With the recent signing of the ‘Big Rig,’ Jamie Oleksiak, to a three-year deal, the Penguins’ lineup for the coming season appears all but set. Especially since the Pens are down to their last $745,000 in cap space.
To borrow from an old movie title, all’s quiet on the western front.
Or is it?
It’s hard to ignore the persistent rumors out of Montreal the Habs are seeking a significant upgrade at center. The object of their desire? Pens pivot Derick Brassard, who played his junior hockey at Drummondville…just east of ‘La Metropole.’
The Canadiens are thought to be dangling left wing Max Pacioretty, a five-time 30-goal scorer who’s entering the final season of a contract that pays him $4.5 million.
Just my humble opinion. I think Pacioretty would look awfully good in black and gold. Check that…great. The 29-year-old Connecticut native not only boasts an impressive scoring touch (226 goals over a distinguished 10-year NHL career), he’s big (6’2” 206) and reasonably physical (118 hits in ’17-18). Qualities decidedly lacking among the Pens’ current crop of forwards.
It’s no secret the locals are thin on the port side. Postseason marvel Jake Guentzel aside, Carl Hagelin is the only other bona fide left wing presently on the roster, unless you count swingman Dominik Simon. True, free-agent returnee Matt Cullen and hustling Bryan Rust can slot over in a pinch, and rookie Sam Miletic (36 goals in junior) oozes potential.
None can match Pacioretty’s proven pedigree.
So what would it take to get ‘er done? Obviously, taking on Pacioretty’s salary would put the Pens squarely in the red, so they’d need to clear cap space. That’s where things get dicey. Brassard would account for $3 million. But JR would need to free up an additional $1.5 million to even the slate.
While the Pens are hardly thin on defense thanks to the addition of Jack Johnson, they’re not flush either. Which means the additional cap space would need to come from dealing a forward.
So who goes? The knee-jerk reaction is Hagelin…set to enter the final season of a contract that pays him $4 million.
Not so fast. ‘Hags’ still brings a lot to the table. Namely world-class speed…an element in increasingly short supply on the aging Penguins…and penalty-killing prowess. And the supersonic Swede still has a little juice left. Following a terrible first half last season (a paltry six points in his first 42 games), he tallied eight goals and 25 points over his final 39 contests…roughly a 50-point clip over a full season.
Okay. If not Hagelin, then who?
The only other forwards on the roster around the requisite salary range? Riley Sheahan ($2.1M) and prospects Zach Aston-Reese ($925K), Daniel Sprong and Simon ($750K each).
Scratch Sheahan from the list. The Pens like him, and Rutherford surely won’t part with two centers.
That leaves the kids as potential filler. Although he carries the heftiest price tag among the bunch, I like Aston-Reese. Yes, he’s a step slow. But Zach’s smart, reads the play well and displays a nice touch around the net, not to mention some aggression. I see top-six potential for him down the road.
Sprong? In truth, he doesn’t seem to fit into the Pens’ scheme. Given his rep as a bad actor and noted aversion to backchecking, I can’t imagine he’ll endear himself to coach Mike Sullivan. After all, ‘Sully’ already has a purported king-sized headache to deal with in Phil Kessel. Judging by this summer’s small mountain of negative ink, ‘Phil the Thrill’ may be reverting to ‘Phil the Pill.’
Yet Sprong’s a natural scorer. You don’t give those guys away, especially when your core is starting to age. So perhaps JR can get Montreal counterpart Marc Bergevin to bite on the crafty Simon, a decent AHL player who may or may not have an NHL upside.
With over $10 million in cap space, maybe Bergevin can be induced to eat a portion of Pacioretty’s salary, too.
Something to ponder while we while away the summer.
Derek Grant. Hmmmm…. Looks to me like the Brassard-Pacioretty thing might be back on.
Hey Phil,
Interesting, indeed. I like the fact that Grant’s got some size…6’3″ 215. According to the Hockey News scouting report, he’s got grit and puts his frame to use. Not a fighter, but does okay on the rare occasions when he drops the mitts.
Hope last season (12 goals) wasn’t an aberration…he hadn’t scored in 86 NHL games prior to ’17-18. And it’s odd that Anaheim would sign Carter Rowney and let this kid walk. But Grant seems to be a decent option for fourth-line duty. Which, as you suggest, could open the door to a possible trade involving Brassard…
Rick
Hey Rick,
Interesting that you bring up Rowney. You are right, why would Ana sign Rowney for 3 years at $1,133,333/yr when he has only scored 5 career NHL goals and let Grant walk when he had 12 gs last year. What makes this even more interesting is that Ana is loaded with R handed Centers already and are letting a Lefty walk. Every Center on Ana current roster is a Righty.
The Pens have a potential 4th line that looks pretty heavy at the moment (heavy for the Pens), Cullen (6′-1″, 200lbs), Grant (6′-3″, 215lbs), and Hayes (6′-5″, 215lbs).
But that line doesn’t really match the Penguin Hockey M.O. (Speed, Speed, and more Speed)
Hey tOR,
That is strange about Anaheim, but they really do like playoff experience guys.
I think Rutherford’s ace in the hole is the ability to move Brassard to a top six wing spot and have him as a quality center if a big guy goes down for the count if Pacioretty doesn’t happen.
Pacioretty is interesting, but once again as with many of the guys coming in/up, there is no main powerplay spot available. Their value lies mainly in what they can provide even strength and penalty kill wise along with the rare 2nd powerplay goal.
-Pacioretty & Brassard both kill penalties
-Pacioretty points are slightly better even strength
-Brassard can fill in at center
If you take the Philadelphia Experiment with Giroux into consideration. I think it’s a wash.
Hey Phil,
I would love to get Pacioretty, but I am more than willing to see if Brassard can step into a W if Montreal asks too much of the Penguins.
As you suggest, Brassard could step up into a top 6 C Po if need be (assuming he can transition into a W – not every player can).
And with Sheahan, Cullen, and now Grant, and with Blueger, the Pens have tons of C depth with Sheahan, Cullen, and Grant really good in the FO circle.
Training Camp is going to be interesting.
Hello.
Yes. Training camp will be interesting. I like they did bring some big guys to the roster. I just hope they can bring relentless speed in the pens speed system. Score goals as well. Hayes and Grant deals are interesting. One way deals. Either one can be on the bottom lines. Probably Grant who can kill penalties.
I feel like Rutherford will do something else and I’m starting to believe that he will subtract someone big from Penguins D core. I understand Rutherford is tryna do something different and better for this team. I get it. I would love Pacioretty and Right Handed Defensemen. I know Rutherford made a big deal 3 years ago during free agency to better the team. I believe. There’s no Mckegg and others from last season. Marginally l better. Something is brewing.
I just hope it’s something to do with retooling/strengthening the d core . I’m not sold yet But I understand his plan and this free agency more better.
Also I hoping Sully and Reechi can do better incorporating together with consistency. I’m wondering if these players will get some games to play on the bottom lines.
Geno and Sid not playing extra minutes and I would lines to stick together for more than2 games more like 30 games to have consistency and chemistry.
Hey Phil,
I had a similar thought but I wonder how the team will make it work out $$$. The Penguins would have to clear about $500K to squeeze themselves down just within the Cap, according to Cap friendly.
Between Grant and Hayes, the team definitely has gotten bigger (6′-3″ and 6′-5″) but I wonder if these players will get any TOI or will Sullivan ask Crosby, Malkin, et al to play extra minutes. Sullivan doesn’t seem to like to play big players.
Also, with this signing, even if the Pens swap Brassard for Pacioretty, at least for this season, Zack Aston-Reese seems odd man out, back in WBS – based on NHL level contracts only on the team.
What I am wondering, what is going to happen with Blueger?
By all accounts, Blueger had a great International Tournament. I would think that if that was true, the team should be giving him a legitimate shot at a roster spot.
I am also wondering about Lindholm. There was a lot of talk recently about how the Penguins were telling him he wasn’t just a throw in in the Reaves deal.
Oops! My apologies. Of course, [BLEEP] should be shot, re: Sprong. Freudian slip, or bad proofing?
— 55
Fixed it, 55 … 🙂
Fantastic stuff…will comment later!
Rick
Hi Rick!
Hope everyone is enjoying their summer.
Good stuff, as always! First of all, to answer the question, I’m of a mind that JR is done for the time being. I think he’ll wait to see how things shape up through camp and the early part of the coming season. There’s nothing left in the kick to play Pacioretty Powerball without making a big time move, which at this point is a crap shoot as to whether it would actually help the team. Would it really Improve the team to have to trade Hagelin, or maybe Kessel, or even Brassard, to land Pacioretty? A move like that would probably be a wash. And in regards to moving Brassard, Cullen isn’t going to be a full-time, fourth line center, and if they really wanted to promote Bluegar, he’d be here instead.
As for Letang and their counting on him having a bounce back year, well, that will happen or it won’t. We’ve chewed that one over quite a bit around these parts and there’s nothing more to say about it.
What I’ve been thinking, regarding bounce back years, though, is they also should be hoping Murray has one of those, too. He had a less than stellar year in 17-18 due to injuries and the passing of his father, not to mention a Swiss cheese defense. It’s not as though he had a horrible year, but it wasn’t what was expected, or needed. This season will be an important one for him. It will be a chance to solidify his number one status. That’s not to say they would bench him, or trade him, if he didn’t, but it is every bit as critical to further success as any position on the team we’ve been discussing up to this point. Their attempts to solidify the defense, should they come together, will surely help, but there’s no doubt Murray has to be better, no matter what.
I’m fine with the team as it sits right now even with my continued concerns about the defense. I’m happy Sprong will get his shot at not only helping the team, but somehow getting Sullivan on his side. My guess is he has a better shot at the former than the latter. I’m somewhat confident Brassard will find his place, and we will be rock solid down the middle. This will be a pivotal year for Aston-Reese, too, and I believe he’s up to it.
While I’m not sold that Johnson is the answer to the defensive lapses, he has a better chance of helping than hurting if only by virtue of having Martin and Gonchar in his corner. They’ve worked their magic on others who were less highly touted and I’ve no reason to doubt they could whip him into shape. The link to Sid doesn’t hurt either.
My vote for best signing on D was working a deal for Oleksiak. If they keep him away from Letang (I hope) he should have a solid year. That would give him the best opportunity to play up to his size, and more opportunities to unleash that wicked slapped. My least appreciated move on defense was letting Pedan get away. I didn’t hear, but did they at least make him an offer? If they did, I missed it. That way they could have maintained his rights for three years. I can’t help thinking that was a mistake.
I’m also eager to follow Miletic in WBS. I’m still high on him and this next step in his evolution is a critical transition. I think he’s up to it. Among his hurdles working his way through the system will be over coming Sully’s reluctance to place trust in AHLers who might not tickle his fancy.
Which leads me to one other important need for this coming season, that Sullivan lives up to his mantra of giving his players the best opportunity to succeed, across the board, and that he separates the business from the personal. If a player has a chance to help the team, you play him whether you like him or not.
— 55
Hey 55,
Some really great points;
The Oleksiak signing gets my vote as the most important off-season action to date, followed by the Sprong signing.
Last year Daniel Sprong, Aston-Reese, Adam Johnson, and Lukas Bengtsson were the kids in the minors I wanted to keep my on at the start of the season, while Jordy Bellerive, Anthony Angello, Nikita Pavlychev and Antti Palojarvi were my Jr kids.
This year it is too early to say who will intrigue me at the Prospect tourny and training camp, but Sam Militec, Adam Johnson, Anthony Angello and Niclas Almari are the kids probably going to WBS that I will be keeping my eye on.
I will also still keep my eye on Andrey Pedan and Lukas Bengtsson in the KHL.
I am assuming that Bellerive will go the Sprong route and play another year in Jrs? Where ever he plays I will be keeping my greatest attention on.
I will also be interested in watching what Alex D’Orio, Nikita Pavlychev, and Antti Palojarvi do as well as Filip Hallander.
However, that list may change after Camp and the Prospects Tournament.
Hey 55,
Like I said, fantastic stuff.
On a whole, I agree with you. I, too, love Oleksiak and think he has some serious upside potential. Also wish we had attempted to sign Pedan. Maybe I’m a Neanderthal, but in my book you can’t have too many big defensemen who can skate, shoot and fight…especially when you lack gristle up front. Maybe the Pens (Gonchar and Martin) didn’t think his game would translate to the NHL. I guess we’re fortunate to have one big, physical guy.
I know you’re not as sold on Johnson as I am, but I do like the fact that he has a physical element to his game. At least we’ll have two guys back there who’ll hit should the occasion arise.
We’ve got some wildly divergent opinions among our PP faithful regarding Aston-Reese, but I like him, too. In my eyes he does a lot of little things well, and he displayed an underrated touch around the net. I actually think his game will fit better in the top six than it does the bottom six.
I’m reserving judgment on Sprong. Yes, he’s a natural scorer, and you’ve got to give him every chance to succeed. Still, I’m a little unsure of his overall impact. With he and Phil manning right wing…well…I’m (more than) a little concerned about our collective defensive acumen and compete level on the starboard side.
Speaking of our forwards, I’m not sold on our current mix. Barring a trade, we’re thin at left wing…I don’t like playing Rust over there. And I’m worried about our lack of physicality…especially when we play the likes of Columbus and Washington. The Caps thumped us pretty good in the playoffs, and it exacted a toll as the series progressed. I wish we had at least one banger up front…preferably one who can skate and…if push came to shove…mix it up.
I’m mildly concerned about our goaltending. I also think Murray will bounce back…at least to a degree…but he’s not the most durable guy in the world. I’m not sure if either DeSmith or Jarry are up to a 30-game NHL workload (or more).
Also on my wish list…some young, energetic legs. A little youthful enthusiasm can work wonders…look at our 2016 champs. Then-kids Kuhnhackl, Rust, Sheary and Wilson provided a real spark. I don’t think Sprong or Simon will bring that kind of energy or emotion.
Rick
Hey Rick,
I hear ya on some size up front. I’ve spoken to that many times. I’m a Neanderthal, too. I like seeing opponents bouncing on the ice, or off the boards.
Now that I said I thought JR was done they signed Derek Grant. He was with Anaheim last year and had a decent year — 12g, 12a in 66 games. Okay for a bottom six player. What’s confusing, surprising, dumbfounding… he’s another center. No doubt a “depth”signing, but how much depth at center are they looking for? I’m not sure I understand this deal, even at a rock bottom price — $650k — unless this guy can play wing. He is, by the numbers I’ve seen, a decent face off guy — 53 percent.
And I agree re: Johnson. One of the things I do like about him is he plays with a bit of an edge and isn’t shy about knocking some heads. I’m looking forward to seeing how he fits in.
— 55
Hope everyone is enjoying summer….
Since neither “Leturnover” Letang and Phat Phil aren’t going anywhere, this is what we have..
Other then Letang, I am very happy with the D, if Johnson turns out like Daley/Schultz…he is a steal like Big Rig as well…
If Matt can stay healthy, chance at a Vezina?? I like Casey as back-up.
As for forwards well, if JR could sign a big, tough winger to play on 4th line but be able to play with Sid for a shift or two and squeeze him under the Cap that would be awesome.
Hey pen’s4ever,
Good to hear from you. Love your idea about getting a Big Winger but I think the chances of getting a Big Winger may be just a hair better than trading Letang. Getting a useful Big Winger would be less than getting rid of Letang. And Sullivan using a useful Big Winger is far less than getting rid of Letang.
…. Very tired of the Sprong narratives. His attitude is that and that. Etc.. who knows. I understand. I get it. He should be giving a great chance to crack the lineup. Sully and the coaching staff is the biggest concern than Sprong. He will never be some two way foward unless he works hard to do that. Who knows. He didn’t look that bad and he was try hard defensively to help D core out in his 6-8 games. I remember one play he help get the puck out DZone from Shultz quick pass to get to ozone with Sid. Also help in lane to defensively help Dumoulin. I think he should move his feet more and stay more with him man than his center. He’s No worse than Sheary.
I won’t trade nor keep playing with him. I would give him tough love and mentor him to be better. I believe Cullen can help him this season. I would have Sprong on the bottom lines then gradually put him in the top 6 probably with Sid and Jake again. Let him get his feet wet with limited minutes then solid 11-14 minutes Penguins organization just needs to talk with him. Sometimes players are just different when they get in the Nhl. It’s take longer to breakout out in the Nhl . Sprong have a chance to get it done .
Zar is ottom 6 player that can be use for Pk . I guess. He’s physical. Often out of position and very slow. Very slow to react and don’t get the puck in deep.
I don’t think he will do that much.
Simon is good player. He bring things to the table.He just needs to score more,no flubs under pressure and have bad penalties. He can be great third liner. If not. Idk. I just hope Sully doesn’t put him Sid’s line with long leash. I don’t think Simon is on Sid and Jake level.( in terms of keeping up and bring grit they need to do whatever they want again top defenders every night ). Like I said Sid and Jake needs someone to open space for them more, keep up with them, finish chances, effective with with give and go, bring grit when defender are giving them hard times, win battles and strong on puck in every zone,solid every night, very high iq and able to create chances for them both to get goal.
We will happen to see in training camp. Simon could be a top middle 6 foward . He supposed to be training with Sid. I just won’t put him in top 6 role and probably add him in a trade deal to help it. Zar as well.
I wouldn’t trade Hagelin .That’s just me. He’s the team identity and he make the team effective beyond stats. He crazy good for Malkin. I believe Hags will be more fresh to have maybe more goals ( like maybe 15 ) since he has been in long playoffs for the past few years. I would try to get him some cheap 2-3 discount to stay with the Penguins especially if Rutherford can trade Letang to open cap space.
I would love to get Patty. I love it. He would be third line LW for me . Maybe rotating with Hags. I kind wanted Petry as well. Although he’s older and little expensive. I would use him. He’s a RFD.I thought Benn might be great. No . He doesn’t have talent to do well the Penguins. That’s a pipe dream. I would go for Patty, Mccarron and someone else in deal. I don’t know what Letang trade team clause but I would trade him to Montreal or Edmonton to open up things for the Penguins. Penguins don’t need to have all some OFD that is not playing effective solid defense and hurting the team. I rather see how effective Määttä, , Rig , Dumoulin and Shultz without him. I believe they will do well. By committee with minutes.
Maybe Rutherford can still look into Trouba and Zucker. If they don’t sign with their teams. It’s still two to third players I would add to have this team more stack and solid against other teams in the league. LW, RFD amd solid Backup good goalie.
At the end day I would take any decent return for Letang to have better cap space. It will never be the decent return that everyone want back for him. It is what it is. Unless some GM is stupid enough to do it. I think Edmonton and Montreal would do it.
Edmonton needs some pPQb and puck- moving on their D core.
Montreal need some better D some Weber is down ( better puck moving /some pPQb )and good center.
I don’t like the Penguins D core(in terms of 7million being wasted) and I don’t like Letang being on top pairing with reduced minutes. I would rather see Dumoulin and Shultz together for top pairing. Shultz as Penguins permanent top unit QB. I think they can handle it .
Hey Dee,
You know I agree with most of what you say. A couple of things though;
With Weber down Montreal may want a Letang to fill the void but probably wouldn’t swap RD to get him, that would defeat the purpose of trading for him. I wouldn’t mind seeing if they would make the deal, but I don’t see it.
I do think that the Pens could eventually do better than ZAR, particularly in a top 6 role, but for the nonce I do think that he could be effective as Malkin and Kessel’s LW if you play them as a line. No he isn’t fleet of foot, but neither was Warren Young or Robbie Brown, but their slowness helped both of them score tons of goals coming late into plays for a couple of seasons with Mario.
Yes Mario was Mario and Malkin and Kessel aren’t so ZAR may not get his shot at 5 goals but chipping in 20-30 may be in the cards for him since he could also be a net front presence while Malkin and Kessel give fits to opposing D skating.
I know some people were looking for ZAR to be another Kevin Stevens in his hey day, from a physical stand point but he isn’t. If he was he wouldn’t have gone undrafted. However, he really isn’t that bad if you don’t try and use a Stevens type player as the measuring stick. Until the team gets a legit LW he isn’t bad at all. In fact, he is better than most of the other candidates that can play LW right now, unless A Johnson blossomed over the summer or Hallander can make the big jump to the NHL.
Honestly, I only view the jack-of-all-trades Rust as his only competition for that LW spot on Malkin’s line because of the thinness there.
Hey Dee,
Great stuff…lots of interesting thoughts and insights.
You and I disagree on Aston-Reese…I think he compensates for his lack of foot speed by reading the play pretty well, and I really like him around the net. I guess time will tell how he develops.
I’m not as sold on Simon. A nice little player…he handles the puck well in close quarters and he’s got some underrated skills. But I’m not sure where you slot him. I agree he’s not a top-six guy, but I’m not sure I like him on the fourth line, either. Perhaps he’s a third-liner, as you suggest. Or maybe a guy you plug in up and down the lineup to fill gaps.
Too, I guess I’m a little uncomfortable as to how Sprong’s going to fit. While your point about bringing him along slowly is well taken, I don’t think he’s a good fit for a bottom-six role. Eventually you’ve got to stick him with Sid and see how that works.
Given that he’s reputed to be kind of a Phil Kessel clone in terms of his overall game, I wonder how that’s going to pan out. You can manage with one guy like that, but two?
I’m also worried about our lack of physicality up front. Wish we had a fast, aggressive puck-hunting banger on the fourth line. Unfortunately, we never seem to land those guys.
Agree about the goalies. Although I don’t think DeSmith (and to a lesser extent, Jarry) did a bad job for us, given Murray’s rather checkered health history I’d feel safer with a solid veteran backup.
For now, there appear to be at least a couple of missing pieces in the Pens’ puzzle.
Rick
Time will Tell.
I agree on some points .
Thank you Rick and The Other Rick.
I’m not sold on Resse at all. Simon as well. He has shown good things like Simon. I don’t see Resse being capable to handle top 6 role to open space for Malkin and to do top 6 duties. Resse might be in the lineup over Simon to do Pk with limited minutes . I guess we will see how they develop more and see their roles in the lineup. If Penguins get Pacioretty or great skill LW I don’t see neither of them in the lineup. Maybe Resse . Jimmy Hayes as well. Seems like he will be use in the lineup from the cap space page.
Sully will probably probably pick between them to be in the lineup. Strong possibility prospects can win themselves in the line up too. Like Jordy or Sam. Either way they ( zar and simon)both can fill in gaps when needed. I just don’t want them on the top lines every night. If Brassard plays in the top 6 it could be Rust -Sprong with Sheahan ( most likely Sprong will go with Sid like the organization wants)before Rutherford find a way to do some type of trade. Brassard probably be out. I think Rutherford try it when he went after Galchenyuk. I think So.
I feel like Sid and Geno Shouldn’t have Ahl players on their line at the point in there careers they they needs straight versatile players that can open space for them to do whatever and scoring goals etc.. I will keep Hags and Jake the top LW for the top lines .
I don’t know how Pens staff will do the lines combos and d parings. I’m very worried about the team going foward this season. I agree physicality is missing . Third line and Fourth line is questionable to me . Rutherford want Brassard in the the top6. I believe pens have a lot of one trick pony players on their roster behind they top line players . Pens needs two way strong fowards that can handle the puck, opens space, bring physicality,scoring and take some pressure of of the big guys in some games. Idk. It’s a meh off-season again. It’s seem like training camp will give answers unless something happens during this arbitration period. He
Rick
Great to hear from you – Nice to see the Pen’s / JR inked Oleksiak
for the next 3yrs.
Regarding the trade rumors with the Haps – I think its funny how
the Penguins are looking to either trade Brassard or see if he’s
capable of playing the wing “seriously”?? They act like Cullen is
there answer to the Center position “Are they joking”??
I love Cullen – as I stated in previous post the Pens should make him
an assistant coach. In my opinion Cullen should be used sparingly –
replacing someone in the lineup due to injury – It annoys the hell out
of me that people think Brassard is expendable because we now have
Matt Cullen “He’s 42 people”! Get a grip!!
As for ZAR – I’m not sold and really thought he was a major disappointment
in the physical department – Even before he was hurt on the hit by Wilson I
was frustrated with his play.
The 4th line is beginning to shape up as the teams weakness – I cringe at
the thought of Cullen, ZAR & Simon “Lord” it scares the hell out of me.
Another point I would like to make regarding Hagelin – Pen’s are a different
team with him in the lineup – not only speed / forechecking / PK but he makes
subtle plays that never show up in the box score – My concern is who replaces
what he gives the Pen’s? I don’t see it on their roster.
I agree with you here Mike,
I love Cullen and had the Penguins signed him last year instead of letting him walk maybe the season ends better but this year, no.
Signing Cullen can pay some benefits if, as you suggest, he plays sparingly, and helps groom, say Blueger? However, if Cullen plays more than 42 games I would think the Penguins would be a hurting team.
Hey Mike,
Sorry for the delay in responding…it’s always good to hear from you.
Maybe I’m one of those people guilty of looking at Cullen through black-and-gold tinted glasses, but I think he can still play. Bruce Boudreau barely used him in the first half last season and it showed in Cullen’s numbers…two goals, eight points and a minus-11 in his first 38 games. Then Boudreau started to use him and he had a really good second half…nine goals, 14 points and a plus-10.
Still, the point you and Other Rick make is valid. Somewhere along the line, the wheels are going to fall off Cully’s wagon. While I hope it doesn’t happen this season, if they do I think the Pens feel Teddy Blueger can step in.
I share your concerns about the fourth line. I don’t especially like either Aston-Reese or Simon in that role. I wish we’d picked up or developed a fast, aggressive forechecker with some sand in his game. Alas, that always seems to be a missing element for us.
Agree about Oleksiak…very happy to see we wrapped him up. I think he’s got an untapped upside and love that he brings a physical element.
Rick
Hey Rick,
Interesting stuff. I have been musing over the quiet too, wondering if it is the calm before the storm. I say that, even though I don’t think that the Pens need much this year.
I agree that Pacioretty could look real good in B & G but I don’t think the Pens are in that big of a need for Fs of any type but LW is their weakest F position. I agree that once you get past Guentzel it could get dicey but I am still more concerned over their D. So, if the Pens don’t deal for Pacioretty, I won’t be angry.
If they do deal for Pacioretty, I would not want to see them trade more than Brassard, unless it becomes a blockbuster trade. Since Pacioretty is UFA I wouldn’t trade anyone else.
Having said that, I will now address the elephant in the room, trade Letang to Edmonton and you will get all the cap space you want and enough space to resign Pacioretty as well. More importantly, the team will improve itself defensively by subtraction. Offensively, yes he still brings it, but it is no longer cost effective given his defensive liability.
Will the team do this? – Probably not.
Also, although I agree with most of what you write, I must disagree about Sprong. I am not going to argue that in the past he may have not ventured too deep into his defensive zone but kids grow and change and the Sprong that played last year was most emphatically defensively responsible. While he and Simon were Crosby’s wingers that whole line came deep into their own zone to run their breakouts and while Sprong was with Crosby and Simon the 3 of them were CORSI monsters.
Sprong’s CORSI % was 63% during his time in Pgh last year. Furthermore, looking deeper into his numbers he was generating 67.5 shots per 60 minutes of his even strength ice time while opponents could only manage a mere 39.3 in that same time and place.
Crosby’s CORSI% was 55.9% for the season so it definitely dipped without Sprong. And although his CF/60 was slightly higher 69.1 shots/60, his CA/60 was significantly worse without Sprong, 54.5.
I have said it many times, I saw and commented on the amount of times Sprong covered up in his own zone. Yes, the eye test does confirm these stats,, that is when I do not allow the past to influence what I am currently seeing. Trading Sprong for a rental player – which Pacioretty will be unless the Pens free up significant cap space – is just plain wrong.
Trading Simon – maybe – Sprong not in this deal. If JR trades Sprong he had better get far more than a rental.
I am still holding out hope that there is a deal to be made, a deal for 2 – RD with Letang being moved out.
Picking up Pacioretty could be really great but really isn’t all that necessary.
Letang has a limited no trade contract. He won’t go to Edmonton. He will go to Montreal in a heartbeat. I suggest Letang to Montreal for Pacioretty & Jordie Benn. Benn is a UFA at the end of next season solid defenseman a year younger than Letang.
Hey Phil,
I only suggest Edmonton because from what I read they really want a PPQB and there are far worse places to go play hockey than Edmonton. Although Letang has a LNTC, he s limited to saying no to 8 teams. I would think he wouldn’t waste one of those 8 on Edmonton. At least in Edmonton he could be a big fish and still have a shot at a playoff run and playing with elite players in McDavid and Draisaitl.
However, if Montreal would be willing to take on Letang that would be great but Jordie Benn is another LD, unless the Pens are looking to trade Maatta or Dumoulin too, then they don’t neew another LD. And I would like to see what Maatta and Dumoulin could do without having to cover up Letang’s Defensive miscues.
Perhaps the Penguins could make it a 3 team deal. With Weber (a RD) down for the first half of the season they may want to bite on Letang. Even if they can’t swing a 3 player deal right away, they could find another player on the Habs roster that they could deal later on down the road.
Hey Phil,
Wow…I really like this idea. The Pens were rumored to be looking at Benn as a replacement for Cole at the trade deadline, but couldn’t land him. And I think Letang would be willing to play for Montreal.
However, with Shea Weber already on the books through 2024-25 at $7.8 million a season (and Petry at $5.5M), it’s hard to see the Canadiens taking on Tanger’s $7.25 million as well.
Nor do I think the Pens are seeking to move Kris. Right or wrong, I think they view last season as an aberration. By signing Jack Johnson, I sense they’re hoping to ease Letang’s workload a bit, which in turn will help him regain his form.
Whether it helps with his decision making remains to be seen. Frankly, his reads were atrocious at times. Hopefully a case of Tanger trying to do too much.
I guess we’ll see.
Rick
The Other Rick
Question: When did Simon become so valuable?? Another small winger that
can’t finish – I like his hockey IQ and playmaking ability but give me someone
on Sid’s line that can convert a pass. Plus, Simon’s play regressed as teams
became more familiar with him. “Not a fan”
Also, we tried to trade him to Arizona now everyone is talking like the guy
will be on our first line “ridiculous”.
I have mixed emotions on Sprong – If the Penguins trade him its because
internally they no something is missing with the kid – attitude, mental
toughness – there’s a glitch. To much offensive potential no to be getting
a longer look with the big boys.
Last but not least – Please trade Letang
Hey Mike,
Sorry if I give the impression that I think Simon is invaluable, I don’t think he is. Looking down the list of Penguins I would trade he is not at the top but closer to the top than the bottom. However, unless the team frees up enough cap space to try and resign Pacioretty in a possible deal, then I would hate to give up another young player.
I agree he is not a goal scorer but a play maker, a play maker who at his tender age still has a tendency to take bad penalties. However, he can also be a shot generator when playing with other talented players and not on a slug it out line.
I have talked to some people who claim to know and have played against Sprong and I have heard some negative things about his personality but the people I have talked to are not on any fast track to the NHL, like Sprong, so I take it with a grain of sand. After watching Sullivan railroad players out of town and have publicly aired tiffs with others, if there is a problem, I do think the old saying that it takes two to tango may be applicable here. I tend to think Sullivan is at least as much at fault for any problems as Sprong and that the 2 need to meet in the middle for the good of the team.
With Sprong on the 3rd line, Sullivan can get his balanced scoring while giving Kessel what he wants TOI with Malkin. It seems to be a win win situation to me. Also, if you play Aston – Reese with Malkin and Kessel Sullivan gets the net crasher that he claimed to want with Malkin last year.
Then playing Brassard/Pacioretty – Sheahan – Sprong, Sprong gets a couple of wingers that can re-enforce the idea of defensive responsibility like Jagr had when he played with Trottier and Loney. While Sprong is no Jagr and Sheahan is no Trottier, Brassard/Pacioretty would make that line a stronger line then Jagr’s inaugural line.
But as for Letang – you know my thoughts – I agree trade Letang. He still has tons of O talent but he is now hurting the Penguins. They have enough O defensemen and don’t need another one – particularly one that doesn’t know how to play Defense.
How about kessel, brassard and haglin for domi, drouin and pacioretty? Pens pick up a little more cap room and get younger
I love the way people throw names around for trades with zero regard
for chemistry!! Drouin is a headache “no thanks”!!
Hey Joe,
If we haven’t already done so, I want to welcome you to PenguinPoop!
Very intriguing proposal. And purely from a Pens perspective, one with considerable merit. Drouin didn’t have a great season (13 goals, minus-28), but he’s got tons of potential. Likewise, Domi.
However, I don’t think the Habs would do such a deal for the flip side reasons. They’d be adding age to a lineup already liberally sprinkled with 30-somethings…including high-priced vets like Shea Weber and Carey Price. Not to mention taking on a vet with a questionable rep like Kessel.
Great thought, though. I sure would like to see us add some youthful enthusiasm and fresh legs.
Rick