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

[Pens4Life]

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.

he fits what we need.. a bit more scoring touch for 3rd line maybe, Hallander - Novak - Blumel would be line with nice potential

[100565]

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

Puckpedia has a nice table of compensation for signing an RFA. As noted on the page, the money amounts are based on 2024 levels (2025 will be higher money levels).

https://puckpedia.com/offer-sheet-tracker

The short answer is yes. The compensation is 2026+ picks and the Pens have all of their 2026 picks. The conpensation picks are only the team's original picks (not picks aquirrd in trade)

I doubt Dubas would want to qualify any player lose the Pens 2026 first round pick.

I could see him maybe qualifying someone like Bourque from Stars. A offer on Bourque would results in Pens giving Stars the Prns second round pick in 2026. The Prns have two other second round picks next year that would still be theirs.

[DelPen]

For the right player that reloads things fast where this team would be back to picking in the early 20’s and also if we have the Rangers 1st in 26 I wouldn’t mind seeing an offer sheet for the right player. But that player needs to be a top 6 center that will be able to replace Sid’s as the best center and be a guy who is putting up 100+ points consistently already.

Does this player even exist?

[Victor]

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

I wouldn't expect to see many offer sheets this summer, if any. Most teams will have a lot of cap space, so it may be difficult to put them in a situation where they are forced to let the players go because they can't simply afford them.

One interesting situation to keep an eye is Bouchard and the Oilers. They don't have a ton of cap room, even with the cap going up, and they also have to sign McDavid for the following season. McDavid can easily command 18M+ for his new contract while Bouchard can ask for 11M+.

[Puck-Lurker]

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

Penguins have draft picks that would allow them to offer sheet *any* player.

I expect Dubas will not. There's only one upside to an offer sheet, and that's you have a chance to get the player. Which can theoretically be worth it, but there's a bunch of other factors to consider.

Hard factors:
- You're investigating cap space.
- You might get a player.
- You're giving up draft picks.
- Above 4.5M you're giving up 1st rounders.
- The player has to want to sign the offer sheet.

Soft factors:
- You have cap space that's in limbo. So has the other team. Until that's resolved it's one more issue to resolve in the cap puzzle. Same with the actual money.
- Some annoyance coming from the other GM. Offer sheets are frowned upon. They meddle in team plans
- You'll be overpaying to get the player. A perfectly fair offer or a bit of overpay would be matched.
- You almost need the other team to have cap struggles to succeed. If the cap is going up dramatically, that may make it much harder.
- Draft picks

[FLPensFan]

For the right player that reloads things fast where this team would be back to picking in the early 20’s and also if we have the Rangers 1st in 26 I wouldn’t mind seeing an offer sheet for the right player. But that player needs to be a top 6 center that will be able to replace Sid’s as the best center and be a guy who is putting up 100+ points consistently already.

Does this player even exist?

Only way I would use an offer sheet is if we were getting a top 6 center or a #1 d-man. I've talked up Mason McTavish a lot...but I don't think I would offer sheet him because he needs to show more production. I really like the player, but, he just had a career season with 22 goals and 52 points...that is kind of low end 2C production.

The one player I would have offer sheeted without hesitation was Wyatt Johnston of Dallas...41, 65, and 71 points in his first 3 seasons, plus 24, 32, and 33 goals those seasons. That would be worth the first and other picks, plus the high salary. But Dallas signed him.

Marco Rossi might be the next young player who is in that range. 21 goals and 40 points last year, 24 goals, 60 points this year. And MIN has had issues with him, was playing him on the 4th line in some playoff games....his RFA extension could become contentious. But, I'm not sure I'd give up a 1st for him.

The cap rising as much as it will the next 2 years makes offer sheets even less likely, but, there is still a chance to force a team to make a decision if they want to sign a player for well over their allotted internal budgeting of what they think that player is worth.

I like Rutger McGroarty. But if a team out there loved him, and offer sheeted him at 8M AAV, are you passing up the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd round pick you would get for him? Especially if it was a bad team like SJ, who has a good chance to land you a top 5 pick? Would you really want to be forced to pay RMG 8M AAV today with what he has done to date?

So, it can still be a tool, and with the overall lack of young talent in the league, GMs should be using it much, much more...even if it is used to force other GMs into bad decisions that can effect them down the line.

[Puck-Lurker]

For the right player that reloads things fast where this team would be back to picking in the early 20’s and also if we have the Rangers 1st in 26 I wouldn’t mind seeing an offer sheet for the right player. But that player needs to be a top 6 center that will be able to replace Sid’s as the best center and be a guy who is putting up 100+ points consistently already.

Does this player even exist?

Only way I would use an offer sheet is if we were getting a top 6 center or a #1 d-man. I've talked up Mason McTavish a lot...but I don't think I would offer sheet him because he needs to show more production. I really like the player, but, he just had a career season with 22 goals and 52 points...that is kind of low end 2C production.

The one player I would have offer sheeted without hesitation was Wyatt Johnston of Dallas...41, 65, and 71 points in his first 3 seasons, plus 24, 32, and 33 goals those seasons. That would be worth the first and other picks, plus the high salary. But Dallas signed him.

Marco Rossi might be the next young player who is in that range. 21 goals and 40 points last year, 24 goals, 60 points this year. And MIN has had issues with him, was playing him on the 4th line in some playoff games....his RFA extension could become contentious. But, I'm not sure I'd give up a 1st for him.

The cap rising as much as it will the next 2 years makes offer sheets even less likely, but, there is still a chance to force a team to make a decision if they want to sign a player for well over their allotted internal budgeting of what they think that player is worth.

I like Rutger McGroarty. But if a team out there loved him, and offer sheeted him at 8M AAV, are you passing up the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd round pick you would get for him? Especially if it was a bad team like SJ, who has a good chance to land you a top 5 pick? Would you really want to be forced to pay RMG 8M AAV today with what he has done to date?

So, it can still be a tool, and with the overall lack of young talent in the league, GMs should be using it much, much more...even if it is used to force other GMs into bad decisions that can effect them down the line.

If there's a player getting a massive overpayment, you take the compensation and cap space, stick out your tongue and run.

Someone comes in and offers something crazy like 4M for Timmins (to name someone no one would).. I'll take the second rounder. 2M or less I'd be tempted to keep him and offer sheet a player on the other team's roster out of spite.