Eaton released

[columbia]

Why don't we wait to see if Shero signs Eaton and benches someone else, before condemning the man?

[Nizzy]

If Eaton is signed then Lovejoy should never have been traded. Its really that simple.

Two points here...

1. Shero has shown a compassion for depth players who might have a better shot at a bigger role with other teams. Keeping Lovejoy as an extra wasn't advancing his career, so it's entirely possible he sent him to Anaheim knowing he'd have a better shot at playing everyday. It's an admirable trait in a GM, and one that will help solidify the Penguins as a classy organization for free agents to consider.

2. Lovejoy is a dime-a-dozen extra. Eaton is as well. They're not hard to find. Moving Lovejoy and (maybe) signing Eaton allowed Shero to retain an asset for a seldom-used player, then replace him with a veteran who will be used seldom.

Anyone who thinks Eaton would be anything other than a healthy scratch extra really isn't seeing the reality here. I'm not saying this is a great idea, but it certainly isn't bad. I can think of many worse defenders who are skating regular shifts in the NHL right now.

I agree with your stuff bro, but it is bad, because Shero could have Strait in this spot instead of Eaton. Honestly, Lovejoy is better than Eaton right now. I'd rather have Lovejoy.

[meow]

If Eaton is signed then Lovejoy should never have been traded. Its really that simple.

Two points here...

1. Shero has shown a compassion for depth players who might have a better shot at a bigger role with other teams. Keeping Lovejoy as an extra wasn't advancing his career, so it's entirely possible he sent him to Anaheim knowing he'd have a better shot at playing everyday. It's an admirable trait in a GM, and one that will help solidify the Penguins as a classy organization for free agents to consider.

2. Lovejoy is a dime-a-dozen extra. Eaton is as well. They're not hard to find. Moving Lovejoy and (maybe) signing Eaton allowed Shero to retain an asset for a seldom-used player, then replace him with a veteran who will be used seldom.

Anyone who thinks Eaton would be anything other than a healthy scratch extra really isn't seeing the reality here. I'm not saying this is a great idea, but it certainly isn't bad. I can think of many worse defenders who are skating regular shifts in the NHL right now.

This is a beautiful explaination of Shero's thinking.

[meow]

I agree with your stuff bro, but it is bad, because Shero could have Strait in this spot instead of Eaton. Honestly, Lovejoy is better than Eaton right now. I'd rather have Lovejoy.

Would you rather have Eaton and a 5th or Lovejoy? That is basically what this boils down to

[RisslingsMissingTeeth]

interesting comment about Lovejoy. He was moved as he was a right handed shot and the Ducks did not have one at D while the Pens are overloaded. Eaton is a left-handed shot. Pay attention everyone. Ray's nuts but not completely insane.

[Beveridge]

Why don't we wait to see if Shero signs Eaton and benches someone else, before condemning the man?

This wouldn't be LGP if we did now would it?

[pfim]

At this point in his career Eaton makes Lovejoy look like Ray Bourque.

I'm sure they have reasonably similar nacho-eating abilities.

I'm not sure Eaton will get a deal anyway.

[Nizzy]

I agree with your stuff bro, but it is bad, because Shero could have Strait in this spot instead of Eaton. Honestly, Lovejoy is better than Eaton right now. I'd rather have Lovejoy.

Would you rather have Eaton and a 5th or Lovejoy? That is basically what this boils down to

you win.

5th, and no eaton.

[meow]

I agree with your stuff bro, but it is bad, because Shero could have Strait in this spot instead of Eaton. Honestly, Lovejoy is better than Eaton right now. I'd rather have Lovejoy.

Would you rather have Eaton and a 5th or Lovejoy? That is basically what this boils down to

you win.

5th, and no eaton.

touche

[Puck Drama]

Eaton may be a calming influence in the locker room.

[npv708]

Ok, let me start by saying I'm probably the biggest Eaton fan on this board and probably the own member of this board to own a powder-blue Eaton Jersey T-shirt.

With that said...

Eaton hasn't been himself in a while. When he started with the Isles, he was playing top-tier minutes with Mark Streit, including occasional time on the top powerplay unit. He didn't do well. At all. He was still the same defensive player that we all knew prior to the 2009 playoffs, but had trouble finding that offensive instinct he displayed during the 2010 season.

Two injuries in NY and a complete lack of confidence have basically submarined his career.

He's unlikely to stick in the NHL and will most likely retire at the end of the year and join the player development office with the Pens.

[Defence21]

If Eaton is signed then Lovejoy should never have been traded. Its really that simple.

Two points here...

1. Shero has shown a compassion for depth players who might have a better shot at a bigger role with other teams. Keeping Lovejoy as an extra wasn't advancing his career, so it's entirely possible he sent him to Anaheim knowing he'd have a better shot at playing everyday. It's an admirable trait in a GM, and one that will help solidify the Penguins as a classy organization for free agents to consider.

2. Lovejoy is a dime-a-dozen extra. Eaton is as well. They're not hard to find. Moving Lovejoy and (maybe) signing Eaton allowed Shero to retain an asset for a seldom-used player, then replace him with a veteran who will be used seldom.

Anyone who thinks Eaton would be anything other than a healthy scratch extra really isn't seeing the reality here. I'm not saying this is a great idea, but it certainly isn't bad. I can think of many worse defenders who are skating regular shifts in the NHL right now.

I agree with your stuff bro, but it is bad, because Shero could have Strait in this spot instead of Eaton. Honestly, Lovejoy is better than Eaton right now. I'd rather have Lovejoy.

I'm not sure if you agree, though, if you think it's bad. My point is that Eaton, if signed (and that's a big if right now), would serve no role other than being a healthy scratch who plays occassionally. Strait and Lovejoy would have served the same role if they were still here. Point is, though, that both of those players have careers ahead of them that wouldn't advance by not playing. By moving both players, Shero gave them a chance -- one they never were going to get in Pittsburgh due to the depth.

Long story short, an 8th defenseman (which is what Eaton would be) gets so little playing time that it really shouldn't matter whether it's Lovejoy, Eaton, or anyone else. They're just not going to hit the ice all that often to make much a difference -- positive or negative. This would be a depth signing, nothing else.

[no name]

If Eaton is signed then Lovejoy should never have been traded. Its really that simple.

Can Lovejoy act as a second coach during practice to teach the yournger guys tricks of the trade? Not really, Eaton has years of experience to draw on to help these guys learn to become steady NHL d-men. But still your point is well taken, if you are looking at skill and ability Lovejoy might have a upper hand in this area. But for a 7th or 8th depth guy he probly won't see more than 5-10 games the rest of the season. So all in all i would take Eaton on the team over Lovejoy.

[JoseCuervo]

No way Eaton is even close to as good as Strait is right now.

Disagree.

Strait can't even skate right now.

[Nizzy]

EATON

IS
A
L-7
WEENIE.

[Luckybreak]

Eaton may be a calming influence in the locker room.

He can be a calming influence in the press box...

[columbia]

For those interested, Eaton will be on Ninety Tree Point Shevun da FAN in a few minutes.

[Nizzy]

For those interested, Eaton will be on Ninety Tree Point Shevun da FAN in a few minutes.

Well done

[RisslingsMissingTeeth]

No way Eaton is even close to as good as Strait is right now.

Disagree.

Strait can't even skate right now.

I don't care who you are, that's funny right there.

[Steve Dave]

What's Neil Wilkinson up to these days?

[Tico Rick]

Who would you rather have eating nachos in the press box, a guy with a Stanley Cup ring, or a guy with a few dozen games of NHL experience?

[joopen]

Who would you rather have eating nachos in the press box, a guy with a Stanley Cup ring, or a guy with a few dozen games of NHL experience?

Deryk Engelland

[npv708]

Who would you rather have eating nachos in the press box, a guy with a Stanley Cup ring, or a guy with a few dozen games of NHL experience?

Erik Karlsson.

[pcm]

Why don't we wait to see if Shero signs Eaton and benches someone else, before condemning the man?

I think the concern people have is that it's Blysma who decides who plays. And he's got quite a penchant for benching rookies over vets. But other than that, having Eaton around as a mentor / depth guy is fine; so long as he doesn't play over Bortuzzo or Despres.

[DudeMan2766]

Why is the general stereotype that the concession of choice for healthy scratches are nachos? Surely the press boxes have better snacks. Or is it that since they suck and are healthy scratches, they only deserve nachos?