I still have no idea what GMJR was thinking with that Hornqvist deal. There is a lot of mileage on his years due to his style.
Pens Offseason/ rest of NHL playoffs
- Thread starter torontoeers
- Start date
I still have no idea what GMJR was thinking with that Hornqvist deal. There is a lot of mileage on his years due to his style.
Hagelin gets $11 million over 4 years from Washington. Can't blame him for taking the 4 year guarantee......will be interested to see how long he remains a valued part of the Craps. Though, he's admittedly a different proposition at a $2.75 million cap hit than his previous $4.0 million.
8 years $90+ million from the Sharks for Karlsson.......frankly, I didn't think he earned that kind of deal, especially for a kid who seems to be less enamored with the West Coast than most. But hey, it's their money......and now, his.
Just looking for opinions........would you support a trade with Kessel and Jesse Puljujarvi as principals ??
For the record, I seriously doubt the Oilers would entertain any such deal because of the cap disparity alone, plus it's hard to imagine Phat agreeing to move to Edmonton if Minnesota wasn't good enough. And from the Pens side.....aside his previous Draft position.....I'm not sure how much juice Puljujarvi really has left after his crash and burn out West.
But hey, this is what Message Boards/blogs are designed for, right ???
For the record, I seriously doubt the Oilers would entertain any such deal because of the cap disparity alone, plus it's hard to imagine Phat agreeing to move to Edmonton if Minnesota wasn't good enough. And from the Pens side.....aside his previous Draft position.....I'm not sure how much juice Puljujarvi really has left after his crash and burn out West.
But hey, this is what Message Boards/blogs are designed for, right ???
I know nothing about the Poulin kid beyond his Dad and his stats.....but why is it that when I saw he's 6-1 212, the first thing that came to my mind is a (currently) smaller Tom Wilson ??
For the record, ESPN (assuming their opinion matters) has already called this one of two loser 1st Round picks last night.....for me, I'm honestly just glad the Pens, for once, actually had something to do on the first night.
For the record, ESPN (assuming their opinion matters) has already called this one of two loser 1st Round picks last night.....for me, I'm honestly just glad the Pens, for once, actually had something to do on the first night.
If the owners don't lock out the players......which we all know is their style......I'm beginning to wonder if the players might walkout to earn some manner of Cap exception; say, for one (1) high-salary player per team (or perhaps a soft Cap). And just as importantly, which side would actually gain greater benefit by such an exception ???
I assume the owners' position will be they're totally opposed to busting the hard Cap; but I have to believe current max teams like the Leaves, Bolts, and VGK......and probably the Pens, Craps, and Rangers.....would quietly try and broker something like this behind the scenes (even though the Pens are Sid and/or Geno's retirement away from a hard cap no longer being an issue for them).
I assume the owners' position will be they're totally opposed to busting the hard Cap; but I have to believe current max teams like the Leaves, Bolts, and VGK......and probably the Pens, Craps, and Rangers.....would quietly try and broker something like this behind the scenes (even though the Pens are Sid and/or Geno's retirement away from a hard cap no longer being an issue for them).
If you didn't hear, Brooks Orpik has officially hung it up after 15 seasons......
It was only a matter of time before he was going to be traded. Reality would have set in that he was no longer wanted.
Yeah.....on paper, at least.....I don't think GMJR could have done much better given his almost total lack of leverage. The fact he also got a reasonable prospect in the deal makes it that much more favorable. Meanwhile, I'm going to initially assume AG will embrace getting back to a legitimate hockey market.
Allow me to hop briefly back on my well-worn "the media despises the Pens" wagon for a moment. Might not be as big a story initially with tomorrow being the beginning of free agency; but don't be at all surprised when Kessel......much like when Flower moved to Vegas......starts getting THE most favorable media coverage of this career with Pittsburgh now in his rear view mirror.
ADDENDUM: What will be interesting to watch is if Phat continues his no-interviews act in Phoenix.......or will his boss (the new owner) expect him to publicly sell season tickets. Hard to imagine him doing that, but who knows......meanwhile, the fact the Yotes aren't terribly high in the area's consciousness presumably means his anonymous personal lifestyle might fit well out there.
ADDENDUM: What will be interesting to watch is if Phat continues his no-interviews act in Phoenix.......or will his boss (the new owner) expect him to publicly sell season tickets. Hard to imagine him doing that, but who knows......meanwhile, the fact the Yotes aren't terribly high in the area's consciousness presumably means his anonymous personal lifestyle might fit well out there.
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Definitely not, nor was that the reason for my comment......I'm simply wondering out loud if GMJR's interest in Zucker was about his honest potential as a roster player, or simply as the first guy offered in an acceptable deal for Phat.
FWIW, my own current gut feeling is that he's perfectly content to keep and dress AG next season to see if he's worth re-signing, and then let him walk (and pocket the cap space) if not. Meanwhile, this deal looks amazingly like that for Jordan Staal, which was initially thought to be about Brandon Sutter and the #8 pick....and ended up being about Brian Dumoulin.
Not saying he's a better prospect than Dumo; but it's hard not to wonder (or hope) that....three years from now.....the key asset in this deal for BOTH sides ends being the Joseph kid.
We were never going to get a fair return for Phil since he could pretty dictate where he wanted to go. I think we got the best return we could and saved cap space and got younger in the process. And I too think the young defenseman could pay dividends for us down the road.
Now let’s figure out a way to ship Jack Johnson out of town. I read that Ottawa is way below the cap and needs to spend a ton of money so maybe we could work something out with them. I’d accept a bag of pucks just to unload that salary.
Now let’s figure out a way to ship Jack Johnson out of town. I read that Ottawa is way below the cap and needs to spend a ton of money so maybe we could work something out with them. I’d accept a bag of pucks just to unload that salary.
FWIW.....as FA begins today.....The Athletic is guessing this morning that:
- Panerin to the NYI (guess this rumor was first started by over the weekend by Bob McKenzie north of the border), though the Rangers and Blojax are said still to be in the derby. Columbus is rumored to have offered 8/$96-100, which is now off the table because it would have had to be signed before today......as a now-official FA, the longest term deal Bread can sign is 7 years.
- Bob to the Panthers, as has been reported most of the last week......the deal I've been reading is 7/70.
- Duchene to Nashville (as has also been reported for the last few days).....I've been reading $8 million per season (don't know how long).
For a reason I can't explain, I still don't despise JJ to the apparent extent of most Pens fans......that said, I certainly won't distress if GMJR continues to try and cut his losses on the guy. But whether it's Ottawa or someone else, I won't discount the chance he can moved if they want to rid themselves of him badly enough.
I mean, if train wrecks like Nathan Horton and David Clarkson.....and really bum contracts like Patrick Marleau's and Scott Darling's.....can be moved, the same can happen to JJ; that is, if the Pens sufficiently incentivize someone to take him.
To accommodate this Tanev signing, it certainly appears as though JR will have to flush some manner of additional salary.....with roughly $1.5 milion available to resign their three (Blueger, ZAR, and Pettersson) restricted FA's.
All I know is I'd rather have (I think) Tanev than a done Wayne Siimmonds......BTW, I'm assuming they had to outbid others to get Tanev (which presumably explains what appears to be the typical FA overpayment).
All I know is I'd rather have (I think) Tanev than a done Wayne Siimmonds......BTW, I'm assuming they had to outbid others to get Tanev (which presumably explains what appears to be the typical FA overpayment).
If you didn't happen to see this, RON......in a minor signing yesterday, the Sens grabbed Ron Hainsey in a 1 year, $3.5 million FA deal.
I’d much rather have Hainsey than JJ. I think we’re stuck with him for one more year.
From a distance, I got the impression that Hainsey had declined pretty significantly by late last season......maybe t can comment.
BTW, speaking of t, anyone know what's happened to our old pal the last few weeks ?? I realize it's vacation season; but I do hope he hasn't just gotten SO sick of my post-season posts that he's given up on this Board altogether.
Not sure if i would have given Sully 4 years but I’m happy we extended him. Two time winning SC coaches don’t grow on trees. My only issue with him is his constant tinkering with the lines and his love for ZAR and Simon. It was evident at years end McCann worked best with Sid and Jake but he kept moving him up and down the lineup. And imo Horny is a waste on the bottom pairings. I’d like to see him with Geno.
As for Cherry he’s an ass so adios asshole! Lol!
I had a theory early last season.....when things weren't going well.....the team may have begun to tune out Sully.
Though, from what I can recall, this was never a topic of conversation in Pens' media. Obviously, there was an ongoing issue between he and Phat; of course, nothing new there with his history of pushback against pretty much every coach he's played for as a pro once his holiday runs out. Said another way, his time with the Pens simply proved once again Phat is a 2-year guy with a 3-year contract-type.
Anyway, like most coaches, Sully is only as good as the players he runs out there......and the roster ain't as good as it was a couple years ago. Which, of course, does not mean he won't continue to be an effective coach; and I don't know who'd be a better choice at this point in time (though I'm not sure he'd be the best leader in a teardown situation). I do think he must get along OK with Sid, otherwise this extension likely would not have happened.
As for Grapes, I read a piece later in the day saying he expected to be back on HNIC next season. From a distance, my own take is that as long as he keeps treating the almighty Leaves with kid gloves, he'll remain on the telecast....and this "dispute" (if that's what this is) is just another negotiating ploy.
DK reporting the Pens have signed G Dustin Tokarski to an AHL deal.......I seem to recall this guy having a good run with the Canadiens several years back. Of course, as a career minor leaguer, it never meant much; though it looks like he played well in the playoffs (as a part timer) for the Charlotte team that just won the AHL title.
Evidently, this signing is viewed as the end of the road for Tristan Jarry......who I myself think will be released (if he's not included as a throw-in on a cap-clearing deal for a roster player). Pens fans had this notion he's got deal value to someone; I never knew exactly who that would be......though it wouldn't shock me if somebody within the Division (like Columbus) signs him to a minor league deal like Tokarski's.
Evidently, this signing is viewed as the end of the road for Tristan Jarry......who I myself think will be released (if he's not included as a throw-in on a cap-clearing deal for a roster player). Pens fans had this notion he's got deal value to someone; I never knew exactly who that would be......though it wouldn't shock me if somebody within the Division (like Columbus) signs him to a minor league deal like Tokarski's.
With most of free agency now in the rearview mirror, the early progostications on next season are being published; thus far, they're focusing mostly on which teams are currently viewed to be better (or worse), and which 2018/19 playoff teams are most likely to miss.
Not at all surprisingly, the Pens are at the top of most lists to be considered worse.....and most likely to miss. This is for several reasons, but mostly since they've gotten rid of (as I predicted) everyone's new favorite player . And while I'm not sure I disagree with the assessment in the abstract, I still consider them pretty likely to make the 2019/20 post-season.....at least if they can get the 55 or so games they'll need from MM.
What do you guys think ?? BTW, if you've not seen these pieces, other teams thought to be with the Pens on the list to miss are Columbus and Anaheim. Meanwhile, pretty much everyone is fascinated with Arizona this summer.
Not at all surprisingly, the Pens are at the top of most lists to be considered worse.....and most likely to miss. This is for several reasons, but mostly since they've gotten rid of (as I predicted) everyone's new favorite player . And while I'm not sure I disagree with the assessment in the abstract, I still consider them pretty likely to make the 2019/20 post-season.....at least if they can get the 55 or so games they'll need from MM.
What do you guys think ?? BTW, if you've not seen these pieces, other teams thought to be with the Pens on the list to miss are Columbus and Anaheim. Meanwhile, pretty much everyone is fascinated with Arizona this summer.
IMHO, a year (or perhaps two) too late, but there's little doubt he's been among the true kings of the game. Three rings, 17 seasons, 1500 games, $35 million in earnings......pretty fair career.
Looking back, I'll bet few realize he spent the most seasons of his career (4) with Anaheim (right out of the box) and also later over 2 stints with Minnesota.....otherwise, 1 with the NYR, 3 with Carolina, 2 with Nashville, and 3 with the Pens
If you didn't see this, season ticket sales are reportedly up 600%......and ticket sales in general up 550%......in Arizona since Phat arrived. With that in mind, will be interested to see if he's actually able to get the locals to support the Yotes' new arena.
Yohe: Projecting the Penguins’ opening night lineup, line combinations and more
By Josh Yohe Jul 16, 2019
Unless the Penguins plan on looking the NHL in the eye and fielding a team that isn’t compliant with the salary cap — it would be a bold move, but not a suggested one — another trade is coming.
It could be Jack Johnson, Nick Bjugstad, Bryan Rust, Erik Gudbranson or someone else. One never knows. What we do know, however, is that the current roster is close to what we can expect to see when the puck drops Oct. 3 against the Buffalo Sabres at PPG Paints Arena.
After speaking with multiple people in the organization during the past few days, I’ve learned a few things. Obviously nothing is set in stone and training camp, along with injuries, has a way of altering plans. Still, the Penguins’ brain trust has certain plans for certain players and a general vision of how it would like this team to appear in October.
Here’s a look at what to expect:
First line
Jake Guentzel ($6 million)-Sidney Crosby ($8.7 million)-Bryan Rust ($3.5 milion)
Total salary: $18.2 million
Even-strength goals scored last season: 67
Thoughts: It’s the safest choice for the Penguins’ No. 1 line. Guentzel can easily play on the left or right side and, so long as he’s with Crosby, he will produce. But the left side is more natural for Guentzel. Rust really came into his own as a goal-scorer last season before a late injury derailed his season. He scored once in the first two months last season, then went on a tear, largely alongside Crosby, scoring 18 goals. Crosby loves speedy wingers and Rust is just that. When Rust was a rookie, he was given a game on Crosby’s right wing. The experiment lasted all of one period. Things have changed and Crosby enjoys playing with him. There are other candidates to play on the top line, including Patric Horqnvist and Jared McCann. Truth be told, we’ll see plenty of combinations. But this is the most likely trio to start on the top line.
Second line
Jared McCann ($1.25 million)-Evgeni Malkin ($9.5 million)-Alex Galchenyuk ($4.9 million)
Total salary: $15.65 million
Even-strength goals scored last season: 36
Thoughts: Galchenyuk is a natural center and has been effective as a left wing. But the Penguins want to try him on the right side. Regardless of which side he plays, Galchenyuk is going to start the season with Malkin. The Penguins like to keep pairs of forwards together. You’ll see Crosby and Guentzel together just as you’ll see Malkin and Galchenyuk together. McCann was acquired to be the No. 3 center and, while that may be his future, he earned the right to play in the top six when the season begins. Mike Sullivan will want to have a defensively responsible winger with Malkin and Galchenyuk, and McCann is just that. It’s a line that should work. The Penguins’ fortunes next season will heavily rely on Malkin returning to form. He scored only 12 goals at even strength last year, a disturbing number for a player of his greatness. These are talented wingers who should help make him better.
Third line
Dominik Kahun ($925,000)-Nick Bjugstad ($4.1 million)-Patric Hornqvist ($5.3 million)
Total salary: $10.325 million
Even-strength goals scored last season: 30
Thoughts: The Penguins would prefer to keep Bjugstad as opposed to making him a salary dump. He’s a nice luxury to have as a third-line center and, at least from a possession standpoint, Bjugstad did some nice things with Hornqvist late last season. Kahun is a player who intrigues the Penguins. I suspect you’ll see him move up and down the lineup throughout the season as he has a reputation as a player who knows how to play with great players, which will likely give him some top-six time. But he’s likely to start right here, which sounds about right. The Penguins need to get a different version of Hornqvist than what they received in the second half of last season. I suspect they’ll be tempted to play him with Crosby or Malkin at some point. But if he can give the Penguins consistent offense with Bjugstad in a third-line role, that’s not a bad thing.
Fourth line
Brandon Tanev ($3.5 million)-Teddy Blueger ($750,000)-Dominik Simon ($750,000)
Total salary: $5 million
Even-strength goals scored last season: 25
Thoughts: Blueger is entrenched as the No. 4 center and, given what we saw from him late last year, he’s earned that spot. The Penguins didn’t give Tanev a six-year contract to be a healthy scratch. Crosby, Malkin, Guentzel, Galchenyuk, McCann, Rust, Hornqvist and Bjugstad are locks to be in the lineup. The Penguins didn’t trade Maatta for a forward they intend on using as a healthy scratch, so Kahun is in also. So what does that mean? It means, if the Penguins keep this group of forwards intact, either Simon or Zach Aston-Reese will be a healthy scratch. The coaching staff loves Simon, so he’d be my guess to start the season on the ice.
No. 1 defense pairing
Brian Dumoulin ($4.1 million)-Kris Letang ($7.25 million)
Total salary: $11.35 million
Thoughts: This is one of hockey’s best pairings. Letang bounced back and enjoyed an excellent season while Dumoulin is, other than Crosby, the most reliable member of the Penguins. Splitting these two makes little sense. They play well together and are capable of logging huge minutes.
No. 2 defense pairing
Marcus Pettersson (TBD)-Justin Schultz ($5.5 million)
Total salary: Undecided because Pettersson requires a new deal
Thoughts: The Penguins are absolutely in love with Pettersson, and I expect him to receive the bump into the top-four this season. Pettersson is a decent puck-mover and Schultz is excellent one. The current plan is for these two to be on the ice quite regularly with Malkin’s line. Schultz wasn’t bad last season but never looked himself after returning from a broken ankle. It’s a contract year for him, and I’d expect big things.
No. 3 defense pairing
Jack Johnson ($3.25 million)-Erik Gudbranson ($4 million)
Total salary: $7.25 million
Thoughts: Well, it’s not ideal. That’s a lot of money for a third pairing and there’s no evidence that these two would play well together. Gudbranson was outstanding in his short time with the Penguins. Did Pettersson play a significant role? Or is Gudbrandon simply a good fit in this system? We’ll find out this season. Because of the presence of Jusso Riikola, and because of Johnson’s contract, he’s the player the Penguins would most prefer to move to become cap compliant. So, look for Riikola to slide into this spot if Johnson is moved. If he’s not, this will be the third pairing.
No. 1 power play unit
Crosby-Malkin-Guentzel-Galchenyuk-Letang
Thoughts: Sullivan has some fascinating decisions to make with this unit. The only givens are Crosby, Malkin and Letang. The Penguins could go with two defensemen if they want to throw Schultz onto the top unit. From what I’ve been told, however, the Penguins think Galchenyuk would be a good fit on the top power play. Look for him to play on the left side. He won’t give them a one-timer option but neither did Phil Kessel. Crosby and Malkin figure to stay on the right side of the ice, where they’ve been effective for so long. Hornqvist remains good in front of the net, but the Penguins can’t keep their leading goal scorer off of the top power play any longer, so look for Guentzel to play in front of the net.
No. 2 power play unit
Bjugstad-Hornqvist-McCann-Schultz-Pettersson
Thoughts: Lots of nice pieces here. Schultz can run the point every bit as well as Letang, if not better at times. Hornqvist should still be good in front of the net. Bjugstad is a nice power play weapon because of his shot. McCann can do a little bit of everything. Not a bad looking group.
No. 1 goaltender
Matt Murray ($3.75 million)
Thoughts: The only question is: Will Murray have a new contract when the season begins? My guess is yes.
No. 2 goaltender
Casey DeSmith ($1.25 million)
Thoughts: Barring an unlikely trade, he’ll be the backup, which means Tristan Jarry is a pretty good bet to be traded.
By Josh Yohe Jul 16, 2019
Unless the Penguins plan on looking the NHL in the eye and fielding a team that isn’t compliant with the salary cap — it would be a bold move, but not a suggested one — another trade is coming.
It could be Jack Johnson, Nick Bjugstad, Bryan Rust, Erik Gudbranson or someone else. One never knows. What we do know, however, is that the current roster is close to what we can expect to see when the puck drops Oct. 3 against the Buffalo Sabres at PPG Paints Arena.
After speaking with multiple people in the organization during the past few days, I’ve learned a few things. Obviously nothing is set in stone and training camp, along with injuries, has a way of altering plans. Still, the Penguins’ brain trust has certain plans for certain players and a general vision of how it would like this team to appear in October.
Here’s a look at what to expect:
First line
Jake Guentzel ($6 million)-Sidney Crosby ($8.7 million)-Bryan Rust ($3.5 milion)
Total salary: $18.2 million
Even-strength goals scored last season: 67
Thoughts: It’s the safest choice for the Penguins’ No. 1 line. Guentzel can easily play on the left or right side and, so long as he’s with Crosby, he will produce. But the left side is more natural for Guentzel. Rust really came into his own as a goal-scorer last season before a late injury derailed his season. He scored once in the first two months last season, then went on a tear, largely alongside Crosby, scoring 18 goals. Crosby loves speedy wingers and Rust is just that. When Rust was a rookie, he was given a game on Crosby’s right wing. The experiment lasted all of one period. Things have changed and Crosby enjoys playing with him. There are other candidates to play on the top line, including Patric Horqnvist and Jared McCann. Truth be told, we’ll see plenty of combinations. But this is the most likely trio to start on the top line.
Second line
Jared McCann ($1.25 million)-Evgeni Malkin ($9.5 million)-Alex Galchenyuk ($4.9 million)
Total salary: $15.65 million
Even-strength goals scored last season: 36
Thoughts: Galchenyuk is a natural center and has been effective as a left wing. But the Penguins want to try him on the right side. Regardless of which side he plays, Galchenyuk is going to start the season with Malkin. The Penguins like to keep pairs of forwards together. You’ll see Crosby and Guentzel together just as you’ll see Malkin and Galchenyuk together. McCann was acquired to be the No. 3 center and, while that may be his future, he earned the right to play in the top six when the season begins. Mike Sullivan will want to have a defensively responsible winger with Malkin and Galchenyuk, and McCann is just that. It’s a line that should work. The Penguins’ fortunes next season will heavily rely on Malkin returning to form. He scored only 12 goals at even strength last year, a disturbing number for a player of his greatness. These are talented wingers who should help make him better.
Third line
Dominik Kahun ($925,000)-Nick Bjugstad ($4.1 million)-Patric Hornqvist ($5.3 million)
Total salary: $10.325 million
Even-strength goals scored last season: 30
Thoughts: The Penguins would prefer to keep Bjugstad as opposed to making him a salary dump. He’s a nice luxury to have as a third-line center and, at least from a possession standpoint, Bjugstad did some nice things with Hornqvist late last season. Kahun is a player who intrigues the Penguins. I suspect you’ll see him move up and down the lineup throughout the season as he has a reputation as a player who knows how to play with great players, which will likely give him some top-six time. But he’s likely to start right here, which sounds about right. The Penguins need to get a different version of Hornqvist than what they received in the second half of last season. I suspect they’ll be tempted to play him with Crosby or Malkin at some point. But if he can give the Penguins consistent offense with Bjugstad in a third-line role, that’s not a bad thing.
Fourth line
Brandon Tanev ($3.5 million)-Teddy Blueger ($750,000)-Dominik Simon ($750,000)
Total salary: $5 million
Even-strength goals scored last season: 25
Thoughts: Blueger is entrenched as the No. 4 center and, given what we saw from him late last year, he’s earned that spot. The Penguins didn’t give Tanev a six-year contract to be a healthy scratch. Crosby, Malkin, Guentzel, Galchenyuk, McCann, Rust, Hornqvist and Bjugstad are locks to be in the lineup. The Penguins didn’t trade Maatta for a forward they intend on using as a healthy scratch, so Kahun is in also. So what does that mean? It means, if the Penguins keep this group of forwards intact, either Simon or Zach Aston-Reese will be a healthy scratch. The coaching staff loves Simon, so he’d be my guess to start the season on the ice.
No. 1 defense pairing
Brian Dumoulin ($4.1 million)-Kris Letang ($7.25 million)
Total salary: $11.35 million
Thoughts: This is one of hockey’s best pairings. Letang bounced back and enjoyed an excellent season while Dumoulin is, other than Crosby, the most reliable member of the Penguins. Splitting these two makes little sense. They play well together and are capable of logging huge minutes.
No. 2 defense pairing
Marcus Pettersson (TBD)-Justin Schultz ($5.5 million)
Total salary: Undecided because Pettersson requires a new deal
Thoughts: The Penguins are absolutely in love with Pettersson, and I expect him to receive the bump into the top-four this season. Pettersson is a decent puck-mover and Schultz is excellent one. The current plan is for these two to be on the ice quite regularly with Malkin’s line. Schultz wasn’t bad last season but never looked himself after returning from a broken ankle. It’s a contract year for him, and I’d expect big things.
No. 3 defense pairing
Jack Johnson ($3.25 million)-Erik Gudbranson ($4 million)
Total salary: $7.25 million
Thoughts: Well, it’s not ideal. That’s a lot of money for a third pairing and there’s no evidence that these two would play well together. Gudbranson was outstanding in his short time with the Penguins. Did Pettersson play a significant role? Or is Gudbrandon simply a good fit in this system? We’ll find out this season. Because of the presence of Jusso Riikola, and because of Johnson’s contract, he’s the player the Penguins would most prefer to move to become cap compliant. So, look for Riikola to slide into this spot if Johnson is moved. If he’s not, this will be the third pairing.
No. 1 power play unit
Crosby-Malkin-Guentzel-Galchenyuk-Letang
Thoughts: Sullivan has some fascinating decisions to make with this unit. The only givens are Crosby, Malkin and Letang. The Penguins could go with two defensemen if they want to throw Schultz onto the top unit. From what I’ve been told, however, the Penguins think Galchenyuk would be a good fit on the top power play. Look for him to play on the left side. He won’t give them a one-timer option but neither did Phil Kessel. Crosby and Malkin figure to stay on the right side of the ice, where they’ve been effective for so long. Hornqvist remains good in front of the net, but the Penguins can’t keep their leading goal scorer off of the top power play any longer, so look for Guentzel to play in front of the net.
No. 2 power play unit
Bjugstad-Hornqvist-McCann-Schultz-Pettersson
Thoughts: Lots of nice pieces here. Schultz can run the point every bit as well as Letang, if not better at times. Hornqvist should still be good in front of the net. Bjugstad is a nice power play weapon because of his shot. McCann can do a little bit of everything. Not a bad looking group.
No. 1 goaltender
Matt Murray ($3.75 million)
Thoughts: The only question is: Will Murray have a new contract when the season begins? My guess is yes.
No. 2 goaltender
Casey DeSmith ($1.25 million)
Thoughts: Barring an unlikely trade, he’ll be the backup, which means Tristan Jarry is a pretty good bet to be traded.
If you didn't see this, ZAR signs a 2 year $2 million deal to avoid the arbitration hearing into which he was evidently getting ready to walk.
Meanwhile, Oskar Sundqvist also avoids arbitration.....and earns a full $2 million/season raise.....by signing a nice 4 year $11 million RFA deal with the champs. Six months ago, it wouldn't have surprised me if he'd have been delighted.....after having signed for close to the League minimum to stay with the Blues.....to sign the same 2 year deal as ZAR just did.
I'm glad for the kid......
Meanwhile, Oskar Sundqvist also avoids arbitration.....and earns a full $2 million/season raise.....by signing a nice 4 year $11 million RFA deal with the champs. Six months ago, it wouldn't have surprised me if he'd have been delighted.....after having signed for close to the League minimum to stay with the Blues.....to sign the same 2 year deal as ZAR just did.
I'm glad for the kid......
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