The Penguins have traded centers Derick Brassard and Riley Sheahan to the Florida Panthers for centers Nick Bjugstad and Jared McCann. The deal, announced earlier in the day by general manager Jim Rutherford, was the club’s second this week and fifth in-season deal since November.
JR also parted with a second-round pick and two fourth-rounders in the exchange.
My first blush? The Pens get younger. McCann is 22 and Bjugstad 26, as opposed to Brassard and Sheahan (31 and 27 respectively). They also gain some size (Bjugstad goes a whopping 6’6″ 215) and speed with McCann. Both are former first-round picks. Neither is especially physical…89 hits this season for the Panthers combined.
The locals gain an extra level of control as well. While Brassard and Sheahan were due to become unrestricted free agents in July, Bjugstad is signed through 2020-21 at an AAV of $4.1 million. McCann is secured through next season with a cap hit of $1.25 million.
Once regarded as a player of considerable promise, Bjugstad has endured an up-and-down career in South Florida similar to that of the departed Sheahan. After notching a career-best 24 goals in 2014-15, the mammoth Minneapolis native tumbled to a meager 14 points (in 54 games) two seasons ago before rebounding with a career-high 49 points in ’17-18. This season he’s got five goals and 12 points in 32 games.
Originally drafted by Vancouver in 2014, McCann cracked the Canucks’ lineup as a 19-year-old rookie in 2015-16. He enjoyed his most productive campaign last season with the Panthers, totaling nine goals and 28 points. Numbers he’s on pace to equal or break this season (eight goals, 18 points in 46 games).
“Right now, he can be used as a shutdown center iceman,” Rutherford said. “He can kill penalties, but I also feel there’s an upside there offensively over time.”
Once thing he’ll need to work on is faceoffs. His career rate? A putrid 39.2 percent.
The trade effectively ends the Brassard era…one filled with disappointment. Although a solid, skilled hockey player the Hull, Quebec native never hit his stride with the black and gold (12 goals and 23 points in 54 games, minus-5 over two seasons), let alone matched the sizeable expectations set for him. Nor have the Pens fully recovered the chemistry they displayed prior to his arrival at last season’s trade deadline. A development Rutherford hopes to remedy with his latest deal.
“When our team is playing and focused and with these additions, I like our team,” he said. “The good news is we’ve got a few weeks to watch it now. I don’t sense urgency at this point in time unless I’m shown otherwise in the next few weeks.”
Hello TOr&Rick,
I think Penguins organization needs to get real here. Mike Sullivan expiration date is here. It has been here for two seasons. HE NEEDS TO BE FIRED ASAP.
At what point do people and Penguins organization start realizing the Sullivan is the real problem.
He’s hold this team back and tryna change players to play something that are not capable to do with their skill set. He’s has no idea of blending and balancing players on the ice to present urgency , consistency and chemistry that will have this team thriving on the ice.
Rutherford has try to bring everything this team needs with tight cap space..with some hot and misses.
Sullivan had physicality, grit , , speed , heart And hunger to match with his successful stars complete total package on the ice. He blow it. He ran them out of team.
MIKE SULLIVAN IS PENGUINS BIGGEST PROBLEM ON THE TEAM.
Yes. They need consistent goaltending and defense. C’mon .
They need better coaching, trust process, continuity , consistency, better consistent system, line combos, tactics and strategies from their coach. All of the above.
Pens are playing like Mike Johnston’s and Dan Blysma’s On the ice. Players personnel from Mike Sullivan has kill their MENTALLY AND HAVE THEM NOT BEING THEMSELVES. They playing stuff dump and chase. They are playing afraid and coach give no strategies against teams hard forecheck and consistent way to shit them down.
He’s being out coached and completely having no idea what he’s doing with players.
Players are are not performing to their ultimate potential and they look out sorts all time. They are discombobulated and just unhappy behind Mike Sullivan. It’s clear and cut. Constant line shuffling and bad lines combos that do not help them to be a great elite team on the ice.
Players are built on continuity and consistency. They have several routines and things that keep them the best on the ice. One of them is playing with linemates they know on the ice for a least 20-70 Hell all season. It isn’t happening.
When stars are looking up to the heavens and blank stares into spaces. Completely unhappy and taking constant blame for a mediocre coach.
Mike Sullivan is not a great coach . He cannot coach and develop players in the league. He can’t.
You can’t not keep line shuffling and think you will get results and answer on the ice.
MIKE SULLIVAN IS MEDICORE COACH WHO INHERITED A TEAM WITH STARS AND GREAT SUPPORTING CAST THAT HE HAD TORN APART FOR HIS OWN AGENDA AND BRUISING EGO.
I can go and go on .. All I can say I told you.. i gave my arguments and evidence on here.. I seen this movie before.. last season it started with Sidney Crosby getting no consisteny from him among other things..
8 game winning streak wins fluke with many problems and inconsistent. Special teams and goaltending save Mike Sullivan’s job. You take that 8 game winning streak streak. Penguins record is 19-20-6 this season so far.
My comments stated problems with team that hurt a lot with coaching and Sullivan inabilities this season. Rick Tocchet is truly missed. Reechi needs to be fired too.
Rutherford can trade all he wants and continue to protect Mike Sullivan to shield the blame on players that don’t deserve it. At end of day Sullivan being the real problem will never change and give this team a opportunity to excel on the ice.
This is Malkin and Crosby time. Crosby’s two way hockey is being wasted.
They deserve better and need better from coaching and line combos that give them consistency for help on the ice. They have a lot left in the tank and deserves to win 2-3 more cups..
Penguins want to win the Stanley cup and ride in the sunset. Firing Mike Sullivan and Mark Reechi give them that chance to do it. Thank him and fired him.
I have never like Mike Sullivan and will never like him as coach on this team. He should be on the hot seat.
Elite Players come one in lifetime. Coaches are not the same level and importance like elite players. Coaches have short shelf lives for a reason.
Penguins organization players personnel problems . They fix it and stop letting players that do all the great things go thst mesh well to this team.
I hope all is well. I know life is good and business.
I hope to see new articles.
Hey Dee,
First I apologize, I have been strapped on time lately so I haven’t had time to focus on an article. However, judging by what you have just written, hopefully you will appreciate what I am drafting right now.
Needless to say I agree, Sullivan is the biggest problem on this team. He can’t complain about too many of the players anymore, most of the ones he inherited are gone; these are pretty much his boys. If he complains about them – he is complaining about himself.
Take away that 8 game win streak and this team is a world of hurt.
One would hope that the return of Malkin, Schultz, and Murray will help – well at least help in the standings but hurt the team over all as it will refuel that false hope. So long as Sully is in charge I see a downward spiral to at least mediocrity, hopefully not worse.
Absolutely,
They are completely discombobulated on the ice. They not winning pucks and drive the play off the rush. Defense are not puck out zone quick with quick decisions to get a chance of the rush to get anything going. Stars barely touch the puck. When stars do touch the puck they are completely heavy forecheck or double team all the ice. Several periods Penguins are shooting and touching the puck longer enough to gain possession to cycle down low. Crosby , Guentzel, Rust Bjugstad seems to do it. Crosby and Guentzel get more credit for it.
Defenseman need to defend first , be aware, take the simple route with transition game to create something better in the offensive zone
and stop pinch aggressively when their is nothing there.
Lacking puck support and back end help The negates easy move up the ice.
Mike Sullivan got stop shuffling lines around every damn second he gets. It’s out of hand. I will give you a complete example of it. Guentzel-Crosby-Rust were creating a lot against Carolina at all and tiring them out. Get chances and completely very quick and heavy forecheck. He decide take that momentum away to have Penguins players scattered again. Backfired. He wants to go back to it.
Penguins are very one and done on the ice with defending to much because Sullivan is being out coached and his inabilities every game that hurts this team a lot. I believe it whole lot of toxicity with Sullivan thst players can not be themselves on the ice to bring that consistency, urgency, chemistry, great inspiring hockey on the ice. He’s infatuated with putting a spark together that doesn’t need to be there. If it isn’t broke don’t fix. Fix the things that needs to be fix with consistency, take the roster seriously and find the positives to out weight the negatives.
Mike Sullivan can’t hang in this league. He isn’t Pens long term coach to longevity to build continuously success …He’s creating the disgruntled mess on the ice and cause blame to players that don’t deserve it.
No . I’m not against Mcgann. I think he will do good. I think he’s a very quiet Center that gets the job done on the ice. He does have great qualities. I just don’t know .I’m curious to see if he’s thst physicality when needed on the ice. I just think Charlie Coyle is more better to have and Bjugstad would be a great RW for top line once Malkin is back and healthy in the lineup. I’m just litte mad we didn’t go for Charlie Coyle. Excuse me.
I’m happy to see how it goes with healthy Malkin back in the lineup.
Hello Everyone,
Penguins need a solid better LW for Malkin. IMO. Especially if Adam Johnson won’t get a look. I wouldn’t be surprised they dump Blueger into WBS for Zar. I won’t.
I would mind Rust / Pearson-Malkin-Keesel . Sullivan gotta let it stick.
I’m still weary about Mcgann. I think Charlie Coyle would’ve have been better. I think Bjugstad is good , But I would put up with Crosby & Guentzel for various reasons. His passing is good . It isn’t good enough for him to succeed on his own line long term , imo. I love the chemistry with Kessel. I don’t see it sustainable. He don’t kill penalties either.
Bjugstad got the speed, long reach, 50/50 puck battles / going to net win he needs to, protect with puck and works great down low. I hope They give it a look.
He’s better at Right winger and several scouts basically said the same thing. I believe he can help Crosby. I don’t mind Rust over Simon. I prefer Simon in a trade or for Barring injuries.
Rust still get it done when he’s consistent to open for them with a hop. HBjugstad, Rust , Hornqvist will be my options for RW on top line.
Healthy lineup
I would:
Guentzel-Crosby-Rust ( Bjugstad should get long term) His like a Hornqvist but better in a little speed with acceleration etc)
Pearson/Rust/AdamJohnson/NeW LW-Malkin -Kessel
?- Mcgann/3C/Hornqvist
Defense Corp for now
Dumoulin -Letang
Määttä-Schultz
Pettersson/Riikola-Rudwedel/Prow
Send Riikola and Pettersson down . Do something with Johnson.
It could be
Prow -Rudwedel. Idk.
Cullen does pretty ok good for assignments and veteran mentoring/ just his great presence for the youth. Here and there ee. I would rest him to keep him fresh.
Zar/Cullen/? -Blueger-?/Angello ( Wilson)
Chris Krieder What guys think? What you give up for him. A body, a fourth/fifth pick? Pettersson or Rikkola ? I don’t know.
Penguins going out maybe Chris Kreider. He’s LW and big body. Great speed .That can throw Simon and Zar our the lineup to be trade or plugs for injuries.
I thought about LW Ryan Dzingel too. I would rather Adam Johnson get his chance.
Either way I think Rutherford should go after Pesce or Faulk from Carolina.
D core needs to be strengthening. Particularly Bottom Pairing. Then remove Johnson and Letang to open cap space and go after better options in the league for top pairing with Dumoulin and bottom pairing.
Riikola and Pettersson are 7/8 Defensemen to me . Johnson is horrible. I wouldn’t be mad with Pettersson and Prow or Pettersson and Rudwedel. Although I think Pettersson is not that good , needs to bulk up and he doesn’t have enough speed to keep up. I’m curious to see him without Johnson on the ice . I would put Riikola and Pettersson in a trade or WBS. Figure dumping Johnson for something. Give a Prow a opportunity yup here.
I think it time for more youth up here and get them ready in term with rigorous of hockey league. Prow deserves a chance with other players from WBS. Angello, A.Johnson and Prow are my top candidates.
I really love Blueger and I don’t see no reason for him to go back down. He’s Taking Zar and Simon’s spot. I like his defense conscience to be in the right position to help out go after offensive zone to create a great scoring chances. He’s hungry, fast and breath of air. Penguins need Teddy Blueger on this team. He takes what given what to him on the ice. He’s seem to be mature great into working three zone.
I thought in that leafs game he deserved to play more than 8 minutes especially after scoring the only goal aar ES. I would have promoted him to second line and know Simon to fourth line. I hope Sullivan don’t mess him over him.
I’m excited to see Määttä-Schultz reunited. Schultz is skating with full contact. He’s progressing well.
I’m very frustrated happy for Schultz, But I’m beyond happy for Määttä because he get a better defensive partner that nhl ready and solid to Bring out more of his solid game for him. Great second pairing defenseman.
Hey all,
I’m a little pressed for time so I’m going to do a blanket response. But great comments and insights all. And thank you, so much, for faithfully reading and supporting our blog. You guys are what make it great.
I haven’t spent much time watching either Bjugstad or McCann, so I’m not super familiar with them. But Bjugstad impressed me during last night’s 5-3 win over Ottawa. He skates pretty well for a big guy and, more importantly, was very involved. The puck seemed to follow him…or vice versa…and he wasn’t shy about going to the net. All positive attributes.
McCann was a little harder to read although he, too, was involved. I heard a comment that the Pens feel he’s a young version of Nick Bonino. To my eye, he reminds me of one of Rutherford’s earliest acquisitions…Nick Spaling. Again, it’s just one game.
Another thing that impressed me? The fact that they arrived in time to play. By contrast, neither Brassard nor Sheahan suited up in Florida’s 4-1 loss to Nashville.
Which brings me to my main point. Nothing against Derick or Riley personally, but I think we shed two “passengers.” Hopefully, we got two guys…or at least one (Bjugstad)…who’ll have an impact.
An added bonus…Teddy Blueger’s getting a shot. He looked really impressive last night and made some nice plays, not to mention scoring a sniper’s goal. He did more in 10 minutes than Brassard generally did in a dozen games. In stark contrast to Derick, who was barely noticeable at times, I thought Blueger was very noticeable. His work ethic is reported to be off the charts.
A little youthful enthusiasm can go a long way toward lighting a spark under a team that, frankly, doesn’t always play with enough hop or urgency. Let’s hope the improved effort continues.
Rick
Hey Rick,
Great stuff. I like the trade. I wasn’t very familiar with either player, but watched a lot of video of them today. The one thing that stuck out was how both of them are guys that create lots of traffic in front of the other net. It showed last night when Bjugstad screened the Ottawa goalie for one of the goals.
Looking at their stats another thing that stood out was that Bjugstad was the only Florida player with a positive plus minus that had played more than five games this year.
I wonder if Rutherford is doing the hockey version of “Moneyball”. The offense guys the Pens traded away were the only 3 that had negative +/-‘s not named Kessel or Malkin.
The downside of Bjugstad is that like Brassard he has gotten many of his points on the powerplay yet won’t see much time on it for the Pens.
I don’t know if you could see it on TV, but Bjugstad threw a pass in the third period straight to an Ottawa player. It was pretty funny, he completely forgot what color team he was on.
If you haven’t seen it, here is a video of the guys getting off the plane and driving to Pittsburgh and just making it to the game on time. Pretty cool to hear their reactions when going through the tunnel and then watching them chug a red bull before going on the ice.
https://www.nhl.com/penguins/video/bjugstadmccann-arrival-2119/t-277437428/c-65487203
Hey Phil,
Thank you!
I was at the game last night. Pretty cool arrival and they were ready h to go and kept it simple. I like they were preparing and very happy to get here to help the team win. I thought Bjugstad was pretty good with some little mistakes. One time he covered for a bad pinch. He had instant chemistry with Kessel.
All I know they are breath of fresh air.
Bjugstad seems to be the most one that will be impactful. I know Bjugstad can play and have watch over the years. I just hope Sullivan doesn’t mess this up. I hope they stick and other players from WBS get a opportunity.
I would hope to see him get Crosby’s line. He’s seem to have the great deception speed and will go to the net. He can make great passes too.
I like Rust and Simon for bottom lines duties where they belong. Rust have better speed to puck retrieve and fore- checking. Between Rust or Simon to be on the top lines. I would take Rust everyday of the week. ( if needed)?Although I think it best . Rust and Simon don’t it for me at all. It weighs Crosby and down on the ice from my eye test. No consistency from them and long enough chemistry.
Regardless Penguins move dead ‘passengers’ and have a chance to develop chemistry and consistency before they to go the playoffs.
Still A lot of holes and work to do. ( IMO) Dislikes and likes I have. Defense is another story. All and All Penguins are moving foward to become deep enough and starting to understand they need more hunger and youth with their elite stars.
I still believe Penguins are soft and needs physicality with grit hockey in your face. Stars shouldn’t be hurt. Malkin should be playing tonight. To many times I see him vulnerable and get level on the ice a lot.
I will continue to keep eye on the way how these players are deployed and how good they are on the ice. Bjugstad express me. Nothing new.
Malkin? Needs consistency and better LW. Rust, Adam Johnson, Pearson are my candidates with Kessel. Hell Hornqvist on the right.
Sullivan needs to do a better job of giving him consistency and defensive minded LW. Those candidates can do it . My money is on Adam Johnson. Maybe Mcgann. Rust can do. A long as it’s consistent.
A.Johnson/Pearson/Rust-Malkin-Kessel/Hornqvist would be my line for Malkin. I’m not down on Malkin, I know he needs better help and hockey is hard. Shultz’s return is beneficial for top lines rotating and powerplay.
Praying for a speed recovery him.
Crosby’s line? I don’t think Simon look good there and he just all over the place. He don’t do it for me . I put it in my other comments those reason
Crosby and Guentzel have to much issues with him. He can’t play in all game situations. Not even over 15 minutes. Odd fit. He’s ok.
That’s my observation. I like that Crosby and Guentzel basically ignore Simon and did their thing. I bet Bjugstad can be a great RW for Crosby or Third line with Maybe Mcgann at times.
I don’t mind seeing Mcgann playing 3C . He seem to have that two way hockey for the role. Problem he doesn’t do Pk. Only time will time.
I hope Penguins can get the best out them and continue suceed.
Sullivan needs to let players build consistency and chemistry through better line combos for the rest of the season unless they are barring injuries or Pk during game.
Brassard and Sheahan. I think it’s a dead weight lift off this team. I hope to see some other players go. Trade is ok.
2 points tonight . Let’s go Pens!
Hey Dee,
Awesome you got to go to the game! It looks like from the video that the Penguins flew them in on a private charter jet. That was cool, plus the players clapping when they got into the locker room.
It will be interesting to see how they fit into the system when Malkin is back. Bjugstad is looking really good though the knock on him is his poor passing. McCann is supposedly a great skater. I haven’t seen it yet, but these two games were under weird circumstances for them.
Right now the RBK “Reebok” line Rust, Bjugstad, Kessel is looking really good. If they could find someone to work with Malkin out of Hornqvist, Pearson & McCann then Sullivan would have his 3 scoring lines again.
Then you have Blueger. Blueger is becoming a bit of a problem now also, a great problem. Having too many puzzle pieces is better than not having enough I guess.
Hey Rick,
Sorry that I just to this. Haven’t had much time lately.
We talked about tjis a bit yesterday. In terms of players, shedding Brassard is a win, shedding Sheahan? I wasn’t wasn’t really as soured on him as Brassard. If you go back into the archives you will remember that I didn’t like either trade.
I wasn’t all that enamored of Scott Wilson but I saw very little in Sheahan’s game before coming here that made me think he could be a 3rd line Center. He had a hot streak last year that started me thinking maybe I was wrong, but then JR dealt for Brassard and Sheahan fell apart. If I recall correctly I was really on against the trade because the Penguins took on Salary that I didn’t think they needed to take on.
Brassard – I didn’t want him at all. The team was hitting on all cylinders with Cole and Reaves. All that trade did was strip the team of chemistry and grit. Although no one on these boards came out and said it, I am sure many foresaw the team bowing out early when confronted by physical teams.
When you add in the stupidity of trading a first pick and a former first pick and top prospect Gustavsson the trade was beyond pathetic. It served only to placate an incredible ego.
Had JR held out and demanded Pageau for that price I may have been a little more reconciled to the trade.
A couple of thoughts;
You note that you were impressed with the fact that Bjugstad and McCann busted tail to be in uniform last night while Brassard and Sheahan dragged their feet. First, there is some discussion that Brassard is only in Fla on a whistle stop tour and will be dealt away soon, that would explain his plodding. Second, especially if Brassard isn’t being re-traded, and in Sheahan’s case regardless, your point can very well be evidence of my frustration with the Penguin’s tyrant coach; those former Penguins would appear drained of any will to play hockey – while Bjugstad and McCann still love the game. Third, how long before Bjugstad and McCann lose their love of the game. They may survive their first trip into Sullivan’s dog house or ignore some of Sullivan’s favoritism but it will thin on them too. Fourth, how long will it before Bjugstad is given press box time. He is almost twice as tall as Sullivan likes his players. If Bjugstad starts to throw his weight around and gets physical, it won’t take long.
I wouldn’t mind seeing Bjugstad on Crosby’s line and Mcgann playing 3C with Pearson and Hornqvist. Two good players with energy and some great qualities.
I hope Sullivan do makes this up.
Hey Dee,
I know you are not a fan of Simon or Rust, but I believe Sullivan has them on Crsoby’s line for their speed, fore-checking and defensive play. They have tried many times over the years to find players that fit in and this is the only time I have ever it work with Crosby. I’m not sure I would mess with what is working so well.
Malkin is the one who seems to be hurting for wingers that work. Maybe once he’s healthy they should try these guys on his line and see if anything clicks?
Hello Tor & Rick,
I really don’t have that much feelings to this trade. I like that they go rid of Sheahan and Brassard. Rutherford shouldn’t never traded for Brassard and sign Sheahan to 2.1 mil.
I never liked the Brassard Trade and Sheahan Signing at all.
I just see Rutherford and Penguins organization needs to do better . It has gone downhill from here. ( two-three years)
Rutherford trades signings and trades have not been positive for a short term and long term sustainable to run a team to the finish h line and to have something left in 7-10years. Rutherford comments do not make sense and it contradicts everything he tries to do. It backfires more than strengthening to long term.
They need to have win now mode and a game plan for the future. Rutherford doesn’t have that.
I understand the younger part to key depth. But Penguins have some players that belong to play up here. (From WBS)
•Adam Johnson LW
•Anthony Angello RW/LW
•Ethan Prow D
•Nikita Pavlychev C ( sooner or later
•Jordy Bellerive C(sooner or later)
Nick Bjugstad might come out to be a positive. I guess. However, Bjugstad is injury prone and seem to be best on RW so he won’t have to think that much on center position. McCann isn’t noticeable and not a good center . That just me. ( from my research)
Bjugstad could blossom and become the player he can from Florida. I just get the sense that in a couple of months to a year Penguins will be in the same spots age with a Brassard type situation. Because Sullivan has problems with players and that player that supposed ‘play the right way’ on the ice. Rutherford always suggests he will let Sullivan decide what he wants to with his only statement where he wants players to play. They are not playing in that role and all of sudden they scratched and traded.
There’s a big disconnect and deferring thst Needs stop between Mike Sullivan and Jim Rutherford. One Scenario: Rutherford doesn’t want Simon to play in the top 6 . Sullivan is playing him in the top 6 .
Maybe it’s me. Simon numbers are inflated with Guentzel and Crosby. He isn’t a top 6 fowards. Eye test show it just isn’t there with them for short term and long term for Crosby’s line . It hurts Guentzel and Crosby chemistry and to get stuff done.
I don’t see where Simon warrants to play top 6. He hasn’t earned it nor brought consistency. He’s bottom 6 odd player He got a point because Guentzel was heavy on on forecheck and puck cane to Simon to get to Crosby. ( Tb game)
Crosby should’ve at least 30-35 goals right now. Simon passing to much, falls down, outmuscled, turn the puck over passing don’t connect, pass don’t connect with Crosby and Guentzel, passing to defenders, mediocre defensively, to cute east -west, Ahl mentality, stay on to long on the ice, unawareness on the ice and just not a linemAte for them etc. I guess. Have ok mediocre give and go and ok hockey iq gets you there. Penguins will not make it with Simon on the top line. Sheary 2.0
Crosby and Guentzel do not need a Ahl mentality players with to many passing and no finishing. They need someone who can shoot and open up space with standing back in the play to let them do their thing.
I don’t really like Zar and Simon. Right now I would probably take Zar over Simon for bottom 6 and trade Simon. Trade both at this this point for greater better player.
Penguins only got Bjugstad out this deal. I knew for a longtime that Penguins want Bjugstad, But he doesn’t fit the Penguins style and he doesn’t do Pk in terms for 3C . He may get groom for positive.
Rutherford could’ve do better and do a PLAYER FOR PLAYER DEAL WITH ONE LOW PICK / other player for Charlie Coyle or something.
They gave up to many picks for Brassard over the last year. 1st , 2Nd, 3rd , 4th picks .
I think Rutherford is consistently cutting bait or try undo mistakes over two years. Because Sullivan doesn’t like the player, it doesn’t pan , Sullivan misuse the player , Rutherford overpaid, force Rutherford to trade and Rutherford keep thinking they reinvent every player that come here.
I really hope this trade helps some holes on this team. B-\C-Trade. They got one player on the deal, imo.
Because everytime Rutherford go after , some speed, size and grit it backfires. Sullivan doesn’t like players with size and that will get nasty. Bjugstad does that at times. I would like this trade more better with Oleskiak , Reaves and Cole still on the roster.
Florida win the trade at this point. I like Bjugstad for various reasons from watching him years ago. Because they will flip and get some great more things in return.
I just wish the holes were fixed on the D core. Penguins D is weak to me. Patterson, Rikkola and Johnson don’t cut it. Penguins needs a better bottom pairing with Shultz’s return. I would like to see Prow get a shot. Riikola or Patterson go through wavier and get pick up. So be it.
I’m serious about moving Jack Johnson and Kris Letang for short term and long term on defense core.
I pray Rutherford give Adam Johnson a chance to help the LW with Malkin or third line. I hope he doesn’t get his itching fingers to get Ferland. Ferland is a nono. High price, cant pay him him, injury prone/substance abuse problems and Sullivan will put him in the dog house for stepping up.
A player for player deal would’ve been better with Adam Johnson call up.
Penguins gotta rid of Sheahan and Brassard. That’s good.
Hello Tor & Rick,
I really don’t have that much feelings to this trade. I like that they go rid of Sheahan and Brassard. Rutherford shouldn’t never traded for Brassard and sign Sheahan to 2.1 mil.
I never liked the Brassard Trade and Sheahan Signing at all.
I just see Rutherford and Penguins organization needs to do better . It has gone downhill from here. ( two-three years)
Rutherford trades signings and trades have not been positive for a short term and long term sustainable to run a team to the finish h line and to have something left in 7-10years. Rutherford comments do not make sense and it contradicts everything he tries to do. It backfires more than strengthening to long term.
They need to have win now mode and a game plan for the future. Rutherford doesn’t have that.
I understand the younger part to key depth. But Penguins have some players that belong to play up here. (From WBS)
•Adam Johnson LW
•Anthony Angello RW/LW
•Ethan Prow D
•Nikita Pavlychev C ( sooner or later
•Jordy Bellerive C(sooner or later)
Nick Bjugstad might come out to be a positive. I guess. However, Bjugstad is injury prone and seem to be best on RW so he won’t have to think that much on center position. McCann isn’t noticeable and not a good center . That just me. ( from my research)
Bjugstad could blossom and become the player he can from Florida. I just get the sense that in a couple of months to a year Penguins will be in the same spots age with a Brassard type situation. Because Sullivan has problems with players and that player that supposed ‘play the right way’ on the ice. Rutherford always suggests he will let Sullivan decide what he wants to with his only statement where he wants players to play. They are not playing in that role and all of sudden they scratched and traded.
There’s a big disconnect and deferring thst Needs stop between Mike Sullivan and Jim Rutherford. One Scenario: Rutherford doesn’t want Simon to play in the top 6 . Sullivan is playing him in the top 6 .
Maybe it’s me. Simon numbers are inflated with Guentzel and Crosby. He isn’t a top 6 fowards. Eye test show it just isn’t there with them for short term and long term for Crosby’s line . It hurts Guentzel and Crosby chemistry and to get stuff done.
I don’t see where Simon warrants to play top 6. He hasn’t earned it nor brought consistency. He’s bottom 6 odd player He got a point because Guentzel was heavy on on forecheck and puck cane to Simon to get to Crosby. ( Tb game)
Crosby should’ve at least 30-35 goals right now. Simon passing to much, falls down, outmuscled, turn the puck over passing don’t connect, pass don’t connect with Crosby and Guentzel, passing to defenders, mediocre defensively, to cute east -west, Ahl mentality, stay on to long on the ice, unawareness on the ice and just not a linemAte for them etc. I guess. Have ok mediocre give and go and ok hockey iq gets you there. Penguins will not make it with Simon on the top line. Sheary 2.0
Crosby and Guentzel do not need a Ahl mentality players with to many passing and no finishing. They need someone who can shoot and open up space with standing back in the play to let them do their thing.
I don’t really like Zar and Simon. Right now I would probably take Zar over Simon for bottom 6 and trade Simon. Trade both at this this point for greater better player.
Penguins only got Bjugstad out this deal. I knew for a longtime that Penguins want Bjugstad, But he doesn’t fit the Penguins style and he doesn’t do Pk in terms for 3C . He may get groom for positive.
Rutherford could’ve do better and do a PLAYER FOR PLAYER DEAL WITH ONE LOW PICK / other player for Charlie Coyle or something.
They gave up to many picks for Brassard over the last year. 1st , 2Nd, 3rd , 4th picks .
I think Rutherford is consistently cutting bait or try undo mistakes over two years. Because Sullivan doesn’t like the player, it doesn’t pan , Sullivan misuse the player , Rutherford overpaid, force Rutherford to trade and Rutherford keep thinking they reinvent every player that come here.
I really hope this trade helps some holes on this team. B-\C-Trade. They got one player on the deal, imo.
Because everytime Rutherford go after , some speed, size and grit it backfires. Sullivan doesn’t like players with size and that will get nasty. Bjugstad does that at times. I would like this trade more better with Oleskiak , Reaves and Cole still on the roster.
Florida win the trade at this point. I like Bjugstad for various reasons from watching him years ago. Because they will flip and get some great more things in return.
I just wish the holes were fixed on the D core. Penguins D is weak to me. Patterson, Rikkola and Johnson don’t cut it. Penguins needs a better bottom pairing with Shultz’s return. I would like to see Prow get a shot. Riikola or Patterson go through wavier and get pick up. So be it.
I’m serious about moving Jack Johnson and Kris Letang.
I pray Rutherford give Adam Johnson a chance to help the LW with Malkin or third line. I hope he doesn’t get his itching fingers to get Ferland. Ferland is a nono. High price, cant pay him him, injury prone/substance abuse problems and Sullivan will put him in the dog house for stepping up.
A player for player deal would’ve been better with Adam Johnson call up.
Rick
No real feelings for the trade – we did get younger – picked up a little size
and speed but we may of actually gotten softer.
Everyone excited because they have term – that’s only good if you still
want them after this season.
I’m keeping my fingers crossed for Ferland – I’m thinking Jarry and our 1st
round pick will be needed to make it happen.
Hope your well.
Hi Rick, Great article.
Always liked Bjugstad. Big boy with upside. A change of scenery will do him good. I do not know enough about McCann to comment.A little small. But he should have more promise than Sheahan.
Hopefully there is more to come on the trade scene as we need a blockbuster to really shake something up. We do need another d- man with size and who can actually play defense and an explosive winger with some grit for Geno. Probably not going to happen.
Hope you are keeping warm my friend.
Cheers !
Jim