2024-2025 Season Random Penguins Fodder

[Daniel]

Just adding on to the Isaac Howard thought, I do think there are a handful of young guys out there that may not be happy with their current team and usage:

--Isaac Howard already stated he would not sign with Tampa
--Jordan Spence and Brandt Clarke were badly underutilized by LA coach Jim Hiller
--Marco Rossi was relegated to the 4th line at some points of the playoffs
--Simon Nemec was unhappy with his usage (forced to AHL) earlier in the season
--Mason McTavish has been forced into a 3rd line role mainly, though feels he has more to give
--Bowen Byram has been rumored to be potentially on the trade block, as he is an RFA and BUF has a good amount of cap sunk into Dahlin and Power
--Matej Blumel was leading goal scorer in AHL, and one point of top point producer...but hasn't been given a chance to crack Dallas lineup
--K'Andre Miller is another d-man that has been in the rumor mill
--Shane Pinto stuck behind Stutzle and Cozens at center
--Shane Wright stuck behind Berniers, Stephenson, and McCann, plus Catton in the wings
--Matthew Knies or Mitch Marner? No known issues, but Toronto likely can't make both of them happy with a contract, and Dubas has ties.
--Brock Boeser a UFA

There may be a few others that I missed, but getting any of the d-men or forwards off of this list would be a great add to the Penguins. In addition, will Sullivan try to persuade any trades with Dubas for "Sully guys" like Rust, Acciari, etc?

Howard has committed to Michigan State, can he withdraw that for WBS if the Penguins make this trade?

[FLPensFan]

Just adding on to the Isaac Howard thought, I do think there are a handful of young guys out there that may not be happy with their current team and usage:

--Isaac Howard already stated he would not sign with Tampa
--Jordan Spence and Brandt Clarke were badly underutilized by LA coach Jim Hiller
--Marco Rossi was relegated to the 4th line at some points of the playoffs
--Simon Nemec was unhappy with his usage (forced to AHL) earlier in the season
--Mason McTavish has been forced into a 3rd line role mainly, though feels he has more to give
--Bowen Byram has been rumored to be potentially on the trade block, as he is an RFA and BUF has a good amount of cap sunk into Dahlin and Power
--Matej Blumel was leading goal scorer in AHL, and one point of top point producer...but hasn't been given a chance to crack Dallas lineup
--K'Andre Miller is another d-man that has been in the rumor mill
--Shane Pinto stuck behind Stutzle and Cozens at center
--Shane Wright stuck behind Berniers, Stephenson, and McCann, plus Catton in the wings
--Matthew Knies or Mitch Marner? No known issues, but Toronto likely can't make both of them happy with a contract, and Dubas has ties.
--Brock Boeser a UFA

There may be a few others that I missed, but getting any of the d-men or forwards off of this list would be a great add to the Penguins. In addition, will Sullivan try to persuade any trades with Dubas for "Sully guys" like Rust, Acciari, etc?

Howard has committed to Michigan State, can he withdraw that for WBS if the Penguins make this trade?

Not sure. Pensburgh had something on this today, and said TB gets a 2027 2nd round pick as compensation from the league if he Howard doesn't sign with Tampa. They also said TB is likely going to want something like Winnipeg, which is a first round pick or a good prospect. It could cost a Koivunen or similar prospect type. It seems like he would expected to complete college next year, then be available to the team that traded for him.

I also saw something in about a McGroary vs Howard comparison.

"Howard is a better finisher than McGroarty. His shot is better and he’s a faster skater. However McGroarty is the better facilitator and has more hockey sense. If you compare their NHLpe curves they’re very similar."

[Daniel]

Just adding on to the Isaac Howard thought, I do think there are a handful of young guys out there that may not be happy with their current team and usage:

--Isaac Howard already stated he would not sign with Tampa
--Jordan Spence and Brandt Clarke were badly underutilized by LA coach Jim Hiller
--Marco Rossi was relegated to the 4th line at some points of the playoffs
--Simon Nemec was unhappy with his usage (forced to AHL) earlier in the season
--Mason McTavish has been forced into a 3rd line role mainly, though feels he has more to give
--Bowen Byram has been rumored to be potentially on the trade block, as he is an RFA and BUF has a good amount of cap sunk into Dahlin and Power
--Matej Blumel was leading goal scorer in AHL, and one point of top point producer...but hasn't been given a chance to crack Dallas lineup
--K'Andre Miller is another d-man that has been in the rumor mill
--Shane Pinto stuck behind Stutzle and Cozens at center
--Shane Wright stuck behind Berniers, Stephenson, and McCann, plus Catton in the wings
--Matthew Knies or Mitch Marner? No known issues, but Toronto likely can't make both of them happy with a contract, and Dubas has ties.
--Brock Boeser a UFA

There may be a few others that I missed, but getting any of the d-men or forwards off of this list would be a great add to the Penguins. In addition, will Sullivan try to persuade any trades with Dubas for "Sully guys" like Rust, Acciari, etc?

Howard has committed to Michigan State, can he withdraw that for WBS if the Penguins make this trade?

Not sure. Pensburgh had something on this today, and said TB gets a 2027 2nd round pick as compensation from the league if he Howard doesn't sign with Tampa. They also said TB is likely going to want something like Winnipeg, which is a first round pick or a good prospect. It could cost a Koivunen or similar prospect type. It seems like he would expected to complete college next year, then be available to the team that traded for him.

I also saw something in about a McGroary vs Howard comparison.

"Howard is a better finisher than McGroarty. His shot is better and he’s a faster skater. However McGroarty is the better facilitator and has more hockey sense. If you compare their NHLpe curves they’re very similar."

Sounds like a good line with a solid center (O'Brien, one can wish).

Only, not sure I'd give up Koivunen since it'd be a 1:1 trade with TB winning because they have to trade him. Why would the Penguins make that trade? Koivunen is closer to the NHL and both are similar prospects.

I'd give a 2027 2nd since it'll likely be a better pick than their's, maybe that plus a mid level prospect like a Ponomarev or a Koppanen. They can also just wait and offer him a nice one way NHL contract, which would get rid of a lot of teams trying to get him. I'd rather overpay the UFA than trade Koivunen for him.

[FLPensFan]

I've talked about wanting to see Dubas go after Matej Blumel as a Group 6 UFA this summer. Here's a highlight video that was put together. He led the AHL in goal scoring, 1 point off the AHL points leader, and seems to have good vision in setting up opponents. He should be in the NHL already, but has been blocked by Dallas having tons of winger talent. I would think Pittsburgh would be attractive to him because they could offer him playing time.

[Posterboy]

It's fairly obvious but I really don't know, or care to know, the business aspects of the NHL-CBA, FA, cap considerations, player contract items like NMC/NTC, etc. I prefer to use the time I can devote to hockey by watching as many games as possible during the season and playing as much adult league/pick up as I can year round.

My question or point of discussion for those better informed on it is what are the chances Dubas offer sheets one or even multiple players this off season? The Pens would have the cap and draft picks correct? If so, who might be some targets? Thanks in advance