2024-2025 Season Random Penguins Fodder

[Daniel]

Yohe has an article in the Athletic. Basically saying KD should trade EK ASAP and lists off a ton of reasons why. EK has always taken a lot of the blame in his 2 years here from the media.

I think they will trade him because he wants the Cup, and many teams will have interest in him if we retain $2.5-$3mill. KD should be all over that. I could see Ottawa, Carolina, Tampa all having interest in EK at a reduced price. He is still a play driver and is just a bad fit with this coaching staff and system. Shocker.

If we trade EK, then that D corp is al all time bad level. KD needs to make some good trades and UFA signings and revamp the D ASAP.

Any trade scenario for EK needs to involve a LD coming back. Doesn't have to be a miracle worker, just budget 4D. That or, KD manages to work that into another deal alongside.

Our RHD is lopsided; two RWs playing defense, demanding a nightly top 4 spot. Then we have behind them Timmins who kinda needs to slot in at 2nd pair RD and Brunicke that will need some ice eventually. Our BPA in the draft as well may be a RHD.

On LHD we've got... nothing. Folks seem really enthusiastic about Grzelcyk, but I'm not sold he's more than a 4-5D type. Certainly won't work well with defensive disasters called Letang and Karlsson, so that's a bad fit. Graves needs to be waived, honestly. Shea is nothing much. Pickering has the makings of a top-4, probably, if he can make the team next year. He probably should, too.

Other defensemen are either too far out (Pietila, Pieniniemi, etc) or suck (like Aho).

The earlier EK gets traded the less the position from the return matters, since they'll have longer in the offseason to fill the position.

[Pitts]

Yohe has an article in the Athletic. Basically saying KD should trade EK ASAP and lists off a ton of reasons why. EK has always taken a lot of the blame in his 2 years here from the media.

I think they will trade him because he wants the Cup, and many teams will have interest in him if we retain $2.5-$3mill. KD should be all over that. I could see Ottawa, Carolina, Tampa all having interest in EK at a reduced price. He is still a play driver and is just a bad fit with this coaching staff and system. Shocker.

If we trade EK, then that D corp is al all time bad level. KD needs to make some good trades and UFA signings and revamp the D ASAP.

Any trade scenario for EK needs to involve a LD coming back. Doesn't have to be a miracle worker, just budget 4D. That or, KD manages to work that into another deal alongside.

Our RHD is lopsided; two RWs playing defense, demanding a nightly top 4 spot. Then we have behind them Timmins who kinda needs to slot in at 2nd pair RD and Brunicke that will need some ice eventually. Our BPA in the draft as well may be a RHD.

On LHD we've got... nothing. Folks seem really enthusiastic about Grzelcyk, but I'm not sold he's more than a 4-5D type. Certainly won't work well with defensive disasters called Letang and Karlsson, so that's a bad fit. Graves needs to be waived, honestly. Shea is nothing much. Pickering has the makings of a top-4, probably, if he can make the team next year. He probably should, too.

Other defensemen are either too far out (Pietila, Pieniniemi, etc) or suck (like Aho).

They will not trade him until after July 1 - isn't that when his huge bonus gets paid? Any team trading for him will definitely want to wait that out. I read he will then be owed only $10 mil for the next 2 years.

[Southern Fan]

Brunicke gonna be a fan favorite if he makes the NHL roster next year:

Thank you for sharing. At least a set of balls will elevate the team spirit next season --- if he makes the roster.

Not sure why 14 players got misconduct penalties for that. At a maximum, maybe 4 players.

How do 14 players get misconducts when there are 10 skaters on the ice?

[FLPensFan]

Brunicke gonna be a fan favorite if he makes the NHL roster next year:

Thank you for sharing. At least a set of balls will elevate the team spirit next season --- if he makes the roster.

Not sure why 14 players got misconduct penalties for that. At a maximum, maybe 4 players.

How do 14 players get misconducts when there are 10 skaters on the ice?

Looking at the list of penalties, it seems like everyone involved got a misconduct penalty. Guys that were throwing punches didn't even get 5 for fighting, just a 10 minute misconduct. I'm guessing there were a few guys going at it from the benches, or, maybe after the altercation was cleaned up and new players came on, they started up before the next puck drop.

I didn't understand how there were no 3rd man in type penalties. Everyone just got the same thing. Brunicke got suckered twice....once after he engaged with the guy who threw the hip check, and then as it started clearing up, a Cleveland player standing along the boards blind side shoved him to the ice.

[FLPensFan]

Kraken fire Bylsma after one season. I guess missing the playoffs for one year isn't acceptable.

That's ok, missing 3 years and 4 1st round exits is acceptable in Pittsburgh.

[Puck-Lurker]

Brunicke gonna be a fan favorite if he makes the NHL roster next year:

Thank you for sharing. At least a set of balls will elevate the team spirit next season --- if he makes the roster.

Not sure why 14 players got misconduct penalties for that. At a maximum, maybe 4 players.

How do 14 players get misconducts when there are 10 skaters on the ice?

Looking at the list of penalties, it seems like everyone involved got a misconduct penalty. Guys that were throwing punches didn't even get 5 for fighting, just a 10 minute misconduct. I'm guessing there were a few guys going at it from the benches, or, maybe after the altercation was cleaned up and new players came on, they started up before the next puck drop.

I didn't understand how there were no 3rd man in type penalties. Everyone just got the same thing. Brunicke got suckered twice....once after he engaged with the guy who threw the hip check, and then as it started clearing up, a Cleveland player standing along the boards blind side shoved him to the ice.

Thought it was just me, but yeah.

I did smile at Brunicke continuing to throw punches at Ahcan. He just wouldn't quit. Kept it up up to and including when he was taken into the box.

Refereeing though, is a mystery to me. I always get the impression they just spin the wheel.

[FLPensFan]

Kraken fire Bylsma after one season. I guess missing the playoffs for one year isn't acceptable.

That's ok, missing 3 years and 4 1st round exits is acceptable in Pittsburgh.

Also sounds like Botteril is the new GM in Seattle, with Francis being shifted to team president.

[BigMcK]

Kraken fire Bylsma after one season. I guess missing the playoffs for one year isn't acceptable.

That's ok, missing 3 years and 4 1st round exits is acceptable in Pittsburgh.

Also sounds like Botteril is the new GM in Seattle, with Francis being shifted to team president.

Is it fair to either Bylmsa or Sullivan to be compared to one another as far as quality of their coaching abilities? I ask, because if Sullivan is regarded as 2 - 3 best coach according to some, would Bylsma be 3 - 4 best coach? And, if so, can the time it takes for Blysma to land another Head Coach job, Sullivan should take a shorter period of time?

I still like the moniker 'Disco Dan', over 'Stale Sullivan'.

[Victor]

Kraken fire Bylsma after one season. I guess missing the playoffs for one year isn't acceptable.

That's ok, missing 3 years and 4 1st round exits is acceptable in Pittsburgh.

Also sounds like Botteril is the new GM in Seattle, with Francis being shifted to team president.

Is it fair to either Bylmsa or Sullivan to be compared to one another as far as quality of their coaching abilities? I ask, because if Sullivan is regarded as 2 - 3 best coach according to some, would Bylsma be 3 - 4 best coach? And, if so, can the time it takes for Blysma to land another Head Coach job, Sullivan should take a shorter period of time?

I still like the moniker 'Disco Dan', over 'Stale Sullivan'.

I doubt Bylsma is widely seen as a solid NHL-level head coach at this point. He did well with Seattle's AHL affiliate last season going all the way to the Calder Cup Finals. I guess that's the main reason he was given a chance coaching a NHL team again. I can see him either being an assistant coach somewhere else or being a head coach in the minors again.

Also a bit of irony that Botterill takes over as GM again after Bylsma got fired. Botterill got hired in Buffalo after Disco Dan got fired from there.

[FLPensFan]

The jury selection for the 2018 World Junior sexual assault case is taking place today, as that trial gets set to begin. The 5 defendants in the case are Alex Formenton, Carter Hart, Michael McLeod, Dillon Dube, and Cal Foote.

There are some former teammates that are listed as potential witnesses, with 2 members of the Penguins organization on the list. Boris Katchouk, who plays for WBS, and Conor Timmins.

There have been rumors (not verified, but rumors) that Drake Batherson and Boris Katchouk were in the room at some point before/during/after the assault.

[KG]

Since KD stated yesterday the plan to spend will be mostly on trades and trading for RFA's, I searched PuckPedia's site for RFA's. Some intriguing names on there for sure. Many won't be available as they are core players to their team, but it's still fun to look.

https://puckpedia.com/players/search?q=2024-25-rfa

[thehockeyguru]

Since KD stated yesterday the plan to spend will be mostly on trades and trading for RFA's, I searched PuckPedia's site for RFA's. Some intriguing names on there for sure. Many won't be available as they are core players to their team, but it's still fun to look.

https://puckpedia.com/players/search?q=2024-25-rfa

There is a glaring need at Center, going back to the McTavish thread I would trade the Rangers 1st for McTavish and slot him at 2C. That is contingent upon it being the 2025 1st.

The question is what happens with Malkin? I think you have to really consider moving him to wing if you want to have any shot at the playoffs next season

[FLPensFan]

Uncle Lou out as Islanders President and GM....

[Antonio]

You mean it's possible for people to be removed when they don't get results? That doesn't sound right.

[pekkasteele]

You mean it's possible for people to be removed when they don't get results? That doesn't sound right.

Only when they are not top 2-3 coach in the world...

[Puck-Lurker]

You mean it's possible for people to be removed when they don't get results? That doesn't sound right.

Only when they are not top 2-3 coach in the world...

Elite level coach.

[Pens4Life]

This guy should be on Pens radar as well, 24yrs free agent winger Matej Blumel from Czechia, he played pretty good last two seasons for Texas, 39 goals in AHL this season, just couldnt crack good Dallas Stars team.. low risk, high reward option

https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/2 ... tej-blumel

[FLPensFan]

This guy should be on Pens radar as well, 24yrs free agent winger Matej Blumel from Czechia, he played pretty good last two seasons for Texas, 39 goals in AHL this season, just couldnt crack good Dallas Stars team.. low risk, high reward option

https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/2 ... tej-blumel

Nice find. He was the top goal scorer in the AHL this year, and only a point behind the overall points leader. He's a Group 6 UFA. I'd definitely offer him a contract. Scouting reports indicates he has speed, not afraid of contact, strong forechecking and PK ability. He's almost a half a goal per game player in the AHL over the last 3 seasons...39 this year, 31 last year, and 19 the year before.

[KG]

Drury signs contract extension with the Rangers, some how. Follow your boy Sully.

[dark_forces]

Who are the most likely players to not return next season?
Aside from the UFAs, I'm thinking POJ, Karlsson, and Ned depart. More Ned because I don't think they'll be takers for Jarry.

[thehockeyguru]

Who are the most likely players to not return next season?
Aside from the UFAs, I'm thinking POJ, Karlsson, and Ned depart. More Ned because I don't think they'll be takers for Jarry.

Karlsson
Rakell or Rust
Heinen
Accari
Ned

[FLPensFan]

Who are the most likely players to not return next season?
Aside from the UFAs, I'm thinking POJ, Karlsson, and Ned depart. More Ned because I don't think they'll be takers for Jarry.

Well, for UFAs, I wouldn't bring back Grzelcyk or Nieto.
For RFAs, I wouldn't qualify POJ.

At forward, I'd like to move on from Heinen, Hayes, and Acciari:
--Heinen gets 3rd line minutes, and puts up high end 4th line output. He doesn't PK and any PP time he gets is simply because "he exists."
--Hayes had admirable output, but his skating presents a problem...especially if you keep both him and Acciari and try to force them on a line together.
--Acciari, if I had to keep one of these 3, would be the guy. He's slow, but he can play multiple positions. Sullivan just needs to stop leaning on him like he MUST be in the lineup every game. That's a problem for Sullivan....Acciari, Nieto, Carter.

I'd bring back DeWar, Tomasino, and Timmins. I'd look at bringing someone like Tanev back if possible, to be a spark to the 4th line. I'd still look to add some toughness to this team, skilled toughness.

I'm really intrigued by Matej Blumel that Pens4Life mentioned. Trying to do some more research on him. Seems like a good player to take a chance on for the 3rd line, at a minimum.

[KG]

Wonder if we will bring back Hallander? After the year he had, we should be interested. There were rumors we would bring him back, but nothing official.

[FLPensFan]

Wonder if we will bring back Hallander? After the year he had, we should be interested. There were rumors we would bring him back, but nothing official.

Everything I have read says we essentially already have a 2 year NHL deal in place with him. He is technically still under contract with Timra IK, but I believe there was an article or post somewhere where the team essentially said goodbye and good luck. Here's one earlier in the year from Seth at the Trib.

[KG]

Wonder if we will bring back Hallander? After the year he had, we should be interested. There were rumors we would bring him back, but nothing official.

Everything I have read says we essentially already have a 2 year NHL deal in place with him. He is technically still under contract with Timra IK, but I believe there was an article or post somewhere where the team essentially said goodbye and good luck. Here's one earlier in the year from Seth at the Trib.

thanks. Wonder if Hallander could bring some grit and offense to the 3rd line? If he could KD doesn't really have the need to spend much on forwards this off season. We should be looking to trim some veteran forward fat (Hayes, Heinen, Acciari) and adding some younger quality D men. Funny thing is, if the Pens make a few good moves this off-season and revamp the D (and bring in a new coach), we could make the playoffs next season.