be seeking, we wouldn’t be talking about him, or the deal. He wasn’t going to get $6 mil, or probably even five, from anyone else. He probably wanted to get away from Tortorella, too. Wouldn’t you? There’s a bargaining chip right there.
He got $3.3 here, and he has a link to here in Sid. That $3.3 mil is only one mil more than they were carrying on a bonafide pressbox habitue in Hunwick. Johnson hasn’t had the kind of career he was “destined” for, but all things being equal, he ain’t no Hunwick, and in a good way. It’s unlikely he’ll see anywhere near the amount of “bird’s eye view” as the aforementioned. He’s not my dream defensive help, and probably not JR’s either, but in reality, top six d-men aren’t exactly falling off trees.
He gets the benefit of doubt on my count, my previous ambivalence aside. It’s a wait and see moment. What’s been said about this deal could have been said, and was said, about any number of deals of the past 10 years, or so. I still remember, “Who the hell is Chris Kunitz?” Or, “Why would they want a goon like Matt Cooke?” Those deals didn’t turn out so badly. And, if push came to shove, Johnson is a lot more movable than Matt Hunwick, and Hunwick is now in Bufffalo’s press box.
I’m hoping he comes here, makes a place for himself, and knocks a few people down while potting a dozen goals. We know he can do that. And, 31 isn’t exactly over the hill. If they get two good years out of him, it will have been worth the money, and the angst.
— 55
Well said 55,
JJ wouldn’t be y 1st pick but he gets the benefit of the doubt with me.
In my book, at worst he is 5th on my defensive depth chart, maybe slightly higher;
1) Schutlz, 2) Oleksiak, 3-5) Dumoulin, Maatta, Johnson.
If I could talk Pedan into staying, I would give him a chance to be top 6.
I would still be looking to deal Letang and to pick up at least 1 if not 2 Right D.
I would really like to see what Dumoulin and Maatta can do without having to cover for Letang.
Totally agree with your take, 55.
Another little hidden (or not so hidden) stat. At least from a production standpoint, Johnson’s been wildly successful in the postseason. He’s got five goals and 16 assists for 21 points in 23 career playoff games…including a gem of a series (three goals, seven points) against the Pens back in 2014 when he averaged 29 minutes of ice time.
Of course, he’s a minus-11 for his postseason career, too. The good with the bad.
Rick
Hey 55
I agree JJ will not be a bust but a benefit for the Pens moving forward. Playing with his buddy Crosby he could actually surprise us all.
NOW CAN WE MOVE LETANG ??
Lets grab a big name winger or d man and then force JR to make some serious roster moves. This team needs much more help if we expect to lift the Cup next year.
The league has gotten better in the off season.
jim
Hey Jim!
We both know Letang isn’t going anywhere. Now that I said that, they’ll probably trade him this afternoon.
I don’t know that JJ is the answer, but if he signs, then he has the opportunity to help. This is an opportunity for him to put all the crap he found himself buried under for the past several years and get his hockey game back on track. He’s got the talent and now a great organization ready, willing and able to guide him in the right direction. It’s up to him.
I think they have the horses to play better defensive defense, they just don’t preach that. I don’t think it’s completely a personnel problem. It’s every bit as much a system problem — they don’t feature defense much beyond getting that first pass up ice. I’m hoping that changes as soon as possible. But, I’m not holding my breath.
As a result, though, this is going to be a pivotal year for Murray, too. Perhaps the year in which he defines his place, long-term. He had a rough year in ‘17-‘18, with injury, the passing of his dad, and a defense often likened, rightly, to Swiss cheese. This coming year, he could use a little help to enable him to get back his mojo. That help has to come from better defense. (Hopefully one in which 58’s minutes are cut by a third, too.)
I’d still like to see them find another d-man of the shut down variety, but I’d be surprised if that happens. I’d settle for a seasoned winger to bolster ZAR and Simon. They could have Jarry on the block and Carolina and Edmonton could use some help between the pipes. We’ll soon see what they have cooking, or if the kitchen is closed. Still a lot of fun, though!
— 55
Just in case you guys haven’t seen it, these are the conditions of the Buffalo draft pick:
Fourth round pick in 2019 unless Sheary scores 20 goals or 40 pts or Buffalo trades Hunwick before the 2019 draft. If either of those happen it becomes a 3rd round pick.
Seems like the 2nd condition is just Rutherford being nice to Hunwick.
Interesting conditions. So if Buffalo can off-load Hunwick, we get a 3rd round pick, but if they have to eat his salary for 2 yrs it is only a 4th round pick.
Hey all,
A quick observation about Jack Johnson. Even though he’s displayed some offensive chops in the past…he’s scored as many as 12 goals and 42 points in a season…he doesn’t turn the puck over a whole lot. Only 20 giveaways last season and 23 the year before.
Not to pick on him…most high-profile offensive defensemen turn the puck over a ton. But Letang had 89 giveaways last season by comparison.
It sounds like ‘Double-J’ is reasonably trustworthy with the puck. Perhaps teaming him with Justin Schultz as planned will help revive his overall game.
Rick
Hey Rick,
I am not all that worried about JJ. I love stats but they can often be skewed by circumstance. In October 2016 – maybe March 2017 Fleury, statistically, looked like he was done. Anyone watching his play as well as the lack of defensive support he was getting (even then the D was eroding) could see he still was a number 1. Even though I am an unabashed Murray, fan, I defended MAF and said he would thrive in a new locale and he did.
I haven’t watched JJ game in and game out, so I will reserve judgement. As you suggest, pairing him with Schultz could really boost his game. Just getting him out of Columbus could be a boost for him. As I wrote above, Columbus is not really a great place to be when it comes to CORSI stats. Maybe their forwards are too big and heavy to effectively drive CORSI stats.
Which also goes to my point about Letang. Letang is not, I repeat not, the Penguins number 1 D man. He is a 1 trick pony, that if they refuse to get rid of him, needs to be put on spot duty; never in the first minute or last minute of play, sparingly in the third period when protecting a 1 goal lead, and only on the PP with any regularity – and only if it doesn’t affect Schultz’ play (Although, still over all better than Letang over-all, I can’t help wonder if Schultz’ point production dipped because the team was trying to hard to give Letang prime TOI)
The Pens won the Cup without Letang, end of story.
But back to JJ, in the end he is a trade up from Hunwick and at $3.3 could be a real steal.
Hey Rick,
When you get the chance read Dan Kingerski’s counter – point to the JJ complaints; like you he supports the JJ decision and starts off with smomethings I have said and then expands on it for a full article. He also talks about your point about give aways.
It is a decent read and makes some really good points.