The Penguins’ waiver train continued today. The latest to hit the shinny version of a slag pile? Forward Brock McGinn and defenseman Mark Friedman.
Signed as a free agent in the summer of 2021, McGinn is in the second year of a four-year deal with an AAV of $2.75 million. Although solid defensively and a capable penalty killer, McGinn’s blown hot and (mostly) cold offensively during his stay with the black and gold.
Indeed, after scoring eight goals over a 21-game stretch earlier this season, the “Brock Star’s” been goalless (and pointless) in 26 games since. Lest you think it’s an anomaly, he netted only three goals over his final 32 regular-season games last season.
The first player acquired by Ron Hextall after assumed the GM reins from Jim Rutherford, the feisty Friedman has generally served as a seventh or eighth defenseman. Given his aggressive nature…a rare commodity on our lightweight Pens…not to mention his speed and ability to play both sides of defense, I would much rather have waived Chad Ruhwedel, a tad more expensive and five years older.
Such is the way of things during the Mike Sullivan era.
Obviously, a prelude to more moves. As reported on Pensburgh, could one involve Canucks forward and Pittsburgh area-native J.T. Miller?
Rick
Penguins just received JT Miller in a trade with Canucks. The return is unknown
at this time.
Rick
Not sure if I was a little premature on Miller. I heard it’s done but I’m not seeing it
posted anywhere. Keeping my fingers crossed.
Hi mike,
TSN reports Vancouver sent Luke Schenn to Toronto for a 3rd round pick and Toronto also got .Erik Gustafsson
and a First round pick 2023 from Washington for Rasmus Sandin. .
Also today Oilers trade forward Puljujarvi to Hurricanes for Puistola.
Lots of things going on.
Hey Mike,
Not that I’m against Miller, he’s a very good offensive player, good on faceoffs, decent size and plays with an edge. But I have no idea how we’d been begin to fit him cap-wise. This season’s $5.25 mil isn’t too bad…but it escalates to $8 million per for the next seven seasons!!!! Ay carumba!
Another Canuck forward surfaced in rumors who I absolutely, positively don’t want…Brock Boeser. He’s a decent enough scorer, although he really hasn’t improved since a 29-goal rookie season, and he brings absolutely no physicality. Reputed to be unpopular with his teammates as well.
Surprisingly, I am reading the Pens may very much be in the Jakob Chychrun hunt…
Rick