Hi all. I’ve been focusing on another writing project and, frankly, needed to take a break from the blog. But I thought I’d break the silence and post a bit of a mish-mash ramble. Here goes:
All-World
Three Penguins have played a prominent role for Team USA in the IIHF World Championship. Forward Drew O’Connor (pictured above) has tallied three goals and five points in six games, including a pair of goals during a 9-0 shellacking of France on Sunday.
Erstwhile black-and-gold backup Casey DeSmith has sparked between the pipes, posting a .962 save percentage and 1.00 goals against average in three starts. His most recent, a 22-save shutout of Denmark on Saturday.
Oh, and veteran Nick Bonino has a pair of goals and three points in five games while serving as team captain.
North of the border, defenseman Pierre-Olivier Joseph has a goal to go with a plus-four in six games for Team Canada.
While the level of competition certainly isn’t NHL-caliber, here’s hoping their success in the tournament will serve as a confidence booster, especially for O’Connor, DeSmith and Joseph.
In particular, I think DOC has untapped potential. And while this comparison might seem outrageously over the top, a certain star forward for the Sabres of similar rangy dimensions experienced a similar start to his NHL career before blossoming into a lethal scorer.
Can you say Tage Thompson?
Hold the Phone
Pierre LeBrun of the Athletic suggests Fenway Sports Group has narrowed its GM search to the following five candidates: ‘Canes assistant GM Eric Tulsky, Lightning director of hockey operations Mathieu Darche, Stars director of strategy Steve Greeley, Devils assistant GM Dan MacKinnon and Sabres associate GM Jason Karmanos (the latter two former Pens staffers). Worthy candidates all.
But hold the phone. Apparently FSG has been granted permission to interview Kyle Dubas, the high-profile and recently deposed Toronto GM.
My two-cent take? While Dubas has experience running a Penguin-type (aka, top-heavy) team, Tulsky might prove to be a better fit. Simply put, the ‘Canes seem to do more with less, a boat I think our Pens will surely occupy in the coming seasons.
Final Four
No fewer than 21 former Pens have laced up their skates for other clubs this postseason, including five apiece for the Kraken and Wild.
Now that we’ve entered the Conference Finals, it seems wholly appropriate that only four remain. In the East…Jordan Staal and Stefan Noesen for the ‘Canes. Out west? While old favorite Phil Kessel’s been relegated to dining on press box nachos (or hot dogs), Teddy Blueger’s recently emerged from oblivion to center the Golden Knights’ fourth line.
With the ‘Canes down 3-0 and Vegas up 2-zip, it’s entirely possible “Bluegs” will be the last man standing when all is said and done.
A Matter of Choice
I was pondering who the Pens might select with the 14th overall pick in the upcoming draft when I stumbled upon the name of an intriguing prospect.
Samuel Honzek, is a big 18-year-old Slovakian center who skates for Vancouver of the WHL. Last season he tallied 23 goals and 56 points in 43 games. The 6’3” 186-pounder is a smooth skater who plays both ends of the ice and in all situations, and he’s physical to boot.
Here’s what Steven Ellis of the Daily Faceoff had to say:
“I don’t think Honzek has a huge offensive ceiling, but I think he’s going to have a long career. He throws punishing hits, has a fantastic two-way presence and a great release on his shot.”
Sounds like a player whose game is built for playoff-style competition. Something we’re sorely lacking in our present mix.
Hey all,
Intriguing article by Dan Kingerski over on Pittsburgh Hockey Now explaining that Steve Greeley would be the best choice for the Pens’ new GM and why.
Apparently, the Stars have drafted extremely well during Greeley’s watch. Too, it sounds as if there’s a connection to Mike Sullivan through BU. If Sullivan is going to be our coach, and by all appearances he is, it sure wouldn’t hurt to have him and our new GM on the same page.
Rick
Rick,
This team was dissolving long before Hextall. Yes Hextall exacerbated the problem, but Sullivan started the decline. As Bentz rightly points out, this Coach hasn’t won a playoff series in 5 seasons.
Take a look at the final 4. There are NO Sullivan like teams in the final 4. The last thing this team needs is a Sullivan yes man as Sullivan’s boss to facilitate the stripping of the team of what precious grit it has and replacing it with Ice Capades Hockey.
Despite our Coach’s CYA spewing garbage about wanting to strengthen the farm system, he has never really shown any desire to play anyone but his favorites. Read Tim Bentz’s article about Sullivan’s feigned interest in prospects. At every opportunity to play an underachieving veteran over a prospect with some hope of providing change, Sullivan has opted to play the veteran. There aren’t too many other reasons for Hallander and Lindberg to opt to go back to Europe and play other than they know that unless there is a Coaching change this team will still be the same next season – no prospects getting a chance.
Oh, I am not saying that Greeley won’t get the nod. Odds are he will, if for no other reason than to do the opposite of what the team needs like they have done for the last 6 years. After all, the FSG put the chief criminal in charge of finding the new warden. Who the 7734 lets the employee hire his own supervisor. This is beyond stupid!
Rick
I saw some film of Honzek and to be honest I wasn’t overly impressed with
his physical play and at times he looked to avoid contact. I like his size
and I’m sure he’ll continue to fill out – he appears to have good hands is
handful in front of opposing goalies – his skating appeared adequate but
he’s a little sluggish out of the gate. I wanted to throw a couple of other
names in the mix.
Quentin Musty 6″2 203 ( LW )
Calum Ritchie 6’2 180 ( RHC )
Sleeper: Danny Nelson 6’2 190 ( LW )
Just a thought on the GM position – could it be Dubas for the President of
Operations and one of the other candidates for GM?? Just a thought.
Hey Mike,
I like Quentin Musty too however, but I don’t think he is a 14th pick. Musty is one of the players that makes me think trade down in the draft. Use the 14th pick as trade bait to try and get someone else’s later 1st round pick and an early 2nd round pick. Hopefully, nab Luke Dragicevic with the 2nd pick as well.
The Other Rick / Rick
I also like Reinbacher but I don’t believe theirs any shot of him being around
at 14. Defenseman don’t appear to be the strength of this years draft
especially early in the 1st round.
Also, I do believe Calum and Musty stock will rise as the draft nears. Calum
has upside and the fact he’s a RHC makes him a little more desirable by
NHL teams. Musty brings some toughness that we’re in dire need of and
at the beginning of the year was considered USA’s top player – a slow start
to the season definitely hurt his ranking. Both of these players possess good
size.
Saying that I do think it’s in the best interest of the Pen’s to move back in the
draft and start to stock pile prospects. If we trade back they could look at
the following prospects.
Danny Nelson 6-3 202 ( C ) Probably a year or two away but excellent size
and upside.
Danil But 6-5 203 ( LW ) Well we know how the Pen’s feel about big wingers.
As is the case with young players with size he needs to improve his skating. But he
has some tools.
Kasper Halttunen 6-3 207 ( RW ) Another sleeper – from the little I’ve seen of him
he’s a “playoff type player” Power forward who’s offensively skilled. Physical
Etienne Morin 6-0 180 ( D ) “This is a Sully kind of player but he’s extemely competitive.
Great feel, passer and quick to transition. Not afraid to mix it up. Needs to add strength.
Oliver Bonk 6-2 180 ( D ) Watched a little film on Bonk – reminds me of a tougher more
physical John Marino.
IMO – Gone by the time we pick at #14
Rienbacher
Sale
Danielson – Although I’m hearing is stock has taken a hit.
Hey Mike,
I have seen such volatility in draft projections this year I just don’t know who will be available. There is a lot I do like about Musty but I think he still will be around until the mid 20s in terms of picks. If I don’t have a chance at Danielson or Reinbacher, my next choice is Musty, so I do look to maximize my draft and gamble that he is still around for a mid 20 pick and try and pick up that high 2nd round pick. Dragisevic is no Reinbacher but our D is in such a sorry state, particularly since we passed on Lamoureaux and took Pickering last year, if I could address our toughness with Musty and get a prospect like Dragisevic to help on D, I risk it.
Also, I am hearing the St. Louis, who holds 3 first round picks, may be willing to trade a pick or two veterans, I would tap them as a trade partner, forward or backward. We probably don’t have anyone they want, but I would certainly ask – it couldn’t hurt.
My concern about Daniil But is will we ever see him since he is in Russia.
There are still some players I need to look at, so I am not overly committed to anyone right now.
Hey Mike,
Sorry, I starting writing above and didn’t realize I didn’t have the time to finish my thoughts, so let me clean them up here.
The Hockey writes have Ritchie going 18th and Musty going 29th. I haven’t really looked at Ritchie but I do like Musty, so if I could trade backwards in the draft to get Musty and a high 2nd round pick, 2nd round pick I may do that.
However, if Nate Danielson (Center) is still available as the Hockey Writers project, I take him. Watching his game films, I really like him. He isn’t perfect. Over a couple of games, I watched him try and hold on to the puck too long a couple of times, and make a couple of weak passes. The passes weren’t bad decisions per se, but just not crisp enough. However, he has good size, 6′-2″ 185, never stops skating. He is always moving. He goes to the net. I watched him make several power moves to cut right in front of the net, using his body to shield the puck. He makes distributes the puck well on the power play, passing when he should pass, shooting when he should shoot. He supports his wingers in the corners and along the offensive boards. He hits. He relentlessly back checks He cleans up his own end really well. He controls the puck well in traffic, using his skates to keep it away from opponents. He makes good decisions with the puck, restarting a cycle rather than forcing a play. And, most importantly, he isn’t afraid to shoot the puck, I watched him put a solid backhand shot on goal from the left wing face-off dot.
Another player I would take if still available would be David Reinbacher (RHD). Reinbacher is projected to go before Danielson, but I would rather have Danielson. However, Danielson is highly skilled. He is very mobile and not afraid to take the body. He hits harder along the walls and behind the net, but will do more than wave his stick at people trying to go to the front of his goalie. He doesn’t have the heavy shot I covet for a point man, but his shot is already better than the lame duck shots our point men take. Unlike the D we already have, he could could score a G from long range on something other than a fluke. He finds a way to get his shots and passes through legs and he he has great mobility.
I know all that sounds glowing so you may ask why would I rather have Danielson? Simple, Neither may be ready this season, but Danielson, I would say is closer to NHL ready. Reinbacher looks like he may need a little more time to mature. He doesn’t make as many bad decisions as some of veteran D men, but he does not always make the smart play, maybe because he does have the skill to thread that pass and the mobility to cover up his mistakes.
The Hockey Writers projct us to take Eduard Sale. I haven’t look at him yet so I don’t know what to think there. But as I wrote elsewhere, I fear Sullivan will jump on Perreault, he is everything that is wrong with Sullivan’s system and if he gets the chance, I see him taking that mistake.
PS–I meant to mention…Jaromir Jagr was back in town this past weekend. In addition to visiting the Pens’ dressing room and receiving his own alternate jersey, he participated in an autograph event along with former black-and-gold teammates Paul Coffey and Tom Barrasso that was heavily attended.
How great to have Jags back in town after all these years…and to receive such a warm reception!
I know this would never happen given the state of the team. But I would love for us to sign him for one game and plug him in for a shift or two on the power play so he could officially retire from the NHL as a Penguin.
Rick
Hey Rick
Just now seeing this post “sorry” – That’s an awesome idea. I’m not sure why the Penguins
haven’t thought about doing something like this with Jagr. Right before he officially
retires have him dress and play in the game like you suggested then retire immediately
following the game. How awesome would it be for him to assist on a Crosby goal or vise
versa “WOW” Their has to be a way to promote your idea??
Hey Rick,
Quick point about Samuel Honzek. After watching his game against Kam, I did see a player that has some Offensive potential, but I also saw a player that had an extreme amount of Gv at both blue lines, both from bad pass (drop/cross ice0 just inside the line or from being very weak on the puck, having it just taken off his stick.He also didn’t seem taht quick to me and had a tendency to stand around. Not as much as Gabe Perreault but certainly more than I would like. In the end, he may have some middle to top 6 potential but I lean towards more what Blain Potvin of the Hockey Writers wrote, “Honzek is a first-round talent who will likely be selected between 15th and 25th overall. He is an ideal prospect for a team in search of a skilled top-six forward with size, but he will need a few seasons to develop his game, grow into his large frame and find his consistency. Patience and individual attention will be necessary to help him reach his full potential.”
Unfortunately, I don’t think this incarnation of the Penguins has the luxury in time or the proper coaching right now for a player like this.
Just my take.
Also, I fear, unless FSG gets over the koolaid the team will grab Perreault with their pick. Mind you, this is not who I would choose but who I think a team being dictated by a Coach that hasn’t won a playoff series since 2017-2018 would pick. He is the perfect Sullivan man. He is small and doubles down on his lack of size by passing up shots to try and force passes through defenders, allows opponents to win 50-50 puck races because he doesn’t want to take the hit, reaches with his stick rather than delivering a hit, skates the perimeter, only going into the center of the slot when no opponents are to be found and loves to stop skating and spectate from below the opposing goal line and watch his teammates battle for position and the puck.
I have been wanting to do a draft primer but have not had much time as you know, but that is my take on these 2 players.