I was thinking about our Penguins today but confess I had nothing in particular to write about. Then I read the Wilkes Weekly over on Pensburgh, which I really enjoy, and it sparked an idea.
Specifically, could help for a playoff drive come from inside the organization, rather than through trades?
To back up the truck for a moment, prevailing sentiment holds that the Pens could use a middle-six winger with a scoring touch and a solid, left-side defenseman for the second pairing. Preferably one with a bit of gristle. Kind of like rookie John Ludvig, only established.
In a perfect world, the black-and-gold may also seek to add an accomplished second-line center along the lines of the Canadiens’ Sean Monahan (linked in recent rumors to the Rangers) or the Flames’ UFA-to-be Elias Lindholm, which would enable us to shift Evgeni Malkin to the less demanding right wing slot.
Ah, but this isn’t a perfect world. Pretty much smack against the salary cap ceiling, Kyle Dubas would need to move $$$ out, perhaps in the form of underachievers Reilly Smith ($5 million AAV) and/or Ryan Graves ($4.5 million).
Although it would be a huge gamble given how solid our goaltending’s been, Tristan Jarry’s trade value might never be higher.
Let’s say for the sake of argument Dubas isn’t able to swing any meaningful trades. Repeating my earlier question, could help come from within?
I’m thinking specifically of the P&P Boys, Sam Poulin and Jesse Puljujärvi. For starters, the former first-rounders bring impressive size to the table. Poulin’s listed at a brawny 6’1” 208 (and as large as 6’2” 214) and Puljujärvi’s a hulking 6’4” 201. Practically Bunyan-esque in black-and-gold terms.
Both are producing for the Baby Pens. Poulin’s been especially hot. The Blainville, Quebec native’s tallied 11 goals and 16 points in 23 games. Coincidence or not, since Puljujärvi joined the lineup back on January 5 in a 2-1 victory over Springfield, Sam’s been positively on fire with seven goals and 10 points in a dozen games.
After going scoreless in his first four games, Jesse’s been on a tear as well with four goals and eight points in his past seven games, including four two-point games.
Occasionally skating on the same line, it’s safe to say the twin towers each have had a hand in the other’s success.
Could that shared success translate to the NHL?
If promoted (Puljujärvi would need to sign a contract first), where would they play? Given Mike Sullivan’s aversion to doling out prime ice time to call-ups, especially kids, let’s say you play it safe and start them out on the fourth line with Noel Acciari, in the process bumping speedy but offensively challenged Jansen Harkins and graybeard Jeff Carter to the press box.
Here’s what our forward lines might look like:
First Line: Guentzel-Crosby-Rust
Second Line: Rakell-Malkin-Puustinen
Third Line: O’Connor-Eller-White
Fourth Line: Poulin-Acciari-Puljujärvi
However, if you really want to get wild and push the envelope? Plug Sam and Jesse in as sizeable bookends on a recast third line with veteran Lars Eller and drop O’Connor and White down a notch.
Either way, it would liven up the mix while potentially providing more scoring balance up and down the lineup. With the added size of Poulin and Puljujärvi, it also might make us more difficult to play against while providing a stronger net-front presence. Never a bad thing.
Potential drawbacks? Although he excels in traffic, Poulin isn’t noted for his speed. And while Puljujärvi’s traditionally been a strong skater, there are obvious concerns about his wheels and conditioning following invasive hip-resurfacing surgery on both hips.
Yes, promoting the pair, to say nothing of giving them a prominent role, might be risky. Yet I’m reminded of 2015-16, when a Penguins squad that was struggling to keep pace in the playoff chase rolled the dice on a handful of kids from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, including Bryan Rust and relative unknowns Tom Kuhnhackl and Conor Sheary.
In addition to providing a youthful spark, the trio wound up filling key supporting roles for a Stanley Cup champion.
Could Poulin and Puljujärvi provide this bunch with a similar boost?
There’s only one way to find out…
And If We Trade Jarry?
Prospect Joel Blomqvist, enjoying an outstanding rookie pro season with the Baby Pens (2.13 goals against average, .922 save percentage) would step in as the new (and inexpensive) tandem mate for Alex Nedeljkovic.
Again, risky business.
Again, shades of ’15-16 and Matt Murray.
