2024-2025 Season Random Penguins Fodder

[100565]

To me, burying Jarry would be best move. At least for next year.



According to capwages, the Pens have about $3.1mil of cap space. If this holds until the deadline, they could add $14mil annual cap hit. (192/42*3100000)

Assuming they are sellers, I hope they capitalize on the space. Not saying take on one player, but multiple players who salaries add to $14 mil or less. Another option, be the third team that retains salary to help facilitate a trade between two other teams.

However, it seems like most teams have decent cap space so I’m not sure if there will be any available cap moves. Anyone (or team) come to mind??

[penscup]

He's always been an inconsistent and unreliable goalie and even his best years he was too wore out or injured to be useful in the playoffs. As for last year, even with 6 shutouts he was 30th in GAA and Save%, that's not a good season. I'd rather top 15 and no SOs and imagine how bad he'd have been if he had the normal about of shutouts?

I agree. Was specifically addressing the first 5 shots phenomenon that he struggled with so much this year. Last year was not a good one for him, keeping in mind it did coincide with adding the incredible Norris caliber defender playing in front of him for the first time.

[Tico Rick]

Anyone think the Pens should sign John Klingberg? He’s ready to come back to the NHL after rehabbing from hip-resurfacing surgery.

Never mind. I just realized he’s 32.

[pekkasteele]

Anyone think the Pens should sign John Klingberg? He’s ready to come back to the NHL after rehabbing from hip-resurfacing surgery.

Never mind. I just realized he’s 32.

Yes, still a bit to young for Sully to not bench him for a small mistake...

[BigMcK]

At some point, the playoff contenders will be known. If the Penguins are eliminated, what other Eastern Conference team would you like to be outside as well?

Me,
Flyers
Bruins
Rangers
Islanders
Would also be on my list.

[Puck-Lurker]

Flyers
Flyers
Philadelphia
Rangers
NYR
Caps
Isles

Well and maybe both New York teams and PHI

[FLPensFan]

Anyone think the Pens should sign John Klingberg? He’s ready to come back to the NHL after rehabbing from hip-resurfacing surgery.

Never mind. I just realized he’s 32.

Yes, still a bit to young for Sully to not bench him for a small mistake...

Overlooking the age for a minute, I believe Klingberg tends to be in the Letang/Karlsson category of, if he isn't putting up points, he's usually doing more harm than good. He really has fallen off once he left Dallas.

[largegarlic]

To me, burying Jarry would be best move. At least for next year.



According to capwages, the Pens have about $3.1mil of cap space. If this holds until the deadline, they could add $14mil annual cap hit. (192/42*3100000)

Assuming they are sellers, I hope they capitalize on the space. Not saying take on one player, but multiple players who salaries add to $14 mil or less. Another option, be the third team that retains salary to help facilitate a trade between two other teams.

However, it seems like most teams have decent cap space so I’m not sure if there will be any available cap moves. Anyone (or team) come to mind??

Yeah, I agree on both points. Buying out Jarry doesn't create much cap space the next few years, and it extends the time they have to pay him.

If the Pens do have extra cap space, they should do what they did with Hayes and Glass and get paid to take on bad contracts. The only caveat is that these guys on bad deals shouldn't block prospects from getting a shot. So, I feel like they should ideally be looking at d-men with bad contracts, since we don't have any d-men in WBS to block.

[Daniel]

Anyone think the Pens should sign John Klingberg? He’s ready to come back to the NHL after rehabbing from hip-resurfacing surgery.

Never mind. I just realized he’s 32.

32 year old RH defensemen, perfect fit for the Penguins.

[Tico Rick]

Anyone think the Pens should sign John Klingberg? He’s ready to come back to the NHL after rehabbing from hip-resurfacing surgery.

Never mind. I just realized he’s 32.

32 year old RH defensemen, perfect fit for the Penguins.

Almost perfect. Perfect would be 35+.

[KG]

Anyone think the Pens should sign John Klingberg? He’s ready to come back to the NHL after rehabbing from hip-resurfacing surgery.

Never mind. I just realized he’s 32.

32 year old RH defensemen, perfect fit for the Penguins.

Almost perfect. Perfect would be 35+.

He just signed with Edmonton.

[TexasPenguins]

I don’t mean to pick on a guy who will probably be out of the NHL next year but: Matt Nieto 24 games 3 pts
Alex Nedeljkovic 21 games 2 pts

[Puck-Lurker]

I don’t mean to pick on a guy who will probably be out of the NHL next year but: Matt Nieto 24 games 3 pts
Alex Nedeljkovic 21 games 2 pts

You're forgetting Nieto is a top 2-3 penalty killer in the league.

[DelPen]

Blomqvist and Larsson are signed for another season after this, Murashov for two more. We save on cap by burying Jarry and having one of them up since they make less than what we can offset so retaining anything for now is pointless and won’t really be a problem until after next season.

[Puck-Lurker]

Blomqvist and Larsson are signed for another season after this, Murashov for two more. We save on cap by burying Jarry and having one of them up since they make less than what we can offset so retaining anything for now is pointless and won’t really be a problem until after next season.

Exactly. You're going to get a slightly lower cap hit from Jarry buried and one of the other goalies up in this season and next.

Jarry's last year is where his salary changes anything to our cap situation. Would be nice to be rid of him, but the cap space isn't that relevant in his case.

[FLPensFan]

Per several media reports, NHL has told players/NHLPA that they are stopping escrow payments for the rest of the season. Owners are already well beyond their projected 50/50 split of revenues, so there is no need for escrow. Players will be getting all of their escrow money back this year (plus potentially more). From what I saw, while last season's accounting of escrow isn't complete, players are expected to get all their escrow back for 23-24 season, plus likely another 2.5% on top of that, meaning their "listed" salaries on things like CapWages will be paid out with additional money (but no effect on the cap).

What does all this mean? Escrow is put into place, so players pay a percentage of their salary into a fund that makes sure the owners get their cut first. If league revenues are lower than expected, then escrow is used to make up the difference.

Means the NHL is starting to make a ton of money, seems fully recovered from COVID shutdowns, and there is a strong chance the cap next year goes up much more. Currently at 88M per year, initial projection was 92M, now hearing it could go up to as much as 97M for next year.

[FLPensFan]

Heard a rumor that NJ is interested in Rakell. NJ doesn't have much cap space. I don't think Rakell is the type of player we should be retaining on. If NJ were pushing for a trade

Rakell for Tomas Tatar (cap dump to help make salaries work, UFA at season's end), Simon Nemec, and a 2026 1st round pick. (1st rounder may be a stretch with an A-level prospect coming back. I'd still be happy if it was Nemec and a 2025 2nd rounder).

That would give the Penguins Brunicke and Nemec as young RD defenders to build around, with Pickering on the left side.

[Daniel]

Heard a rumor that NJ is interested in Rakell. NJ doesn't have much cap space. I don't think Rakell is the type of player we should be retaining on. If NJ were pushing for a trade

Rakell for Tomas Tatar (cap dump to help make salaries work, UFA at season's end), Simon Nemec, and a 2026 1st round pick. (1st rounder may be a stretch with an A-level prospect coming back. I'd still be happy if it was Nemec and a 2025 2nd rounder).

That would give the Penguins Brunicke and Nemec as young RD defenders to build around, with Pickering on the left side.

If he can't beat out Kovacevic, likely because of defensive deficiencies, do you think Sulivan would play him on the 3rd pairing? Great trade idea, though think 2026 1st is more than they'll give, maybe a 3rd, but have concerns about Nemec.

[FLPensFan]

Heard a rumor that NJ is interested in Rakell. NJ doesn't have much cap space. I don't think Rakell is the type of player we should be retaining on. If NJ were pushing for a trade

Rakell for Tomas Tatar (cap dump to help make salaries work, UFA at season's end), Simon Nemec, and a 2026 1st round pick. (1st rounder may be a stretch with an A-level prospect coming back. I'd still be happy if it was Nemec and a 2025 2nd rounder).

That would give the Penguins Brunicke and Nemec as young RD defenders to build around, with Pickering on the left side.

If he can't beat out Kovacevic, likely because of defensive deficiencies, do you think Sulivan would play him on the 3rd pairing? Great trade idea, though think 2026 1st is more than they'll give, maybe a 3rd, but have concerns about Nemec.

It seems NJ may have concerns about defense. Apparently GM Tom Fitzgerald made a comment like offense isn't all we care about, otherwise you'd be a forward. Scouting reports all say he's at least average defending. Biggest complaint I've seen is he appears to be good defending on the rush, but gets a big out of position maybe during longer defensive zone assignments.

Scouting reports all rave about his offense, but he's never put up big numbers. NHL Network was talking about it, and brought up that there's just no space right now...Hamilton on first pairing, just brought in Pesce who is playing well, and Kovecevic is playing WAAAAY better than anyone expected. NHL panel even mentioned they may need to move Seamus Casey or one of they're young Russian defenders (think it was Silayev) because of the depth. They'll need someone when injuries happen, but, seems like this is similar to the goaltending backlog the Penguins have.

[BigMcK]

Is it appropriate to change the words from John Lennon from:

Imagine there's no heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today... Aha-ah...

To:

Imagine there's no Sullivan
It's easy if you try
No incompetent coach
Drawing up lines on the fly
Imagine he's fired
**** makes sense today... Goner... Loser...

Sullivan can not be the coach next season. The marketing folks can't sell seats with ,'our coach missed the playoffs three years in a row, with Crosby and Malkin on the roster."

[EndO FanEra]

Heard a rumor that NJ is interested in Rakell. NJ doesn't have much cap space. I don't think Rakell is the type of player we should be retaining on. If NJ were pushing for a trade

Rakell for Tomas Tatar (cap dump to help make salaries work, UFA at season's end), Simon Nemec, and a 2026 1st round pick. (1st rounder may be a stretch with an A-level prospect coming back. I'd still be happy if it was Nemec and a 2025 2nd rounder).

That would give the Penguins Brunicke and Nemec as young RD defenders to build around, with Pickering on the left side.

If he can't beat out Kovacevic, likely because of defensive deficiencies, do you think Sulivan would play him on the 3rd pairing? Great trade idea, though think 2026 1st is more than they'll give, maybe a 3rd, but have concerns about Nemec.

It seems NJ may have concerns about defense. Apparently GM Tom Fitzgerald made a comment like offense isn't all we care about, otherwise you'd be a forward. Scouting reports all say he's at least average defending. Biggest complaint I've seen is he appears to be good defending on the rush, but gets a big out of position maybe during longer defensive zone assignments.

Scouting reports all rave about his offense, but he's never put up big numbers. NHL Network was talking about it, and brought up that there's just no space right now...Hamilton on first pairing, just brought in Pesce who is playing well, and Kovecevic is playing WAAAAY better than anyone expected. NHL panel even mentioned they may need to move Seamus Casey or one of they're young Russian defenders (think it was Silayev) because of the depth. They'll need someone when injuries happen, but, seems like this is similar to the goaltending backlog the Penguins have.

That is the type of deal Dubas should be targeting. If we can get a first for Rakell, I'd pull the trigger immediately. Even if it was just the 1st & Tatar without Nemec. Or, like you mentioned, a 2nd/Nemec/Tatar would be a solid return.

If Sully is still here, it doesn't really matter who Dubas brings in. They will be mismanaged and set up for failure. Hopefully Dubas is building the roster with a post-Sully vision in mind.

[Puck-Lurker]

I'll take the first and pending UFA cap dump. A B-level D prospect on top would be nice, but I'm fine without it

[Daniel]

Heard a rumor that NJ is interested in Rakell. NJ doesn't have much cap space. I don't think Rakell is the type of player we should be retaining on. If NJ were pushing for a trade

Rakell for Tomas Tatar (cap dump to help make salaries work, UFA at season's end), Simon Nemec, and a 2026 1st round pick. (1st rounder may be a stretch with an A-level prospect coming back. I'd still be happy if it was Nemec and a 2025 2nd rounder).

That would give the Penguins Brunicke and Nemec as young RD defenders to build around, with Pickering on the left side.

If he can't beat out Kovacevic, likely because of defensive deficiencies, do you think Sulivan would play him on the 3rd pairing? Great trade idea, though think 2026 1st is more than they'll give, maybe a 3rd, but have concerns about Nemec.

It seems NJ may have concerns about defense. Apparently GM Tom Fitzgerald made a comment like offense isn't all we care about, otherwise you'd be a forward. Scouting reports all say he's at least average defending. Biggest complaint I've seen is he appears to be good defending on the rush, but gets a big out of position maybe during longer defensive zone assignments.

Scouting reports all rave about his offense, but he's never put up big numbers. NHL Network was talking about it, and brought up that there's just no space right now...Hamilton on first pairing, just brought in Pesce who is playing well, and Kovecevic is playing WAAAAY better than anyone expected. NHL panel even mentioned they may need to move Seamus Casey or one of they're young Russian defenders (think it was Silayev) because of the depth. They'll need someone when injuries happen, but, seems like this is similar to the goaltending backlog the Penguins have.

I would agree Nemec would be a great building block, but the Penguins already have Letang and Karlsson and Nemec would end up being the next Ty Smith if Sullivan has his way (which he always does). If Nemec would be patient and round out his game in the AHL, I'd be interested, but if his complaining about a demotion is a huge red flag.

[FLPensFan]

Heard a rumor that NJ is interested in Rakell. NJ doesn't have much cap space. I don't think Rakell is the type of player we should be retaining on. If NJ were pushing for a trade

Rakell for Tomas Tatar (cap dump to help make salaries work, UFA at season's end), Simon Nemec, and a 2026 1st round pick. (1st rounder may be a stretch with an A-level prospect coming back. I'd still be happy if it was Nemec and a 2025 2nd rounder).

That would give the Penguins Brunicke and Nemec as young RD defenders to build around, with Pickering on the left side.

If he can't beat out Kovacevic, likely because of defensive deficiencies, do you think Sulivan would play him on the 3rd pairing? Great trade idea, though think 2026 1st is more than they'll give, maybe a 3rd, but have concerns about Nemec.

It seems NJ may have concerns about defense. Apparently GM Tom Fitzgerald made a comment like offense isn't all we care about, otherwise you'd be a forward. Scouting reports all say he's at least average defending. Biggest complaint I've seen is he appears to be good defending on the rush, but gets a big out of position maybe during longer defensive zone assignments.

Scouting reports all rave about his offense, but he's never put up big numbers. NHL Network was talking about it, and brought up that there's just no space right now...Hamilton on first pairing, just brought in Pesce who is playing well, and Kovecevic is playing WAAAAY better than anyone expected. NHL panel even mentioned they may need to move Seamus Casey or one of they're young Russian defenders (think it was Silayev) because of the depth. They'll need someone when injuries happen, but, seems like this is similar to the goaltending backlog the Penguins have.

I would agree Nemec would be a great building block, but the Penguins already have Letang and Karlsson and Nemec would end up being the next Ty Smith if Sullivan has his way (which he always does). If Nemec would be patient and round out his game in the AHL, I'd be interested, but if his complaining about a demotion is a huge red flag.

It's a blessing and a curse...I think 75% of the drafted d-men these days are known for their offense, and it's the pro level defensive positioning that takes time for them to learn. There aren't a ton of guys that are lottery draft picks that are stud defensive defensemen. As the game has evolved, coaches preach mobility and puck movement from the back end above all else. It's kind of like in the NFL...if I am good enough to be a start QB, WR, or RB at the pro level, and I'm looking for $$$ and stability....why would I ever choose to be a RB? The league has evolved that they are dime a dozen, underpaid resources. If in the NHL, teams are really looking for the puck moving, offense, mobility....why spend a lot of my development time on defense if that lessens my chances of getting drafted.

In regards to Letang and Karlsson, I think if we got Nemec, a 3rd pairing would be perfectly fine for him to get some sheltered minutes and improve his defensive positioning. I also think Dubas should try at all costs to move Karlsson at the deadline (slim to none chance) or over the summer. One of the way to combat Sullivan and his lineup choices, is to not give him many lineup choices. You want him to stop playing Acciari and Nieto and Hayes over Puljujarvi, Ponomarev, McGroarty and Broz....then get rid of Acciari, Nieto, and Hayes.

I would be ecstatic if this team could do the following before free agency starts:
1. Finish in line for a top 5 draft pick.
2. Trade Pettersson for futures (1st/2nd and good young player or good prospect)
3. Trade Rakell for Nemec, a 2nd, and a cap dump.
4. Trade Karlsson with 50% retained for some future draft capital.

If all 4 of those things fell into place, especially with picking up Nemec and getting a top 5 draft asset, I'd love to spend next season positioning themselves for another top 10 pick. Go with mainly young guys.

X-Crosby-Rust
Bunting-Malkin-Tomasino
McGroarty-Broz-Koivunen
Ponomarev-Lizotte-Glass
x-Poulin, Puustinen

Pickering-Letang
POJ-Nemec
X-Brunicke

Blomqvist
Ned

Let ALL of those young guys get a year under their belt, to see where their game is, instead of bringing in a bunch of old vets that aren't going to vault us into the playoffs, and just serve to block the young players. Maybe a lot of these guys over achieve, and they're in the playoff hunt towards the deadline. Maybe the majority of them play well but not enough to get out of a top 10 pick position....which isn't a bad thing for this team.

[Daniel]

Heard a rumor that NJ is interested in Rakell. NJ doesn't have much cap space. I don't think Rakell is the type of player we should be retaining on. If NJ were pushing for a trade

Rakell for Tomas Tatar (cap dump to help make salaries work, UFA at season's end), Simon Nemec, and a 2026 1st round pick. (1st rounder may be a stretch with an A-level prospect coming back. I'd still be happy if it was Nemec and a 2025 2nd rounder).

That would give the Penguins Brunicke and Nemec as young RD defenders to build around, with Pickering on the left side.

If he can't beat out Kovacevic, likely because of defensive deficiencies, do you think Sulivan would play him on the 3rd pairing? Great trade idea, though think 2026 1st is more than they'll give, maybe a 3rd, but have concerns about Nemec.

It seems NJ may have concerns about defense. Apparently GM Tom Fitzgerald made a comment like offense isn't all we care about, otherwise you'd be a forward. Scouting reports all say he's at least average defending. Biggest complaint I've seen is he appears to be good defending on the rush, but gets a big out of position maybe during longer defensive zone assignments.

Scouting reports all rave about his offense, but he's never put up big numbers. NHL Network was talking about it, and brought up that there's just no space right now...Hamilton on first pairing, just brought in Pesce who is playing well, and Kovecevic is playing WAAAAY better than anyone expected. NHL panel even mentioned they may need to move Seamus Casey or one of they're young Russian defenders (think it was Silayev) because of the depth. They'll need someone when injuries happen, but, seems like this is similar to the goaltending backlog the Penguins have.

I would agree Nemec would be a great building block, but the Penguins already have Letang and Karlsson and Nemec would end up being the next Ty Smith if Sullivan has his way (which he always does). If Nemec would be patient and round out his game in the AHL, I'd be interested, but if his complaining about a demotion is a huge red flag.

It's a blessing and a curse...I think 75% of the drafted d-men these days are known for their offense, and it's the pro level defensive positioning that takes time for them to learn. There aren't a ton of guys that are lottery draft picks that are stud defensive defensemen. As the game has evolved, coaches preach mobility and puck movement from the back end above all else. It's kind of like in the NFL...if I am good enough to be a start QB, WR, or RB at the pro level, and I'm looking for $$$ and stability....why would I ever choose to be a RB? The league has evolved that they are dime a dozen, underpaid resources. If in the NHL, teams are really looking for the puck moving, offense, mobility....why spend a lot of my development time on defense if that lessens my chances of getting drafted.

In regards to Letang and Karlsson, I think if we got Nemec, a 3rd pairing would be perfectly fine for him to get some sheltered minutes and improve his defensive positioning. I also think Dubas should try at all costs to move Karlsson at the deadline (slim to none chance) or over the summer. One of the way to combat Sullivan and his lineup choices, is to not give him many lineup choices. You want him to stop playing Acciari and Nieto and Hayes over Puljujarvi, Ponomarev, McGroarty and Broz....then get rid of Acciari, Nieto, and Hayes.

I would be ecstatic if this team could do the following before free agency starts:
1. Finish in line for a top 5 draft pick.
2. Trade Pettersson for futures (1st/2nd and good young player or good prospect)
3. Trade Rakell for Nemec, a 2nd, and a cap dump.
4. Trade Karlsson with 50% retained for some future draft capital.

If all 4 of those things fell into place, especially with picking up Nemec and getting a top 5 draft asset, I'd love to spend next season positioning themselves for another top 10 pick. Go with mainly young guys.

X-Crosby-Rust
Bunting-Malkin-Tomasino
McGroarty-Broz-Koivunen
Ponomarev-Lizotte-Glass
x-Poulin, Puustinen

Pickering-Letang
POJ-Nemec
X-Brunicke

Blomqvist
Ned

Let ALL of those young guys get a year under their belt, to see where their game is, instead of bringing in a bunch of old vets that aren't going to vault us into the playoffs, and just serve to block the young players. Maybe a lot of these guys over achieve, and they're in the playoff hunt towards the deadline. Maybe the majority of them play well but not enough to get out of a top 10 pick position....which isn't a bad thing for this team.

The only question, as usual, comes to how will Sullivan deploy him. I think he’d be fine on the 3rd pairing, but will Sullivan do it or will he deploy him like he did Ty Smith? If he’ll allow Nemec to work out the kinks on the 3rd pairing then it’d be a great trade. If Sullivan makes him Ty Smith 2.0, it’s a wasted trade. Getting rid of Karlsson first might help, but MS doesn’t seem to like creativity from the younger group.