Surprised Crosby has not extended yet

[KG]

One thing I don't understand is when KD says he wants to bring in a bunch of young players and draft picks to help compete while the big 3 is still here. I mean, that just doesn't add up. Our best prospect by a mile is Yager and he is at least 2 years away. The guys we brought in the Jake trade project to be middle/bottom 6 players. In other words, they aren't moving the needle to make this team more competitive in the short term while the big 3 are here.

Trading for 2027 draft picks does not help the core compete now. I kind of get that KD doesn't want to come out and say this is a rebuild, but to say that he is trying to bring in young assets and picks to help the core, really doesn't make any sense.

Geno is gone in 2 years. Sid has 1 year left, Letang has 4. I just don't see this team getting any better in that time frame by compiling draft picks that might hit in 5 years.

It's obviously a rebuild but KD doesn't want to say that while the big 3 are here, but they aren't stupid. That's why maybe Letang would want to get out, especially since KD brought in EK and demoted him. Maybe Sid really wants to go out playing meaningful hockey with his boy Nate. Maybe Malkin wants to play the next 2 years in Florida. I wouldn't begrudge them at all. They've earned to finish their careers as they see fit.

Only thing is, don't expect much of a return if we do trade them. Especially if each of them will only play for Montreal, Colorado and Florida.

[lemieuxReturns]

I think it is pretty obvious that Sid is not re-signing here in Pittsburgh. How many more signs do we need? He didn't re-sign on July 1st. He didn't re-sign on 8-7 and he has not said anything publicly. They traded away Jake. KD basically did nothing this summer to help the team in the short term.

EDIT: Forgot to mention the rumor that Letang has asked for a trade to the Habs.

Would be easy for a Pens reporter to refute with a Letang quote.

[Puck-Lurker]

I think it is pretty obvious that Sid is not re-signing here in Pittsburgh. How many more signs do we need? He didn't re-sign on July 1st. He didn't re-sign on 8-7 and he has not said anything publicly. They traded away Jake. KD basically did nothing this summer to help the team in the short term.

EDIT: Forgot to mention the rumor that Letang has asked for a trade to the Habs.

Would be easy for a Pens reporter to refute with a Letang quote.

"That is the blackest interpretation of these events I can imagine."

[pekkasteele]

I hope we get to keep Sid, it would be good for all our new guys that will come from all the picks we get, to be on a team with Sid, see his work ethic and attention to details. I think that maybe sid would like to leave that as a legacy, to help the next generation of Pens, at least I hope so! But we will see.

[Pens4Life]

I think it is pretty obvious that Sid is not re-signing here in Pittsburgh. How many more signs do we need? He didn't re-sign on July 1st. He didn't re-sign on 8-7 and he has not said anything publicly. They traded away Jake. KD basically did nothing this summer to help the team in the short term.

EDIT: Forgot to mention the rumor that Letang has asked for a trade to the Habs.

Would be easy for a Pens reporter to refute with a Letang quote.

I dont think so at all.. obvious? Naaah..

[FLPensFan]

One thing I don't understand is when KD says he wants to bring in a bunch of young players and draft picks to help compete while the big 3 is still here. I mean, that just doesn't add up. Our best prospect by a mile is Yager and he is at least 2 years away. The guys we brought in the Jake trade project to be middle/bottom 6 players. In other words, they aren't moving the needle to make this team more competitive in the short term while the big 3 are here.

Trading for 2027 draft picks does not help the core compete now. I kind of get that KD doesn't want to come out and say this is a rebuild, but to say that he is trying to bring in young assets and picks to help the core, really doesn't make any sense.

Geno is gone in 2 years. Sid has 1 year left, Letang has 4. I just don't see this team getting any better in that time frame by compiling draft picks that might hit in 5 years.

It's obviously a rebuild but KD doesn't want to say that while the big 3 are here, but they aren't stupid. That's why maybe Letang would want to get out, especially since KD brought in EK and demoted him. Maybe Sid really wants to go out playing meaningful hockey with his boy Nate. Maybe Malkin wants to play the next 2 years in Florida. I wouldn't begrudge them at all. They've earned to finish their careers as they see fit.

Only thing is, don't expect much of a return if we do trade them. Especially if each of them will only play for Montreal, Colorado and Florida.

I don't think it is necessarily Dubas's fault, because the best window to restock this team was about 3 years ago. They should have went after Sam Bennett instead of Jeff Carter. They should have let Kapanen walk, and went after Dylan Strome. They should have kept ERod. Instead, Hextall went the old route, and the only decent move he made was acquiring Rakell.

I think the top end talent we have is ok. It's not strong contender level, but our top 6 is capable of winning a round or two of the playoffs. It's the bottom 6, defense, and goaltending (and PP) that have let us down the last 2 years. In 22-23, Carter, Bluger, McGinn, and Kapanen went on horrible goalless droughts that set a really low number of total goals from the bottom 6. I'm pretty sure last year's most used bottom 6ers were under that 22-23 number.

Last year, Graves was a big miss, POJ was up and down, and we had a rotation of Ludvig, Shea, and Ruhwedel who were fair but not stellar. Goaltending had it's good stretches, but as usual, Jarry had a 2nd half falloff.

If the Penguins want a strong chance with Sid, Geno, and Letang here...it may have to come via free agency if Dubas isn't going to trade away futures to add pieces. If Dubas can clear space by dumping Acciari and Hayes by next summer, that would be a start. If Graves doesn't show any sign of improvement, they are going to have to do something there. Next summer, Ehlers, Boeser, Mangiapane, and Kuzmenko are all UFAs. If the Penguins could clear enough space to add one of them, that might add some additional firepower up front.

The defense is where the Penguins are really hog-tied. They need more out of Karlsson, and a lot more from Graves, or they have to figure out a way to move those guys to be competitive.

Goaltending...Ned and Jarry are ok. Hopefully Sullivan doesn't hand Jarry the starters net, and Ned can push Jarry to stay on his toes to keep his job. If not, we have Blomqvist and Murashov waiting in the wings.

I think there is some hope that Dubas can make some shrewd moves next summer to improve the team via UFA. We get 2.75M in retained salary off the books, with only Jack Johnson's 916K left for 25-26. This might allow us to flip Hayes with 50% retention as well to recoup some picks. An Ehlers or Boeser signing would greatly help this team up front. They'll also have to re-sign DOC. If Grzelcyk plays strong and they decide to move Pettersson, that could also give this team more futures ammo.

There are options out there, depending on how some players rebound this year, and the moves Dubas is willing to make.

[Puck-Lurker]

I don't think it is necessarily Dubas's fault, because the best window to restock this team was about 3 years ago. They should have went after Sam Bennett instead of Jeff Carter. They should have let Kapanen walk, and went after Dylan Strome. They should have kept ERod. Instead, Hextall went the old route, and the only decent move he made was acquiring Rakell.

I think the top end talent we have is ok. It's not strong contender level, but our top 6 is capable of winning a round or two of the playoffs. It's the bottom 6, defense, and goaltending (and PP) that have let us down the last 2 years. In 22-23, Carter, Bluger, McGinn, and Kapanen went on horrible goalless droughts that set a really low number of total goals from the bottom 6. I'm pretty sure last year's most used bottom 6ers were under that 22-23 number.

Last year, Graves was a big miss, POJ was up and down, and we had a rotation of Ludvig, Shea, and Ruhwedel who were fair but not stellar. Goaltending had it's good stretches, but as usual, Jarry had a 2nd half falloff.

If the Penguins want a strong chance with Sid, Geno, and Letang here...it may have to come via free agency if Dubas isn't going to trade away futures to add pieces. If Dubas can clear space by dumping Acciari and Hayes by next summer, that would be a start. If Graves doesn't show any sign of improvement, they are going to have to do something there. Next summer, Ehlers, Boeser, Mangiapane, and Kuzmenko are all UFAs. If the Penguins could clear enough space to add one of them, that might add some additional firepower up front.

The defense is where the Penguins are really hog-tied. They need more out of Karlsson, and a lot more from Graves, or they have to figure out a way to move those guys to be competitive.

Goaltending...Ned and Jarry are ok. Hopefully Sullivan doesn't hand Jarry the starters net, and Ned can push Jarry to stay on his toes to keep his job. If not, we have Blomqvist and Murashov waiting in the wings.

I think there is some hope that Dubas can make some shrewd moves next summer to improve the team via UFA. We get 2.75M in retained salary off the books, with only Jack Johnson's 916K left for 25-26. This might allow us to flip Hayes with 50% retention as well to recoup some picks. An Ehlers or Boeser signing would greatly help this team up front. They'll also have to re-sign DOC. If Grzelcyk plays strong and they decide to move Pettersson, that could also give this team more futures ammo.

There are options out there, depending on how some players rebound this year, and the moves Dubas is willing to make.

With all the complaining about Dubas, we forget what a trainwreck Hextall was during his tenure. He got Rakell... picked up St. Ivany. That's about it? If you want to stretch it, Malkin and Letang are signed at a team-friendly value for what they bring. Danton Heinen for a 1 year cheap deal?

Our big name players are by and large fine and not the problem. Obvious exception being Karlsson. Dude needs to get the puck on net, or just feed Sid tips like there's no tomorrow. Sid's one of the league's best at deflecting pucks and Karlsson is maybe the best ever at setting those up.

Bottom six was a wasteland. Not gritty enough, not fast enough and no scoring. Normally, that would/should get you bumped from the lineup and replaced by someone else. Just... who? There was no one there, except maybe Poulin (fault the Sullivan system for not going that route before he got hurt). I don't think there was any hunger at bottom - at all. I'll give Eller a pass and that's about it.

We like Puustinen here and there's much to like in the guy. He can really let that puck fly. It's just, notice how often he doesn't shoot. Even on PPs. And he should, because it's his one stand-out quality.

Defense is a mess right now. We're playing "hope chess". We hope Karlsson improves. We hope Graves remembers how to hockey. We hope Grzelcyk is more than an expensive 3rd pair LD. This could tank us in the standings, but I'm expecting improvement in general. I'll note we just expect Pettersson to be great at his job.

Goalies... the Ned-Jarry tandem is fine. Honestly, it's not too expensive as a duo and the numbers check out. It's just Jarry is about as reliable as a something that isn't. You notice the D stress out when he's having his bad stretch of games. You don't see that with Ned. Even when he has bad nights, team doesn't freak out the same way. That's going to be a personality thing. A thing to note though, is that these two work well together as a tandem. That will be part of the reason Ned is doing better than expected. I'd start Ned for the season and let Jarry get his licks along the way as 1B. He does better out of the spotlight in my opinion.

I really like what Dubas has done for the forward lines though. Getting picks, taking on some contracts that people wanted rid of, short-term reclamation projects. Just don't play them because they're signed for bigger dollars and this will be fine.

[FLPensFan]

We can all relax now about the Sidney Crosby contract. Today made it very obvious that the reason it hasn't happened yet is that Crosby's agent had to be all in focused on getting this McGroarty deal completed and a McGroarty contract signed first.

[Daniel]

One thing I don't understand is when KD says he wants to bring in a bunch of young players and draft picks to help compete while the big 3 is still here. I mean, that just doesn't add up. Our best prospect by a mile is Yager and he is at least 2 years away. The guys we brought in the Jake trade project to be middle/bottom 6 players. In other words, they aren't moving the needle to make this team more competitive in the short term while the big 3 are here.

Trading for 2027 draft picks does not help the core compete now. I kind of get that KD doesn't want to come out and say this is a rebuild, but to say that he is trying to bring in young assets and picks to help the core, really doesn't make any sense.

Geno is gone in 2 years. Sid has 1 year left, Letang has 4. I just don't see this team getting any better in that time frame by compiling draft picks that might hit in 5 years.

It's obviously a rebuild but KD doesn't want to say that while the big 3 are here, but they aren't stupid. That's why maybe Letang would want to get out, especially since KD brought in EK and demoted him. Maybe Sid really wants to go out playing meaningful hockey with his boy Nate. Maybe Malkin wants to play the next 2 years in Florida. I wouldn't begrudge them at all. They've earned to finish their careers as they see fit.

Only thing is, don't expect much of a return if we do trade them. Especially if each of them will only play for Montreal, Colorado and Florida.

I don't think it is necessarily Dubas's fault, because the best window to restock this team was about 3 years ago. They should have went after Sam Bennett instead of Jeff Carter. They should have let Kapanen walk, and went after Dylan Strome. They should have kept ERod. Instead, Hextall went the old route, and the only decent move he made was acquiring Rakell.

I think the top end talent we have is ok. It's not strong contender level, but our top 6 is capable of winning a round or two of the playoffs. It's the bottom 6, defense, and goaltending (and PP) that have let us down the last 2 years. In 22-23, Carter, Bluger, McGinn, and Kapanen went on horrible goalless droughts that set a really low number of total goals from the bottom 6. I'm pretty sure last year's most used bottom 6ers were under that 22-23 number.

Last year, Graves was a big miss, POJ was up and down, and we had a rotation of Ludvig, Shea, and Ruhwedel who were fair but not stellar. Goaltending had it's good stretches, but as usual, Jarry had a 2nd half falloff.

If the Penguins want a strong chance with Sid, Geno, and Letang here...it may have to come via free agency if Dubas isn't going to trade away futures to add pieces. If Dubas can clear space by dumping Acciari and Hayes by next summer, that would be a start. If Graves doesn't show any sign of improvement, they are going to have to do something there. Next summer, Ehlers, Boeser, Mangiapane, and Kuzmenko are all UFAs. If the Penguins could clear enough space to add one of them, that might add some additional firepower up front.

The defense is where the Penguins are really hog-tied. They need more out of Karlsson, and a lot more from Graves, or they have to figure out a way to move those guys to be competitive.

Goaltending...Ned and Jarry are ok. Hopefully Sullivan doesn't hand Jarry the starters net, and Ned can push Jarry to stay on his toes to keep his job. If not, we have Blomqvist and Murashov waiting in the wings.

I think there is some hope that Dubas can make some shrewd moves next summer to improve the team via UFA. We get 2.75M in retained salary off the books, with only Jack Johnson's 916K left for 25-26. This might allow us to flip Hayes with 50% retention as well to recoup some picks. An Ehlers or Boeser signing would greatly help this team up front. They'll also have to re-sign DOC. If Grzelcyk plays strong and they decide to move Pettersson, that could also give this team more futures ammo.

There are options out there, depending on how some players rebound this year, and the moves Dubas is willing to make.

Sullivan did two things really well when he came to Pittsburgh. Integrating scoring and defense on 3 lines and rotating the youth from WBS.

For example (honestly just tweaked the lineup from above, no real thought behind it):
DOC-Crosby-Rust
Bunting-Malkin-Puustinen
Poulin-Eller-Rakell
Beauvillier-Lizotte-Puljujärvi

We always read about Sullivan having 2 guys who were paired then worked in a 3rd for chemistry. Crosby and Rust, Malking and Buntin, Eller and Rakell. FIll in the other spots how the players perform. I mean who would have thought the HBK line would have pushed the team over the top? On paper who would have thought it would have worked as a defensive scoring line? This team could be good scoring and defensive line and a 4th that just sets the tone, go forecheck, cycle, and keep the puck in the offensive zone for 45 seconds. They don't need two great scoring lines and 2 defensive lines.

[Badamski9]

One thing I don't understand is when KD says he wants to bring in a bunch of young players and draft picks to help compete while the big 3 is still here. I mean, that just doesn't add up. Our best prospect by a mile is Yager and he is at least 2 years away. The guys we brought in the Jake trade project to be middle/bottom 6 players. In other words, they aren't moving the needle to make this team more competitive in the short term while the big 3 are here.

Trading for 2027 draft picks does not help the core compete now. I kind of get that KD doesn't want to come out and say this is a rebuild, but to say that he is trying to bring in young assets and picks to help the core, really doesn't make any sense.

Geno is gone in 2 years. Sid has 1 year left, Letang has 4. I just don't see this team getting any better in that time frame by compiling draft picks that might hit in 5 years.

It's obviously a rebuild but KD doesn't want to say that while the big 3 are here, but they aren't stupid. That's why maybe Letang would want to get out, especially since KD brought in EK and demoted him. Maybe Sid really wants to go out playing meaningful hockey with his boy Nate. Maybe Malkin wants to play the next 2 years in Florida. I wouldn't begrudge them at all. They've earned to finish their careers as they see fit.

Only thing is, don't expect much of a return if we do trade them. Especially if each of them will only play for Montreal, Colorado and Florida.

I don't think it is necessarily Dubas's fault, because the best window to restock this team was about 3 years ago. They should have went after Sam Bennett instead of Jeff Carter. They should have let Kapanen walk, and went after Dylan Strome. They should have kept ERod. Instead, Hextall went the old route, and the only decent move he made was acquiring Rakell.

I think the top end talent we have is ok. It's not strong contender level, but our top 6 is capable of winning a round or two of the playoffs. It's the bottom 6, defense, and goaltending (and PP) that have let us down the last 2 years. In 22-23, Carter, Bluger, McGinn, and Kapanen went on horrible goalless droughts that set a really low number of total goals from the bottom 6. I'm pretty sure last year's most used bottom 6ers were under that 22-23 number.

Last year, Graves was a big miss, POJ was up and down, and we had a rotation of Ludvig, Shea, and Ruhwedel who were fair but not stellar. Goaltending had it's good stretches, but as usual, Jarry had a 2nd half falloff.

If the Penguins want a strong chance with Sid, Geno, and Letang here...it may have to come via free agency if Dubas isn't going to trade away futures to add pieces. If Dubas can clear space by dumping Acciari and Hayes by next summer, that would be a start. If Graves doesn't show any sign of improvement, they are going to have to do something there. Next summer, Ehlers, Boeser, Mangiapane, and Kuzmenko are all UFAs. If the Penguins could clear enough space to add one of them, that might add some additional firepower up front.

The defense is where the Penguins are really hog-tied. They need more out of Karlsson, and a lot more from Graves, or they have to figure out a way to move those guys to be competitive.

Goaltending...Ned and Jarry are ok. Hopefully Sullivan doesn't hand Jarry the starters net, and Ned can push Jarry to stay on his toes to keep his job. If not, we have Blomqvist and Murashov waiting in the wings.

I think there is some hope that Dubas can make some shrewd moves next summer to improve the team via UFA. We get 2.75M in retained salary off the books, with only Jack Johnson's 916K left for 25-26. This might allow us to flip Hayes with 50% retention as well to recoup some picks. An Ehlers or Boeser signing would greatly help this team up front. They'll also have to re-sign DOC. If Grzelcyk plays strong and they decide to move Pettersson, that could also give this team more futures ammo.

There are options out there, depending on how some players rebound this year, and the moves Dubas is willing to make.

Sullivan did two things really well when he came to Pittsburgh. Integrating scoring and defense on 3 lines and rotating the youth from WBS.

For example (honestly just tweaked the lineup from above, no real thought behind it):
DOC-Crosby-Rust
Bunting-Malkin-Puustinen
Poulin-Eller-Rakell
Beauvillier-Lizotte-Puljujärvi

We always read about Sullivan having 2 guys who were paired then worked in a 3rd for chemistry. Crosby and Rust, Malking and Buntin, Eller and Rakell. FIll in the other spots how the players perform. I mean who would have thought the HBK line would have pushed the team over the top? On paper who would have thought it would have worked as a defensive scoring line? This team could be good scoring and defensive line and a 4th that just sets the tone, go forecheck, cycle, and keep the puck in the offensive zone for 45 seconds. They don't need two great scoring lines and 2 defensive lines.

You’re missing McGroarty…

[FLPensFan]

McGroarty-Crosby-Rust
Bunting-Malkin-Rakell
DOC-Eller-Puustinen
Lizotte-Glass-Puljujarvi

From all the forwards we have, this would now be my optimal 4 line setup. Unfortunately, that leaves Hayes and Acciari on the bench, leaves no room for Beauvillier, and has Poulin and Puustinen waived.

Dubas needs to find a way to move on from Acciari, IMO. You don't sign a guy this summer, or trade for a guy this summer, to turn around and trade him again before the season even starts. That would set an ugly precedent for players looking to sign here...which is why I don't think you can look to move Beauvillier or Hayes. Retain 50% on Acciari moving if you have to, or throw in Poulin in a deal if you have no room for him. I'm not sure if Acciari's contract allows him to be waived (Puck pedia isn't as clear as CapFriendly was)...Acciari may have full NMC.

[Puck-Lurker]

McGroarty-Crosby-Rust
Bunting-Malkin-Rakell
DOC-Eller-Puustinen
Lizotte-Glass-Puljujarvi

From all the forwards we have, this would now be my optimal 4 line setup. Unfortunately, that leaves Hayes and Acciari on the bench, leaves no room for Beauvillier, and has Poulin and Puustinen waived.

Dubas needs to find a way to move on from Acciari, IMO. You don't sign a guy this summer, or trade for a guy this summer, to turn around and trade him again before the season even starts. That would set an ugly precedent for players looking to sign here...which is why I don't think you can look to move Beauvillier or Hayes. Retain 50% on Acciari moving if you have to, or throw in Poulin in a deal if you have no room for him. I'm not sure if Acciari's contract allows him to be waived (Puck pedia isn't as clear as CapFriendly was)...Acciari may have full NMC.

According to Cap Wages, Acciari has a NTC with an 8-team list. I don't have a thing to say about any of this, but I'd totally bury him in the AHL, he's not part of this team's future.



My depth chart for the time being:

DOC-Crosby-Rust
Bunting-Malkin-Rakell
Beauvillier-Eller-Puustinen
Lizotte-Hayes-Glass
McGroarty-Poulin-Puljujärvi
Gruden-Ponomarev-Koivunen
Nieto-Acciari-Bemström

- I don't think Nieto will ever dress for Pittsburgh again.
- Acciari doesn't do much for this team, yeah he can PK, but if that's the bar, he's still at the bottom.
- Bemström does indeed exist -- but that's about all he does. Like Ryan Shea, okay to have a guy like that on the depth chart, but unless a boatload of people disappoint, there's next to no reason to play him.
- Puljujärvi, I'm not crazy about. I'd sooner see what the acquisitions can do, already know what you've got in Pool Party.
- Poulin is play or bust this season. It certainly won't be handed to him.
- Excited for Ponomarev and Koivunen, but I think that's a year away.
- I don't see a scenario where McGroarty gets in out of camp. I'm expecting he'll be a mid-season call up. He's got waivers exemption, will play in camp on Sid's and/or Geno's wing I imagine. Sully goes through the NHL players first, some get injured, some do something to annoy him one time and we'll see McGroarty up.
- Expect one of Beauvillier, Lizotte and Glass to disappoint enough to get nacho duty after a short timespan and eventually waived.

[FLPensFan]

McGroarty-Crosby-Rust
Bunting-Malkin-Rakell
DOC-Eller-Puustinen
Lizotte-Glass-Puljujarvi

From all the forwards we have, this would now be my optimal 4 line setup. Unfortunately, that leaves Hayes and Acciari on the bench, leaves no room for Beauvillier, and has Poulin and Puustinen waived.

Dubas needs to find a way to move on from Acciari, IMO. You don't sign a guy this summer, or trade for a guy this summer, to turn around and trade him again before the season even starts. That would set an ugly precedent for players looking to sign here...which is why I don't think you can look to move Beauvillier or Hayes. Retain 50% on Acciari moving if you have to, or throw in Poulin in a deal if you have no room for him. I'm not sure if Acciari's contract allows him to be waived (Puck pedia isn't as clear as CapFriendly was)...Acciari may have full NMC.

According to Cap Wages, Acciari has a NTC with an 8-team list. I don't have a thing to say about any of this, but I'd totally bury him in the AHL, he's not part of this team's future.



My depth chart for the time being:

DOC-Crosby-Rust
Bunting-Malkin-Rakell
Beauvillier-Eller-Puustinen
Lizotte-Hayes-Glass
McGroarty-Poulin-Puljujärvi
Gruden-Ponomarev-Koivunen
Nieto-Acciari-Bemström

- I don't think Nieto will ever dress for Pittsburgh again.
- Acciari doesn't do much for this team, yeah he can PK, but if that's the bar, he's still at the bottom.
- Bemström does indeed exist -- but that's about all he does. Like Ryan Shea, okay to have a guy like that on the depth chart, but unless a boatload of people disappoint, there's next to no reason to play him.
- Puljujärvi, I'm not crazy about. I'd sooner see what the acquisitions can do, already know what you've got in Pool Party.
- Poulin is play or bust this season. It certainly won't be handed to him.
- Excited for Ponomarev and Koivunen, but I think that's a year away.
- I don't see a scenario where McGroarty gets in out of camp. I'm expecting he'll be a mid-season call up. He's got waivers exemption, will play in camp on Sid's and/or Geno's wing I imagine. Sully goes through the NHL players first, some get injured, some do something to annoy him one time and we'll see McGroarty up.
- Expect one of Beauvillier, Lizotte and Glass to disappoint enough to get nacho duty after a short timespan and eventually waived.

-Without a big run of injuries or a few more trades, I'd crap gold bars if Poulin, Gruden, or Bemstrom made this team out of camp. I just don't see any chance.
-Nieto is on LTIR probably until December, and like you, I don't think he ever dresses for the Penguins again. I've heard some small rumblings he could even retire. But if not, certainly no shot for him. Coming off a serious knee injury, he may be "able to play" come December, but those types of injuries usually take another good 6-8 months to fully heal. He'll be waived to WBS or traded away if there's a taker.
-Ponomarev is close to ready, but the lineup is just too stacked in front of him. Koivunen needs some more time in WBS for sure.
-I'm higher on Puljujarvi then most. He may never be a 20 goal scorer, but he has size and will use it. He's not out there going Orpik or Kasparitis on people, but he will use his body on the forecheck. He's an aggressive forechecker, just like Lizotte. That's why I'd love to see Lizotte and Puljujarvi on the wings on a 4th line. Would be a high energy, strong forechecking and solid defensive line.

On McGroarty, I certainly wouldn't put it out of the realm of possibility that he starts in WBS. I think he'll get a shot with Sid or Geno (more likely Sid) in camp. Unless he really clicks with one of them, he may end up being told give us some games in WBS. Any injuries in the top 6, and you are our first callup. Go show us in the AHL that you are too good to be there.

I'll be interested to see if Dubas has a bigger session where he gives us more of his thought process on McGroarty, as well as if he gives any clues as to how long he had been working on this (did it come up in the past week or so, or has he been working it all summer).

[Puck-Lurker]

McGroarty-Crosby-Rust
Bunting-Malkin-Rakell
DOC-Eller-Puustinen
Lizotte-Glass-Puljujarvi

From all the forwards we have, this would now be my optimal 4 line setup. Unfortunately, that leaves Hayes and Acciari on the bench, leaves no room for Beauvillier, and has Poulin and Puustinen waived.

Dubas needs to find a way to move on from Acciari, IMO. You don't sign a guy this summer, or trade for a guy this summer, to turn around and trade him again before the season even starts. That would set an ugly precedent for players looking to sign here...which is why I don't think you can look to move Beauvillier or Hayes. Retain 50% on Acciari moving if you have to, or throw in Poulin in a deal if you have no room for him. I'm not sure if Acciari's contract allows him to be waived (Puck pedia isn't as clear as CapFriendly was)...Acciari may have full NMC.

According to Cap Wages, Acciari has a NTC with an 8-team list. I don't have a thing to say about any of this, but I'd totally bury him in the AHL, he's not part of this team's future.



My depth chart for the time being:

DOC-Crosby-Rust
Bunting-Malkin-Rakell
Beauvillier-Eller-Puustinen
Lizotte-Hayes-Glass
McGroarty-Poulin-Puljujärvi
Gruden-Ponomarev-Koivunen
Nieto-Acciari-Bemström

- I don't think Nieto will ever dress for Pittsburgh again.
- Acciari doesn't do much for this team, yeah he can PK, but if that's the bar, he's still at the bottom.
- Bemström does indeed exist -- but that's about all he does. Like Ryan Shea, okay to have a guy like that on the depth chart, but unless a boatload of people disappoint, there's next to no reason to play him.
- Puljujärvi, I'm not crazy about. I'd sooner see what the acquisitions can do, already know what you've got in Pool Party.
- Poulin is play or bust this season. It certainly won't be handed to him.
- Excited for Ponomarev and Koivunen, but I think that's a year away.
- I don't see a scenario where McGroarty gets in out of camp. I'm expecting he'll be a mid-season call up. He's got waivers exemption, will play in camp on Sid's and/or Geno's wing I imagine. Sully goes through the NHL players first, some get injured, some do something to annoy him one time and we'll see McGroarty up.
- Expect one of Beauvillier, Lizotte and Glass to disappoint enough to get nacho duty after a short timespan and eventually waived.

-Without a big run of injuries or a few more trades, I'd crap gold bars if Poulin, Gruden, or Bemstrom made this team out of camp. I just don't see any chance.
-Nieto is on LTIR probably until December, and like you, I don't think he ever dresses for the Penguins again. I've heard some small rumblings he could even retire. But if not, certainly no shot for him. Coming off a serious knee injury, he may be "able to play" come December, but those types of injuries usually take another good 6-8 months to fully heal. He'll be waived to WBS or traded away if there's a taker.
-Ponomarev is close to ready, but the lineup is just too stacked in front of him. Koivunen needs some more time in WBS for sure.
-I'm higher on Puljujarvi then most. He may never be a 20 goal scorer, but he has size and will use it. He's not out there going Orpik or Kasparitis on people, but he will use his body on the forecheck. He's an aggressive forechecker, just like Lizotte. That's why I'd love to see Lizotte and Puljujarvi on the wings on a 4th line. Would be a high energy, strong forechecking and solid defensive line.

On McGroarty, I certainly wouldn't put it out of the realm of possibility that he starts in WBS. I think he'll get a shot with Sid or Geno (more likely Sid) in camp. Unless he really clicks with one of them, he may end up being told give us some games in WBS. Any injuries in the top 6, and you are our first callup. Go show us in the AHL that you are too good to be there.

I'll be interested to see if Dubas has a bigger session where he gives us more of his thought process on McGroarty, as well as if he gives any clues as to how long he had been working on this (did it come up in the past week or so, or has he been working it all summer).

I should've added, but didn't, I penciled in Puljujärvi in as my 13F ahead of Poulin.

[Antonio]

According to Cap Wages, Acciari has a NTC with an 8-team list.

If anyone ever needed an example of how crazy and out of control the whole NMC NTC thing has gotten...you can scarcely find a better case. Mind boggling.

[DelPen]

Is there any downside to Sid signing an 8 year deal with an AAV of about $6-7 million or even $8.7 million and everyone knows full well he might not go past 4 years and front load it? The dead cap space if he retired early won’t matter because this team won’t be spending to the cap at that point for a few years. Unless there is something clearly prohibiting it and Sid has zero intention to leave Pittsburgh then make it work. This maximizes money for him and minimizes the cap hit as much as possible for the next few years too for the Pens. Seems win-win.

[ahawk9]

Not sure of any downside. You're correct (at least from where we see this team in a few years) that the cap hit down the road shouldn't be much of an issue.

I'm really starting to wonder if Sid is in a wait-and-see mode. He wants to see where the team performs before he decides what to do. If they are struggling mightily around Christmas (a distinct possibility), then he asks to go to a contender. If they are playing pretty well, then maybe he signs a 1-year extension to push it all down the road a year.

Regardless, even though the thought of him leaving saddens me, I totally get it. I'll thank him and wish him well. Even though there's an "uh-oh" vibe surrounding the team now between Sid not having signed yet and Letang's alleged trade request, the silver lining is the haul the Pens stand to receive if this situation plays out that way. Also, EK, Rust, Rakell, Bunting, MP, and the 1-2 year contract guys just brought in all are potential asset getters. Add in potential lottery picks the next few years, and the rebuild should be (Pens devolpment history notwithstanding) well underway.

[100565]

Is there any downside to Sid signing an 8 year deal with an AAV of about $6-7 million or even $8.7 million and everyone knows full well he might not go past 4 years and front load it? The dead cap space if he retired early won’t matter because this team won’t be spending to the cap at that point for a few years. Unless there is something clearly prohibiting it and Sid has zero intention to leave Pittsburgh then make it work. This maximizes money for him and minimizes the cap hit as much as possible for the next few years too for the Pens. Seems win-win.

After Sid, using cap space to take dead contracts attached with picks could accelerate the rebuild.

I am not necessarily opposed to your idea though.

[100565]

I'm really starting to wonder if Sid is in a wait-and-see mode. He wants to see where the team performs before he decides what to do.

I could see him waiting to see how the year goes. If they are bad, he might leave, but he could also ask for more money. If he wants to stay in Pitt while rebuilding he would deserve more money. Not based on performance but based on him being reason fans are still buying tickets.

If the team is competitive, he might be willing to make a fair amount, but an amount that will allow them to continue being competitive.

[Puck-Lurker]

I'm really starting to wonder if Sid is in a wait-and-see mode. He wants to see where the team performs before he decides what to do.

I could see him waiting to see how the year goes. If they are bad, he might leave, but he could also ask for more money. If he wants to stay in Pitt while rebuilding he would deserve more money. Not based on performance but based on him being reason fans are still buying tickets.

If the team is competitive, he might be willing to make a fair amount, but an amount that will allow them to continue being competitive.

I wonder if Dubas offered a proverbial blank check yet. I'm not sure the money is a huge factor though.

I suspect he is weighing his Penguins legacy against hunting for a cup with a contender. There aren't that many players that played their entire careers for the Pens. And playing for one org your entire career is rare, especially for someone with Sid's talent.

[DelPen]

I'm really starting to wonder if Sid is in a wait-and-see mode. He wants to see where the team performs before he decides what to do.

I could see him waiting to see how the year goes. If they are bad, he might leave, but he could also ask for more money. If he wants to stay in Pitt while rebuilding he would deserve more money. Not based on performance but based on him being reason fans are still buying tickets.

If the team is competitive, he might be willing to make a fair amount, but an amount that will allow them to continue being competitive.

I wonder if Dubas offered a proverbial blank check yet. I'm not sure the money is a huge factor though.

I suspect he is weighing his Penguins legacy against hunting for a cup with a contender. There aren't that many players that played their entire careers for the Pens. And playing for one org your entire career is rare, especially for someone with Sid's talent.

A player who has already won 3 Cups with 4 final appearances who leaves to go get one more is kind of a piece of ****. Sid isn’t a piece of **** so he’s not leaving to go Cup chasing.

[Antonio]

I would say that he has earned the right to do whatever he wants and would owe the team nothing at this stage, and that going on to play for another Cup is not the move of a piece of ****...BUT, weighing in and pushing the team to perhaps not change coaches you like, and re-sign players and keep declining dead weight that significantly reduced the team's ability to make moves and retool for the longer term so that you can all stay together and to then leave because you don't like how stale and un-competitive the team is, largely in part because of those moves...now THAT is the move of a piece of ****.

Although he currently has not done ANYTHING...for better or worse.

[Sigwolf]

I'm really starting to wonder if Sid is in a wait-and-see mode. He wants to see where the team performs before he decides what to do.

I could see him waiting to see how the year goes. If they are bad, he might leave, but he could also ask for more money. If he wants to stay in Pitt while rebuilding he would deserve more money. Not based on performance but based on him being reason fans are still buying tickets.

If the team is competitive, he might be willing to make a fair amount, but an amount that will allow them to continue being competitive.

I wonder if Dubas offered a proverbial blank check yet. I'm not sure the money is a huge factor though.

I suspect he is weighing his Penguins legacy against hunting for a cup with a contender. There aren't that many players that played their entire careers for the Pens. And playing for one org your entire career is rare, especially for someone with Sid's talent.

A player who has already won 3 Cups with 4 final appearances who leaves to go get one more is kind of a piece of ****. Sid isn’t a piece of **** so he’s not leaving to go Cup chasing.

Have to agree here. The bottom line here is that we know nothing about what is holding up the contract. More importantly, these freaking reporters with their supposed "inside" sources actually know nothing about what is holding up the contract. Much more likely than Crosby being the problem in this case? Dubas. He hardly came here with an impeccable pedigree and resume, no matter how much his hiring was hyped. If Crosby has not yet signed despite everything he has said and done in his career, why has no one proposed that maybe he isn't the problem in the negotiation?

[Daniel]

I'm really starting to wonder if Sid is in a wait-and-see mode. He wants to see where the team performs before he decides what to do.

I could see him waiting to see how the year goes. If they are bad, he might leave, but he could also ask for more money. If he wants to stay in Pitt while rebuilding he would deserve more money. Not based on performance but based on him being reason fans are still buying tickets.

If the team is competitive, he might be willing to make a fair amount, but an amount that will allow them to continue being competitive.

I wonder if Dubas offered a proverbial blank check yet. I'm not sure the money is a huge factor though.

I suspect he is weighing his Penguins legacy against hunting for a cup with a contender. There aren't that many players that played their entire careers for the Pens. And playing for one org your entire career is rare, especially for someone with Sid's talent.

A player who has already won 3 Cups with 4 final appearances who leaves to go get one more is kind of a piece of ****. Sid isn’t a piece of **** so he’s not leaving to go Cup chasing.

Why? Are you saying he shouldn't play for another cup? If he shouldn't play for another cup, why not retire after this season. Why else would he play? The love of the game and an 82 game schedule?

If he is playing for another cup, why would he stay with the Penguins who won't win one in at least the next 5-10 years?

[Puck-Lurker]

Regardless of whether or not Crosby extends here. Piece of **** is just not applicable. It's not even useful as hyperbole. Sid has been a Penguin longer than many folks have careers. He's brought the goods and won us a bunch of cups. If this franchise had never had Lemieux, he would be out best player ever. That's not a knock on Sid, that's how good Lemieux was.

POS? No. This guy is The Man. Even if he leaves and plays for the Flyers next season I will cheer for him and cherish what he's brought to this team. He deserves to take his next contract how he wants it. UFA at the last years of his careers and still a top 5 player in this league. He has been easily worth more than his salary and he's been a class act captain. Love him while he's here guys.