Pens -- Summer 2017
- Thread starter COOL MAN
- Start date
Back in Cincinnati and the neighborhood hasn't changed whole we were on Socal, so I guess that's a good thing.
- Schultzie's $5.5 million annual number, IMO, is pretty generous. As much as he claims to love Pittsburgh, he sure didn't give the Pens 5 cents worth of hometown discount. But we all know he played the past season on the cheap, and you have to acknowledge the reality he's going to be one step away from being their #1 defenseman with the never-ending continuing questions surrounding Letang's health.
- I was surprised when I saw Kunitz was allowed to walk for $2 million, but I thought I read he's got a $1 million incentive (which probably isn't tough to reach). At $3 million, he's overpaid with the Pens; but he's less so with a Tampa team coming off a playoff miss.
- I saw today on NHLN TV that David Warsofsky has signed 2 year/$1.2 million contract with Colorado. Good for him to earn a multi-year deal that I didn't think would have been in the cards.
- I don't know (or care about) the Maple Leafs cap situation, but I can't figure out how they can pay Ron Hainsey $6 million with all the new deals they're going to have to write. I have to assume Matthews won't be getting his vault-breaker until AFTER Hainsey's deal is finished, but Hainsey's skating isn't going be improving the next 2 seasons while still pocketing $3 million a year. Of course, he's probably not going to be asked to do for the Leafs what he was forced to do for the Pens' injury-devastated blue line.
- Still sorry to see Daley allowed to walk for $9 million+ for 3 seasons. I get the feeling the Pens thought his increasing frequency of injury was their key reason to let him go for that number.
- Nick B got the $4 million/year I figured he'd get, but I'm honestly shocked he got it from Nashville. I still think NJ probably offered him more money, but Nashville is much the better situation. Obviously a different dynamic, but it still reminds me of Marian Hossa leaving the Pens in 2008 for Detroit. Now NB needs to prove he can be more than a 35 point guy; will be interesting to see if he can approach 50 on the Preds #2 line.
- Sounds like nobody can figure out Sakic's continually moving target for Matt Duchesne. Morning papers are saying GMJR is also interested in Jordan Staal, but there's little doubt in my mind his target remains Duchesne. Maatta-Hagelin-Sprong-Gustafsson may be his best offer..... my guess is Sakic wants Guentzel, but GMJR won't move him.....but I've no clue how this will come down. I also don't think Rutherford is exactly dying to move Maatta......though he WILL..... given their defensive losses.
Well....that Duchene story spread by 2 of my Leaves asshat pals was obviously a no go...I gave em shit...right after I admonished myself for listening to their shit talking mouths!
9 for 3 on Daley would be a ok with me...damn...meanwhile I see Schultzie hit the bank yesterday. He has become a pretty important piece of the puzzle. 5.5 per is right about where yours truly pegged him...
Niemi....hmmm....wildcard bigtime there...I like the 1 year term, and I'm hopeful he wont be relied upon too much...one thing is certain, the Pens tandem is nowhere near what it was last 2 years. Need Mr. Murray to get even better and stay healthy.
18.7 mil over 3 years for an aging Marleau Leaves??? LMFAO!![[roll]](http://l.yimg.com/j/assets/img/emoticons/classic/roll.r191677.gif "roll [roll]")
The Leafs......who obviously consider themselves a Cup contender RIGHT NOW......believe Marleau......who has really never won a thing himself......to be their key to SOMETHING. I don't happen to know what that is, exactly.
But for $6+ million a season ?? I realize everyone knows St. Lou and Pope Mike can do no wrong. And of course, the League's media Gestapo in GTA will be spending the next month convincing everyone this is a downright inspired move. But if experience is what they wanted/needed, they could have had Kunitz at a fraction of the cost.
I honestly can't stop laughing at it CM...my buddies are workin OT to attempt selling it...yet based on the comments I am seeing from other fans online they are getting positively skewered!
'Hey we got Marleau!!! '....ummm...this would be great for you and all that were it 2007...before he won anything...er ...well...who cares what he's won really? Ah shit...priceless!
Sens fans are ripping them to pieces lol...
I probably won't be listening to much NHLN Radio in the background until Wednesday (when I'm back to work); but I'm sure Stellick & Simmer (and Steve Kouleas later) are working overtime this morning trumpeting the deal. And they're probably doubling down on how Hainsey has all of a sudden become the glue for their blue line.
Not sure what's more puzzling; the cap number or the term (probably the latter). I know the commonly-held take on Marleau is that he can still play, but I can't wait to see how he and the franchise react if he starts next season with, say, 1 goal in the first 10 games.
Of course, I can already hear the GTA cement heads justifying the deal with something like "....at least we're not dealing with Kessel anymore".
BTW, I have ZERO against Hainsey taking Toronto's.......or ANYONE'S......money, which was absolutely NEVER in the cards for him in Pittsburgh.
I'm not sure I'm surprised he got $3 million/season, which isn't a big salary number anymore (especially for someone who shows up everyday and plays his minutes). But a guy his age is one hit away from a career ending injury;
and for that reason, I'm honestly shocked anyone offered him a multi-year deal. But hey, Lou and Babs are smarter than everyone......and the cap rules evidently don't apply to them.
So, why not just pretend it's 20 years ago when the Rangers and Red Wings and Leafs did whatever they wanted, whenever they wanted to do it.....
Wow, Stars sign Radulov for 5 years at $6 million+/season......I assume Nill has already put him on their top line. But why is it this has the look of a deal they might regret by the trading deadline in 2018 ?? Seems to me he started off last season blazing, but dropped off the side of the earth in the second half of the season.
Granted, he should be better in Dallas playing with Seguin and Benn than anyone with whom they could pair him in Montreal. But man, this is a risky deal.....especially when you consider the Stars don't have the anal local media tracking Radulov's every move as was the case in Montreal.
Granted, he should be better in Dallas playing with Seguin and Benn than anyone with whom they could pair him in Montreal. But man, this is a risky deal.....especially when you consider the Stars don't have the anal local media tracking Radulov's every move as was the case in Montreal.
From what I've been reading......though, at the end of the day, I'm not sure the opinions of all these "analysts" is significantly better than mine.....it doesn't currently appear the Pens are in the lead pack for Duchene (finally getting that spelling right, t . From what I can tell, the leaders are Columbus, Nashville (back in the Derby after supposedly dropping out), and the NYI.
It appears the Blojax are already offering Ryan Murray plus two prospects including Sonny Milano (who I think is overrated), and possibly a #1. That's a deal I don't think the Pens can match unless they include Guentzel. It also wouldn't surprise me if Sakic is holding out for Pierre-Luc Dubois in the Columbus package, but I don't think Kekeleinen is anymore prepared to move him than Rutherford is to move Guentzel. Meanwhile, I suspect Sakic is demanding Ekholm (or Josi) from Nashville, and Poile isn't moving either of those two.
If Sakic was talking about moving MacKinnon (rather than Duchene), THAT'S the only scenario where I'd consider putting Guentzel in play.
. From what I can tell, the leaders are Columbus, Nashville (back in the Derby after supposedly dropping out), and the NYI. It appears the Blojax are already offering Ryan Murray plus two prospects including Sonny Milano (who I think is overrated), and possibly a #1. That's a deal I don't think the Pens can match unless they include Guentzel. It also wouldn't surprise me if Sakic is holding out for Pierre-Luc Dubois in the Columbus package, but I don't think Kekeleinen is anymore prepared to move him than Rutherford is to move Guentzel. Meanwhile, I suspect Sakic is demanding Ekholm (or Josi) from Nashville, and Poile isn't moving either of those two.
If Sakic was talking about moving MacKinnon (rather than Duchene), THAT'S the only scenario where I'd consider putting Guentzel in play.
http://www.thehockeynews.com/rumors...p-duchene-galchenyuk-still-on-the-trade-block
Here's THN's latest on Duchene; I mentioned above (and it's really no secret) that Columbus is offering Ryan Murray......but this piece claims Colorado wants another roster guy like Cam Atkinson or Boone Jenner.
If I were Kekalainen, there's no way I move Atkinson....he's already their best scoring winger (though maybe Panerin takes that title next season), and all Duchene does is offset the loss. But I wouldn't waste a micro-second moving Jenner with Murray if that makes this deal happen. Blojax have plenty of size and attitude already without Jenner, while adding Duchene gives them a third legitimate scoring forward.
Of course, they adore everything about Jenner in Columbus, and he's evidently considered a big part of their Room. Something tells me Kekalainen would make the move, but Davidson might shoot it down because he thinks it'd cost the team locally both in reputation and at the ticket windows.
Meanwhile, I just saw the Aves signed Yakupov for a year........ now there's what a 48 point team needs
Here's THN's latest on Duchene; I mentioned above (and it's really no secret) that Columbus is offering Ryan Murray......but this piece claims Colorado wants another roster guy like Cam Atkinson or Boone Jenner.
If I were Kekalainen, there's no way I move Atkinson....he's already their best scoring winger (though maybe Panerin takes that title next season), and all Duchene does is offset the loss. But I wouldn't waste a micro-second moving Jenner with Murray if that makes this deal happen. Blojax have plenty of size and attitude already without Jenner, while adding Duchene gives them a third legitimate scoring forward.
Of course, they adore everything about Jenner in Columbus, and he's evidently considered a big part of their Room. Something tells me Kekalainen would make the move, but Davidson might shoot it down because he thinks it'd cost the team locally both in reputation and at the ticket windows.
Meanwhile, I just saw the Aves signed Yakupov for a year........ now there's what a 48 point team needs
Here's an after-FA question for anyone reading this; if the Pens had room (and more importantly, the need) for a veteran forward on the roster as some manner of "specialist"......and under the assumption each would willingly sign for the Pens available number.....which of the following would you choose ??
The Pens certainly wouldn't be looking for any kind of leadership from these guys; so. let's just say I myself would leave the decision to GMJR's staff to pick the most suitable/adaptable of a list of not-so-good choices. Meanwhile, why is it that it wouldn't surprise me in the least to see Jagr back in the Metro next season with somebody....maybe even the Craps ??
- Shane Doan
- Jarome Iginla
- Jaromir Jagr
The Pens certainly wouldn't be looking for any kind of leadership from these guys; so. let's just say I myself would leave the decision to GMJR's staff to pick the most suitable/adaptable of a list of not-so-good choices. Meanwhile, why is it that it wouldn't surprise me in the least to see Jagr back in the Metro next season with somebody....maybe even the Craps ??
Just read a piece implying Jagr is leaving the Panthers because they refused to match......or at least approach......the $4 million they paid him last season.
Since everyone knows he's the ultimate financial mercenary, it makes sense he'd give the KHL a whirl......except for the fact the League is dropping dead. I just read that long-time Russian pro franchise Moscow Dynamo was raided by the police for suspected embezzlement. Even top teams like St. Petersburg can only take on so many washed up NHLers like Pavel Datsyuk.
Unless someone like Arizona is looking for some goose at the box office......and they're not going to offer him after killing off Shane Doan for the same reason.....it's entirely possible nobody touches him and his gall to demand legitimate money at his age.
Since everyone knows he's the ultimate financial mercenary, it makes sense he'd give the KHL a whirl......except for the fact the League is dropping dead. I just read that long-time Russian pro franchise Moscow Dynamo was raided by the police for suspected embezzlement. Even top teams like St. Petersburg can only take on so many washed up NHLers like Pavel Datsyuk.
Unless someone like Arizona is looking for some goose at the box office......and they're not going to offer him after killing off Shane Doan for the same reason.....it's entirely possible nobody touches him and his gall to demand legitimate money at his age.
DK reporting this afternoon that both Dumoulin and Sheary are going to arbitration.
JMO, Dumo's price probably increased a full million/season when Schultz got his $5.5 million a year. As for Sheary, I've been reading that he's in line for something like $3.5 million, which I find a hard to believe increase from an entry level FA deal.
Both remain RFA's even if they sign 1-year arbitration deals. But there's seemingly more than enough time to hammer out long-term deals before the arbitration hearings later this month, though the DK piece seems to imply TODAY is some kind of deadline to sign and avoid the hearing.
Meanwhile, GMJR supposedly is prepared to give Matt Cullen all the time he needs this summer to decide if he wants to keep playing. The implication is that a vet of Cullen's status has earned the right to take his time.
JMO, Dumo's price probably increased a full million/season when Schultz got his $5.5 million a year. As for Sheary, I've been reading that he's in line for something like $3.5 million, which I find a hard to believe increase from an entry level FA deal.
Both remain RFA's even if they sign 1-year arbitration deals. But there's seemingly more than enough time to hammer out long-term deals before the arbitration hearings later this month, though the DK piece seems to imply TODAY is some kind of deadline to sign and avoid the hearing.
Meanwhile, GMJR supposedly is prepared to give Matt Cullen all the time he needs this summer to decide if he wants to keep playing. The implication is that a vet of Cullen's status has earned the right to take his time.
Hmmm....I pegged Sheary at around 3 mil over say a 3-4 year term...3.5 seems a bit rich, Dumo I (well not I, it's not my money lol), could live with at 4.5 over 4...somehow I doubt a hometown sort of discount as they say will apply, seeing as they have both now won twice, and may be holding out for big bank after this year although I am unsure if they will get it depending on results next year. I'd honestly stick to my guns at this point if I were the Pens and go the 1 year if needed. This BIG parade isn't going to last forever unfortunately...There is simply no viable replacement for our 2 big guns for a number of years, and sooner rather than later we will see some gradual decline ... I am honestly hopeful they can do well next year and perhaps...just maybe rip off one more!
Curious as to your feel on Niemi CM? I really don't mind the deal on the whole, and for 750 / 1 year it is a well calculated risk imo...what does the confidence of this locker room do for him? He KNOWS he's #2 and is looking to prove himself to get another shot at #1...and he has experience. I honestly dont know enough about his personality...their was only one Flower but I hope the fans give Niemi the benefit of doubt early, he will need support rather than the boo birds...
As per Cullen....I saw your list the other day of 3 vets can we include Cullen lol?!?
One more...how was your 4th yesterday? Just hang with the family? Or something special was organized? AND I was rather jealous when you post from Malibu you son of a gun....how was it? Or yeah, yeah...need I ask lol. We are very hopeful to get back out Cali way next year...
Maybe I am wrong but the Niemi signing seems to be more of a defensive move to keep Jarry in the AHL one more season.
I suspect that is largely the case, though I myself don't necessarily consider it an ominous signal. One year ago, Jarry was a train wreck after having been benched in the AHL playoffs; and frankly, I thought he might be released.
But he came back strong in 2016/17, and evidently regained his status as a legitimate prospect. And while one can't glean much from a one game trial......and more so, becasue it was the last game of the season where nothing was on the line, and both teams were coasting into the playoffs.....I thought he looked reasonably good and comfortable in that loss versus the Rangers.
But it doesn't surprise me one bit that GMJR brought in a veteran, if for no other reason than they want Jarry to prove himself with another full season in the AHL before coming to PIttsburgh for good. Besudes, Murray's well-known durability issues make it mandatory they have a legitimate pro ready to step in at a moment's notice if/when he hurts himself again in warmups. In that event, Jarry wlll be brought up anyway, and probably get at least a little PT with the big club.
As for Niemi, he's probably as good a choice for a surprisingly cheap plug-in as the team could find. Granted he stunk last season in Dallas, but so did everyone else down there. Meanwhile, the Pens are a significantly better team defensively than the 2016/17 Stars, and that should work to his advantage. And don't forget he's also won his own Cup ring, so he's got at least some concept of how to win.
Until perhaps the first time he allows 4 goals on 13 shots :weary: I'm OK with him as scrub in the Pens goal..
Assuming Cullen returns, can he play the 3rd line center role or that too much to ask from a 41 yr old player? I just would hate to see Jordan Staal return. He and his brother Eric are too of the laziest SOB's I've had the pleasure of watching.
Toronto you asked me awhile back if there was dissatisfaction at the gate of avalanche games. They are running a special this season were you can get 2 tickets in the upper sections behind the goal were the avs shoot once for $1000 bucks. It shows how much disapproval there is of late about the product they have put out. When the avs 1st came to town they sold out every game for 10 years straight and now they are selling 2 seasons tickets for a grand. How times have changed. The predators success this season has made me want to get back in the game in some capacity. I was thinking of getting a partial season ticket package or maybe a 10 game plan. I will be meeting with the avalanche reps at the beginning of August. I will be leaving on the 10th for Hawaii. 3 weeks of R and R.
Speaking of the Aves, I wish I knew the straight skin currently with the Duchene situation. Sakic is being......and I've admittedly done it myself......accused of continually changing the trade equation without evident ownership direction, making it almost impossible to make a deal. OTOH, we really have NO clue what kind of deals trade partners have actually offered him.
It's really becomes a chore to listen to all the reports, since it's hard to find one that isn't biased toward a given team (and I don't think those who report on the NHL as a whole have done very well, either). And I assume it's worst for Aves fans, who are presumably more concerned about their team getting fleeced (or everything falling apart and things are right back where they ended in April).
As a Pens fan, let's just say I've had my fill of this particular story and couldn't care less where Duchene ends up next season (though I admit I'm not all that anxious to see him in end up Columbus).
It's really becomes a chore to listen to all the reports, since it's hard to find one that isn't biased toward a given team (and I don't think those who report on the NHL as a whole have done very well, either). And I assume it's worst for Aves fans, who are presumably more concerned about their team getting fleeced (or everything falling apart and things are right back where they ended in April).
As a Pens fan, let's just say I've had my fill of this particular story and couldn't care less where Duchene ends up next season (though I admit I'm not all that anxious to see him in end up Columbus).
There's was a LOT of that kind of talk on NHLN late last week. I can certainly understand why Tocchet wants another shot at his own team, but the Arizona situation just seems SO strange (from a distance, at least) that I'm not sure why any guy at the top of the list of available coaches would want to tackle it. That said, the sheer number of prospects in their System....not all of which, of course, will pan out.....must be intoxicating for a HC candidate.
Several weeks later, I'm still convinced Jason Botterill had every intention of offering his HC job to Tocchet; a decision which was eventually shot down by his new boss, Terry Pegula. He's obviously got a job to do......and he'll do it......but I still find it hard to believe Botterill is very pleased how things have gone thus far in Buffalo.
The view from the front row seats which I have is that sakic wants a big time defense man. if your dream is to see Duchene in a pens uniform then say bye bye to letang. He has indictated he would trade him for a couple of 1st round consecutive picks but I doubt he would want the pens 1st round picks.
If Sakic indeed is holding out for a legitimate #1 defenseman (like Letang, or others like him) in exchange for ANYONE on his roster......including MacKinnon (let alone Duchene)......he's not going to be making a major deal anytime soon. An equally desperate (at the time) Edmonton had to give up a former #1 to acquire Adam Larsson, who by most standards was/is no better than 2nd pair quality (but who admittedly was viewed to have had a pretty good 16/17 season).
Meanwhile, exactly what is Sakic trying to sell you front-row-seaters on what he's going to wring out of Nail Yakupov that nobody else in the sport has been able to find thus far ??
So, it's TYLER BOZAK moving up on the outside in the Pens 3rd line Center Derby ?? Hey t, will Laffs fans be willing to take Crosby in exchange IF the Pens carry 80% of his salary (oh, and also take back the $1.2 million of Kessel's salary they're carrying) ??
Sakic is trying to rebuild the D core but at the moment the avs are in such bad shape that any move they make for the better probably won't show for a couple of years.
