Penguins Update: Is Nicolas Hague an Option?

It isn’t often these days I write an article that puts a smile on the face of my friend and colleague, Other Rick. To say we’re opinionated and don’t always agree is roughly akin to stating the sun always rises in the morning. (Sometimes it’s hard to tell in the ‘Burgh.)

However, I think I just might reverse that trend with today’s post.

First, some historical dot connecting.

Concerned that foes like the Capitals, Tom Wilson in particular, were taking liberties with his superstar core, then-GM Jim Rutherford swapped our first-round pick (31^st overall) in the 2017 Entry Draft to the Blues for heavyweight hammer Ryan Reaves.

Not only was Other Rick unhappy we’d parted with the pick, and emerging depth center Oskar Sundqvist to boot, but the deal cost us a shot at a player he very much wanted to draft.

Namely, Nicolas Hague.

Three picks into the second round the hulking defenseman was nabbed by Vegas.

Eight years later, it appears the situation has a chance to come full circle. You see, Hague is a pending RFA with arbitration rights.

Some particulars. The Kitchener, Ontario, native is 26 years old, stands 6’6” and tips the scales at a robust 245 pounds. (As presently constructed, I don’t think our entire defense weighs 245 pounds.) He’s a left shot, and Lord knows we need help on the portside.

Decent mobility for a player of his imposing dimensions who uses that size and reach effectively to control gaps. Physical, too, as a clip of his recent fight with the Oilers’ equally rugged Trent Frederic demonstrates. A force during the Golden Knights’ 2023 Cup run.

Not particularly gifted offensively, but smart about pinching.

Sound too good to be true? Well, there are some caution flags. Following a strong start to his career, metrics-wise, his advanced numbers have leveled off and even regressed. A downturn that seems to have coincided with the arrival of coach Bruce Cassidy in Sin City.

Hague’s ice time dipped this season (16:60 ATOI) along with his hits (82) while his giveaways more than doubled to a career-worst 56. Although his JFresh WAR chart indicates he’s an effective third-pairing defender, he may not fit the bill in an elevated role, which is where the Pens need help.

Still, an opportunity to sign a young defenseman with pedigree entering his prime, and a physical one to boot, doesn’t present itself every day. IMHO, we should pounce.

Ah, but there’s a catch, and a large one. Hague’s an RFA, which would require Kyle Dubas to extend an offer sheet, something our POHO/GM’s loathe to do. For the record, Hague’s current AAV is $2.29 million, which would cost us a third-round pick should we sign him.

Again, I say go for it.

Not only would Hague add some sorely needed elements to our defense, and at a reasonable price, it would make Other Rick very happy.

Kappy Scores!?!

When I turned on my phone this morning and discovered former Pen Kasperi Kapanen had tallied the OT winner for the Oilers last night to eliminate Hague’s Golden Knights, my initial reaction (aside from abject shock) was to open the Bible and see if the unlikeliest of goals was a sign foretelling the end of days.

To say things haven’t exactly gone Kapanen’s way since the former first-round pick was waived by the Pens two springs ago is the understatement of the century, if not the millennium. But, God bless him, the enigmatic winger persevered and enjoyed a rare moment in the sun.

Good for you, Kappy!

While I’m on the subject of ex-Pens, Mikael Granlund scored a hat trick on Tuesday night to power the Stars to a 3-1 victory and 3-1 series lead over the Jets. “Granny” has five points (3+2) in his last two games.

Two for Two

Thus far I’m batting 1.000 when it comes to coaching predictions. A couple of months ago, I suggested the Pens and Mike Sullivan would part ways, with our erstwhile skipper making a B-line to the Big Apple.

Check.

Two weeks ago I predicted former Pens assistant Rick Tocchet would land in Philly.

Check check.

Maybe my crystal ball isn’t as cracked as I think…