2024-2025 Season Random Penguins Fodder

[Puck-Lurker]

Here's a random question for Yinz. Why is it that some people pronounce Wilkes Berry and others say Wilkes Bear...

Inquiring minds want to know...

For the longest time, I've pronounced it Wilkes-Bar.

But I'm weird. It first entered my vocabulary when I was playing chess competitively. There's a dubious, overly aggressive and crazy/messy variation of the Two Knights Defence called the Wilkes-Barre variation. I've always avoided it like the plague

I figure Wilkes-Berry is correct.

[FLPensFan]

Eller at this point reminds me of Matt Cullen when he came in. The difference is that Cullen was one older guy helping guide the young team, and he was contributing offensively and defensively and on special teams, and Eller - while doing those things - is one of many older guys. I love what Eller did last year, and I feel he'll remain pretty consistent this year, but I also think he would fetch something halfway decent from a team looking for the Cullen type guy to get them over the top.

If we believe the rumors from last season at the deadline, KD was actively trying to move Eller but couldn't find a deal that made sense. If we can't move Eller now because most teams don't have the cap space to take on a full year of his contract now, then they will move him closer to the deadline when more teams have the cap space.

Pens only have 1 retention slot left. I would hold onto that to see how the MP discussions go. If they decide to trade him they should retain 50% to get the best value back in a trade. MP at $2mill will have a lot of teams calling.

My hope:
--Move Acciari before the season (I don't have high expectations that this will happen)
--Nieto is buried in the AHL.
--Hayes is passable as a 3C, or Glass really ups his game and is 3C capable
--Eller moves at the trade deadline; I like Eller because he's kind of the Brooks Orpik of the group...he's a leader and he will speak his mind bluntly with the media. He doesn't sugar coat things when they suck or need to improve on something, from what I saw last year anyways.

If Matt Nieto makes this team, there's a major issue organizationally. Heck, as much as we are writing him off, Dejan was saying the other day he's heard that Emil Bemstrom is very much in the conversation for a roster spot. That too concerns me. Unless Bemstrom has taken major leaps forward this offseason, he's rather low on my totem pole of guys fighting for a spot.

[Daniel]

Here's a random question for Yinz. Why is it that some people pronounce Wilkes Berry and others say Wilkes Bear...

Inquiring minds want to know...

Google to the rescue

https://www.google.com/search?q=how+to+ ... e&ie=UTF-8

[KG]

Here's a random question for Yinz. Why is it that some people pronounce Wilkes Berry and others say Wilkes Bear...

Inquiring minds want to know...

Google to the rescue

https://www.google.com/search?q=how+to+ ... e&ie=UTF-8

Think I'm more confused now

[Daniel]

Here's a random question for Yinz. Why is it that some people pronounce Wilkes Berry and others say Wilkes Bear...

Inquiring minds want to know...

Google to the rescue

https://www.google.com/search?q=how+to+ ... e&ie=UTF-8

Think I'm more confused now

Just call it Dubya Bee Es.

Unless you go there then go into a diner and ask where you are.

[Pens4Life]

We can ALL hope that Sullivan maybe realized some things in his stubborn head last season and he must insert some fresh young blood into team. If not and he wastes few more months of the season for young talent, results are average, he should be sacked.
Dubas should make the call, not Sully's Boston buddies.
But also Dubas should be working his ass off to offload Acciari, Nieto.. I feel kinda bad for Noel as he would be much better for us as right winger,but Sullivan wasted his true value as center, but now we need to give younger guys a chance.

Also when camp starts I hope some young guys really step up and Hayes is overperformed by Eller and Glass and he is traded for late pick.. but thats very unlikely. Hayes due to poor skating and slower speed is still odd fit for Pens and I dont think HC likes it. Maybe he surprises me with his other contributions for the team, big body net presence, experiance, leadership.. lets see

One other thing for me on this roster is, Puustinen - if he can outplay Rakell, then put RR on tradeblock, if that not possible, I cant see a fit for Puus on bottom lines,where we need more physical and a bit bigger guys.

Thats why my preffered outcome and starting lines for new season would be ;

DOC - Crosby - Rust
Bunting - Malkin - Rakell
McGroarty - Eller - Beauvillier
Poulin - Glass - Puljujarvi
x - Hayes, Lizotte (contract wise almost impossible to see these two scratched for Poulin and Puljujarvi,but as I said my preffered starting lineup, at least 10 games experiment), Glass over Hayes because he is RH C..

Likely out : Acciari, Nieto, Puustinen, Hayes??

Which of our younger players can be claimed on waivers if sent down, Poulin and who else?

Who do we define as younger players? Kinda depends where you draw the line.

Poulin, Gruden, Puustinen, Puljujärvi, Bemström, Ludvig, Kral.. all need to clear waivers.


So.. pretty much just Poulin to worry about, maybe one of the Finns. I'd be all for younger guys getting a shot, some of the younger veterans off the lineup, the older vets waived.. That would be ideal, so Sullivan won't want that.

If Sullivan still can't do that at this point in the team's makeup, Dubas needs to take a hard look at what is going on, and I'm hoping that some local reporters out there will be bold enough to question Dubas and Sullivan as to why goes like Poulin, Puustinen, Puljujarvi, etc are sitting for Eller, Hayes, Acciari and Nieto.

I think Sullivan is stale and needs to go, and have for a few years, but, if he can't give more chances to youth, he's not the right guy for this job and needs to go.

Seeing the moves that KD has done, Sullivan has to see that the plan is to start implementing newer, younger blood into the lineup. The team is clearly transitioning, I'm sure KD and Sullivan have discussed this plan many times this off-season. And while Sullivan may not like it, he will have to fall in line with the plan, or KD will bring in someone else for a much cheaper salary. I just wish we would move out a veteran or 2 from the bottom six so we can see some more kids. I really think Ponomarev can be a solid 4C this season and potentially 3C in the near future. But he doesn't have much of a chance with the way the roster is currently constructed.

Yeah, I have a same feeling for Ponomarev and it suprises me even more that even after getting Hayes in trade, we then went after Glass and Lizotte as well.. both centers! I mean,yeah they can play wings,but still.. Ponomarev probably was just wtf is going on?!

In Sullivan's head, Ponomarev is now behind all of them in depth chart..

[FLPensFan]

Robertson signed a one year 875K deal with the Leafs this morning.

[Pensfan4life8771]

Any chance Pens make a move for Robertson? I still feel he’s gonna be a penguin by opening night.

[FLPensFan]

Any chance Pens make a move for Robertson? I still feel he’s gonna be a penguin by opening night.

I just don't see the point with our glut of forwards right now. Somebody somewhere in the org would have to be convinced that Robertson is a can't miss top 6 player, and I don't see that this season. If he's not in the top 6, he's competing with 20 other guys for bottom 6 roles. Just doesn't seem like a smart move by Robertson to come here right now.

But he is repped by Pat Brisson.

My gut says if Robertson isn't getting the usage he thinks he deserves by mid-season, he may be someone moved at the trade deadline...because I'm sure he won't re-sign again next summer if Toronto still can't get him the right ice time after a trade demand.

[KG]

Taylor always has great stuff. Carter is on the ice as a "coach"...

[FLPensFan]

Taylor always has great stuff. Carter is on the ice as a "coach"...

If you look at the groups she posted, it's pretty clear there is an "NHL" and "AHL" group, as there are enough people there that they need to use 2 rinks. McGroarty is in the NHL group.

[Pruezy11881]

Sounds like Murashev showing out early, unofficially.

[KG]

Any chance Pens make a move for Robertson? I still feel he’s gonna be a penguin by opening night.

I just don't see the point with our glut of forwards right now. Somebody somewhere in the org would have to be convinced that Robertson is a can't miss top 6 player, and I don't see that this season. If he's not in the top 6, he's competing with 20 other guys for bottom 6 roles. Just doesn't seem like a smart move by Robertson to come here right now.

But he is repped by Pat Brisson.

My gut says if Robertson isn't getting the usage he thinks he deserves by mid-season, he may be someone moved at the trade deadline...because I'm sure he won't re-sign again next summer if Toronto still can't get him the right ice time after a trade demand.

Sounds like he's still available. Would certainly think KD has interest since he drafted the player. Like FLP said, we would have to move out a player or two out of our forward group that's for sure.

[Puck-Lurker]

Any chance Pens make a move for Robertson? I still feel he’s gonna be a penguin by opening night.

I just don't see the point with our glut of forwards right now. Somebody somewhere in the org would have to be convinced that Robertson is a can't miss top 6 player, and I don't see that this season. If he's not in the top 6, he's competing with 20 other guys for bottom 6 roles. Just doesn't seem like a smart move by Robertson to come here right now.

But he is repped by Pat Brisson.

My gut says if Robertson isn't getting the usage he thinks he deserves by mid-season, he may be someone moved at the trade deadline...because I'm sure he won't re-sign again next summer if Toronto still can't get him the right ice time after a trade demand.

Sounds like he's still available. Would certainly think KD has interest since he drafted the player. Like FLP said, we would have to move out a player or two out of our forward group that's for sure.

One slightly used Acciari, coming right up!

[dark_forces]

Any chance Pens make a move for Robertson? I still feel he’s gonna be a penguin by opening night.

I just don't see the point with our glut of forwards right now. Somebody somewhere in the org would have to be convinced that Robertson is a can't miss top 6 player, and I don't see that this season. If he's not in the top 6, he's competing with 20 other guys for bottom 6 roles. Just doesn't seem like a smart move by Robertson to come here right now.

But he is repped by Pat Brisson.

My gut says if Robertson isn't getting the usage he thinks he deserves by mid-season, he may be someone moved at the trade deadline...because I'm sure he won't re-sign again next summer if Toronto still can't get him the right ice time after a trade demand.

Sounds like he's still available. Would certainly think KD has interest since he drafted the player. Like FLP said, we would have to move out a player or two out of our forward group that's for sure.

One slightly used Acciari, coming right up!

Would you deal Puustinen for him one-for-one? (if that deal were on the table)

[KG]

Any chance Pens make a move for Robertson? I still feel he’s gonna be a penguin by opening night.

I just don't see the point with our glut of forwards right now. Somebody somewhere in the org would have to be convinced that Robertson is a can't miss top 6 player, and I don't see that this season. If he's not in the top 6, he's competing with 20 other guys for bottom 6 roles. Just doesn't seem like a smart move by Robertson to come here right now.

But he is repped by Pat Brisson.

My gut says if Robertson isn't getting the usage he thinks he deserves by mid-season, he may be someone moved at the trade deadline...because I'm sure he won't re-sign again next summer if Toronto still can't get him the right ice time after a trade demand.

Sounds like he's still available. Would certainly think KD has interest since he drafted the player. Like FLP said, we would have to move out a player or two out of our forward group that's for sure.

One slightly used Acciari, coming right up!

Would you deal Puustinen for him one-for-one? (if that deal were on the table)

100%. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Puustinen get waived after training camp to be honest.

[dark_forces]

I just don't see the point with our glut of forwards right now. Somebody somewhere in the org would have to be convinced that Robertson is a can't miss top 6 player, and I don't see that this season. If he's not in the top 6, he's competing with 20 other guys for bottom 6 roles. Just doesn't seem like a smart move by Robertson to come here right now.

But he is repped by Pat Brisson.

My gut says if Robertson isn't getting the usage he thinks he deserves by mid-season, he may be someone moved at the trade deadline...because I'm sure he won't re-sign again next summer if Toronto still can't get him the right ice time after a trade demand.

Sounds like he's still available. Would certainly think KD has interest since he drafted the player. Like FLP said, we would have to move out a player or two out of our forward group that's for sure.

One slightly used Acciari, coming right up!

Would you deal Puustinen for him one-for-one? (if that deal were on the table)

100%. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Puustinen get waived after training camp to be honest.

I don't know if I him being waived, but it's not out of the realm of possibility. I think another team would offer say a 3rd or 4th round pick, if simply for his cost to production ratio.

[FLPensFan]

Sounds like he's still available. Would certainly think KD has interest since he drafted the player. Like FLP said, we would have to move out a player or two out of our forward group that's for sure.

One slightly used Acciari, coming right up!

Would you deal Puustinen for him one-for-one? (if that deal were on the table)

100%. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Puustinen get waived after training camp to be honest.

I don't know if I him being waived, but it's not out of the realm of possibility. I think another team would offer say a 3rd or 4th round pick, if simply for his cost to production ratio.

This is a mix of my thoughts, plus some others that I have seen on Twitter:
--we have 3 3rd round picks in 2025. That should be the start of any deal.
--A 2025 3rd and one of Poulin or Puustinen, who on paper before the start of camp, seem like possible odd men out.
--Some wanted to offer Acciari at 25-50% off. I don't think Toronto would take him, because they are tight on cap space. 50% off is still 1M, which Toronto really doesn't have.

To me, Robertson is a similar but better player to Puustinen. Robertson is known for having a tremendous shot. His skating ability varies depending on where you read...some say it needs to improve, others say he's an above average skater. Like Puustinen, he's on the small side.

2025 3rd and Puustinen seems like a fair trade. Toronto gets about 100K in cap space, a 3rd round pick (they don't have a 1st, 3rd or 4th in 2025 right now), and a player that is probably better suited for their 3rd line (where they ideally want to use Robertson).

The question is, what else are others offering, and is Toronto over-valuing Robertson.

Kind of similar to McGroarty, Robertson likely doesn't want to come here to play 3rd pairing minutes. He had 14 goals last year in 56 games, playing over 13 minutes TOI in only 9 games. He's had some injury issues in the past, but last year, he wasn't injured. He only got in 56 games because he was either a healthy scratch or sent to the AHL.

Toronto also doesn't have much in the way of goaltending. If Murashov continues to shine, maybe they include Blomqvist instead.

Having Robertson, McGroarty, and DOC battling for a top line spot would not be a bad thing.

[FLPensFan]

On Twitter, the NHL Network had posted a projected Penguins lineup, asking if it was good enough to return to the playoffs. Their lineup was a little different than what we had posted. Before I posted, it got me thinking a little about something (different than their lineup)...why are we not more strongly considering moving Bryan Rust to Malkin's wing?

I took a look at the numbers and, Rust numbers don't really drop off playing with Malkin...but Malkin's numbers drop off when playing without Rust, or when playing with Rakell. I think most will agree that Rakell doesn't seem to do as well when playing with Malkin. Crosby is going to do well with almost anyone you give him, so why not try and elevate Malkin a little bit, since he is showing a bit of decline:

Rakell-Crosby-McGroarty
Bunting-Malkin-Rust

I don't like NHL Network's lines because, I think both Bunting and McGroarty are better around the net. I think Bunting and McGroarty (if he were in the top 6) and Rust and Rakell each need to be split up.

[Puck-Lurker]

On Twitter, the NHL Network had posted a projected Penguins lineup, asking if it was good enough to return to the playoffs. Their lineup was a little different than what we had posted. Before I posted, it got me thinking a little about something (different than their lineup)...why are we not more strongly considering moving Bryan Rust to Malkin's wing?

I took a look at the numbers and, Rust numbers don't really drop off playing with Malkin...but Malkin's numbers drop off when playing without Rust, or when playing with Rakell. I think most will agree that Rakell doesn't seem to do as well when playing with Malkin. Crosby is going to do well with almost anyone you give him, so why not try and elevate Malkin a little bit, since he is showing a bit of decline:

Rakell-Crosby-McGroarty
Bunting-Malkin-Rust

I don't like NHL Network's lines because, I think both Bunting and McGroarty are better around the net. I think Bunting and McGroarty (if he were in the top 6) and Rust and Rakell each need to be split up.

I've said that you can't exclude any mock lineup from consideration. Any of them might be correct.

Except for this one. This one I would bet against. Looks like they wouldn't get many points in your preseason game for opening night.

The fourth line and top d pair look normal, the rest looks like someone turned on their Xbox, PlayStation or whatever it is these days.

Rakell 1LW.. uhhh... Really? If you had to out him with Sid, flip him with Rust maybe? Bunting and McGroarty on a line eh no. Just no. That makes no sense. DOC 3RW eeeehhh... Then Graves in the top 4.

Put together by AI perhaps. I don't know it looks bad to my eyes.

[Daniel]

On Twitter, the NHL Network had posted a projected Penguins lineup, asking if it was good enough to return to the playoffs. Their lineup was a little different than what we had posted. Before I posted, it got me thinking a little about something (different than their lineup)...why are we not more strongly considering moving Bryan Rust to Malkin's wing?

I took a look at the numbers and, Rust numbers don't really drop off playing with Malkin...but Malkin's numbers drop off when playing without Rust, or when playing with Rakell. I think most will agree that Rakell doesn't seem to do as well when playing with Malkin. Crosby is going to do well with almost anyone you give him, so why not try and elevate Malkin a little bit, since he is showing a bit of decline:

Rakell-Crosby-McGroarty
Bunting-Malkin-Rust

I don't like NHL Network's lines because, I think both Bunting and McGroarty are better around the net. I think Bunting and McGroarty (if he were in the top 6) and Rust and Rakell each need to be split up.

I've said that you can't exclude any mock lineup from consideration. Any of them might be correct.

Except for this one. This one I would bet against. Looks like they wouldn't get many points in your preseason game for opening night.

The fourth line and top d pair look normal, the rest looks like someone turned on their Xbox, PlayStation or whatever it is these days.

Rakell 1LW.. uhhh... Really? If you had to out him with Sid, flip him with Rust maybe? Bunting and McGroarty on a line eh no. Just no. That makes no sense. DOC 3RW eeeehhh... Then Graves in the top 4.

Put together by AI perhaps. I don't know it looks bad to my eyes.

In all fairness a lot of Sullivan's line combos are just as goofy so who really knows.

[KG]

Pagnotta speculating that the Pens will turn to MP contract discussions after Sid signs his contract. After they moved on from Jake, I see no reason why we should re-sign MP to a 6+ year contract. If the goal here is to re-tool on the fly, then we should play this the same way we did with Jake. Trade him for the biggest return. For some younger now help and some futures attached...

[dark_forces]

Pagnotta speculating that the Pens will turn to MP contract discussions after Sid signs his contract. After they moved on from Jake, I see no reason why we should re-sign MP to a 6+ year contract. If the goal here is to re-tool on the fly, then we should play this the same way we did with Jake. Trade him for the biggest return. For some younger now help and some futures attached...

I agree. If he were a couple of years younger, I would be okay with a 5-6 extension, but if the goal is acquiring picks and/or players on the cusp of NHL duty, then you have to explore what that could look like. Like with Jake, I'm sure they'll be a bidding war for Pettersson.

[FLPensFan]

Pagnotta speculating that the Pens will turn to MP contract discussions after Sid signs his contract. After they moved on from Jake, I see no reason why we should re-sign MP to a 6+ year contract. If the goal here is to re-tool on the fly, then we should play this the same way we did with Jake. Trade him for the biggest return. For some younger now help and some futures attached...

A 1st and a b-level prospect at the deadline, or, I'd take a 2C potential close to NHL ready prospect and maybe a 2nd/3rd. A Berkley Catton, Nate Danielson, Lekkerimaki type of top 15 overall center pick from the last few years.

Just like the Jake situation, I see no reason to sign Pettersson long term at this stage. Dubas has made some good moves, but as stated previously, top 2 centers and #1 d-men are the hardest pieces to acquire. If you can fill at least one of those spots via trade and not having to find them in the draft, that will accelerate the rebuild timeline.

[Puck-Lurker]

Still under contract after this season:
Karlsson
Letang
Graves
Aho
St Ivany
Pickering
Kral
Pieniniemi
Brunicke
Belliveau

Resign Grzelcyk if he does alright and can be afforded. But that's okay as a starting point. Even without Pettersson

Or you give Pettersson a 2 year deal at a premium. Don't see why he'd take it though, he can get paid and get term.