If I Were the Penguins GM

I spent a good portion of the fall commenting on former general manager Jim Rutherford’s moves. I was also quick to offer up suggestions as to who I would’ve tried to sign or acquire. I thought it would be fun (and a bit humbling) to go back and take a look at how the guys I would’ve added are doing.

Maybe, I should’ve titled this article, “Okay Buker, if You’re So Smart…(Not).”

For the purpose of keeping this fun and light, I’m ignoring cap considerations. As for my grading system, I’ll use three different ratings in honor of my dear friend Kimi Milos regarding my suggested moves: Bueno, No Bueno and Par (even). Entirely subjective, of course.

I’ll start with my proposed trades:

Sam Bennett (Calgary) for Jared McCann

I like McCann a lot. He’s versatile, possesses great speed, an excellent shot and release and he works hard at both ends of the ice. But I covet Bennett for the toughness and sand he’d provide, elements we could sorely use. Although this deal’s a little hard to evaluate because McCann’s been hurt, I’d probably rate this Par. Would still love to have Bennett.

Erik Gudbranson (Ottawa) and a draft pick for Marcus Pettersson

When I proposed this trade, the Pens’ penalty kill was getting murdered. Too, rookie Pierre Olivier-Joseph had exploded onto the scene, making Pettersson seem superfluous. Since then, the PK’s improved, P-O has tanked and Cody Ceci has emerged as a pretty solid third-pairing defenseman. Although I’d love to have Gudbranson, objectively there really isn’t room for him. No Bueno.

Okay, now for the free agents:

Zach Bogosian (Toronto) or Trevor van Riemsdyk (Washington) or Matt Benning (Nashville) instead of Cody Ceci

Among Rutherford’s off-season acquisitions, I probably liked the Ceci signing the least. Based on his metrics and scouting reports, on paper he appeared to be a younger version of Jack Johnson. Frankly, I thought JR had lost his mind. And while I still wouldn’t mind having Bogosian (bigger, more physical), honestly Ceci’s outperformed all of these guys. No Bueno.

Erik Haula (Nashville) instead of Mark Jankowski

Not much to choose from here. Jankowski’s play has fallen off a cliff following a fast start. But Haula hasn’t been much to write home about, either. While I’d like to think the flying Finn would be more productive with the Pens, you really don’t know. Par.

Jesper Fast (Carolina) or Dominik Kahun (Edmonton) instead of Evan Rodrigues

I like Fast. But the player I really wanted was Kahun, who did such a good job for us last season before being traded…ironically…for Rodrigues. Another “either or” that’s tough to evaluate because Rodrigues is on IR. Then again, when he was healthy the former BU Terrier spent oodles of time on Sidney Crosby’s line and couldn’t score. Meanwhile, Kahun has been reasonably productive in a limited role with the Oilers. My first Bueno.

Kyle Clifford (St. Louis) instead of Jordan Nolan

A case where I like both players. Ironically, both former Cup winners with the Kings. I would’ve signed Clifford to provide some leadership and toughness. While not as accomplished a fighter as his ex-teammate, Nolan would’ve done nicely, too. Alas, he didn’t stick following training camp and was returned to the Baby Pens. I’ll claim a flimsy Bueno on this one, mainly because Clifford is playing in the NHL and would’ve filled an area of need for the Pens.

Craig Anderson (Washington) instead of Maxime Lagace

I’d feel a lot more comfortable with Anderson, an 18-year NHL vet, backing up Tristan Jarry and Casey DeSmith, instead of Lagace, who has all of 17 mostly porous big-league games on his resume. Fortunately, our goalies have been healthy. Still, I’ll give myself a slight Bueno on this one and say we’d be better off with Anderson.

Let’s see. That’s three Buenos, two No Buenos and two Pars. Which, at least in my eyes, puts me slightly ahead of the curve.

A little teaser. Other Rick is going to do a much more elaborate (and better) “If I Were GM” piece. Stay tuned.