2024-2025 Season Random Penguins Fodder

[Puck-Lurker]

Didnt know that Brunicke was added to Canadian WC pre-tournament roster, he was the 8th D on depth chart and eventually didnt make the WC roster, but still - thats nice recognition for his season.

Considering the roster... there's I think just one player that isn't an NHL regular, Dylan Garand. And that's a goalie.

So that's impressive. But then he was available early, due to playoff losses everywhere in the org

[FLPensFan]

[FLPensFan]

Sticking it to the young guys (ok, one guy here is 31 but was the AHL leading scorer) seems to be common around the league, even for someone like SJ

https://www.prohockeyrumors.com/2025/05 ... alski.html

[bse]

Sticking it to the young guys (ok, one guy here is 31 but was the AHL leading scorer) seems to be common around the league, even for someone like SJ

https://www.prohockeyrumors.com/2025/05 ... alski.html

All players mentioned are also quite small, which may explain why they have spent majority of their time in AHL.

[Victor]

Canada beats Latvia 7-1 for game #2 of the World Championship. Sid played mostly in a line between Konecny and Celebrini and had 3 assists. MAF was in net for the whole game and faced only 11 shots against.

[Puck-Lurker]

Canada beats Latvia 7-1 for game #2 of the World Championship. Sid played mostly in a line between Konecny and Celebrini and had 3 assists. MAF was in net for the whole game and faced only 11 shots against.

Kind of the score you would expect. Sure the NHL playoffs are going on, but the Canadian team has pretty much an entirely NHL squad; just 2 AHLers.

Latvia had zero NHL players on their roster. A smattering of players playing in European leagues mainly. Not saying they're no good, but that shouldn't hold up against Canada.

[DeHaven162]

Pagnotta mentioned today that the Pens are making additional changes to their coaching staff, that should be announced soon.

Would this be letting Quinn go so he can interview elsewhere, or could this just be the "official" letting go of Velucci, Chiodo, Hennes?

[KG]

Pagnotta mentioned today that the Pens are making additional changes to their coaching staff, that should be announced soon.

Would this be letting Quinn go so he can interview elsewhere, or could this just be the "official" letting go of Velucci, Chiodo, Hennes?

Nice. I think KD already said that Velucci, any any other coach who's contract is expiring are free to move on. Quinn is under contract, but I don't see him staying on board.

[KG]

Looks like Ken Holland is going to be the new GM in LA.

[Sigwolf]

Looks like Ken Holland is going to be the new GM in LA.

He did a lot of good things in Detroit. Edmonton... maybe not so much. I kind of think the game may have passed him by, at this point.

[Puck-Lurker]

Pagnotta mentioned today that the Pens are making additional changes to their coaching staff, that should be announced soon.

Would this be letting Quinn go so he can interview elsewhere, or could this just be the "official" letting go of Velucci, Chiodo, Hennes?

Quinn, Velucci, Chiodo.. yes I could see all of those ushered out the door in some way or fashion. A new head coach would pick his staff and the odds are, these are not his guys.

Quinn came in with two and a half tasks, pretty much.
- Fix Defense. Just nope.
- Fix PP. Definitely mission accomplished.
- Bonus: Fix Karlsson. Some progress made, but not nearly enough.
Not against keeping him if a new coach wants to work with him. Firing him would be fine too.


Ty Hennes though.. no.. I'm not a betting man, but if I were, I'd bet a lot on him staying. As far as I know, he's splitting time as a skills coach and guiding injured players back to the roster. I figure it's the other way around for him. Unless the new coach specifically doesn't want him, he stays.


(This may age like rotten tomatoes)

[FLPensFan]

Looks like Ken Holland is going to be the new GM in LA.

He did a lot of good things in Detroit. Edmonton... maybe not so much. I kind of think the game may have passed him by, at this point.

I saw something on Twitter today that the dysfunctional Islanders may be bringing Uncle Lou back as the GM.

[DeHaven162]

Pagnotta mentioned today that the Pens are making additional changes to their coaching staff, that should be announced soon.

Would this be letting Quinn go so he can interview elsewhere, or could this just be the "official" letting go of Velucci, Chiodo, Hennes?

Nice. I think KD already said that Velucci, any any other coach who's contract is expiring are free to move on. Quinn is under contract, but I don't see him staying on board.

Yeah, I thought I saw somewhere or heard KD say all of the coaches besides Quinn were free to move on too, but I couldn't find it "official" anywhere. Guess we'll see. I'm ready for these playoffs to end because this is going to be an interesting offseason for our Penguins.

[Puck-Lurker]

Pagnotta mentioned today that the Pens are making additional changes to their coaching staff, that should be announced soon.

Would this be letting Quinn go so he can interview elsewhere, or could this just be the "official" letting go of Velucci, Chiodo, Hennes?

Nice. I think KD already said that Velucci, any any other coach who's contract is expiring are free to move on. Quinn is under contract, but I don't see him staying on board.

Yeah, I thought I saw somewhere or heard KD say all of the coaches besides Quinn were free to move on too, but I couldn't find it "official" anywhere. Guess we'll see. I'm ready for these playoffs to end because this is going to be an interesting offseason for our Penguins.

KD said during his 'Sullivan totally agreed he got fired' speech the following:
- New coach gets a clean slate.
- Some coaches are on expiring contracts. If they WANT to stay, Dubas will 'arrange an audience' with whoever is the next HC. I believe he mentioned Velucci, Chiodo, Hennes.
- Some coaches are under contract, period. Mentioned Quinn.

Make if that what you will, it's very noncommittal

[ahawk9]

Granlund with the hatty last night for Dallas. Another black hole when he was in Pittsburgh seems to do OK elsewhere. Roster management. Like when they got Iginla and Bylsma played him on his off wing.

[Posterboy]

Saw on PP that the NHL released the '25-26 offer sheet tiers. With the cap going up so much next year I assumed most teams would have a ton of space but was surprised to see quite a few estimated with < $10M. The most glaring was DAL, as they have < $6M with only 15 players signed. They can let Benn, Duchene, Dadonov and Granlun walk as UFA's but they still need to replace them with somebody. I'm not sure what their player pipeline looks like. I've seen discussion about Blumel here.

Another interesting team is EDM. Bouchard has to be in line for a massive raise even though he's an RFA. 25 y.o. #1 RD's don't grow on trees. The big factor that I assume really complicates things for them is that McDavid needs a new deal in '26-27. If Draisaitl is $14M per, that's at least gotta be the floor right?

I guess my question is what teams look to be cap casualties in the coming few years that the Pens could target? Trades, offer sheets, UFA's not being resigned by previous team, etc. I really don't see the cap going up anywhere near what it did this coming year in '26-27, given all the economic uncertainty going on right now (please, I'm not looking to start any kind of discussion on this, just pointing it out for the purpose of NHL salary economics). I would assume agents are approaching any contract negotiations with the intent of "gettin' while the gettin's good". Obviously they're always trying to get the most for their clients but have to think there's extra urgency if the cap's going back to flat or minimal increases again. I hope Pens' management is looking at this in their rebuild strategy, not just draft picks, draft pick,s draft picks. I think these cap economics can really be a positive factor in accelerating the rebuild if used effectively.

Thoughts? Again, I'm not very educated on the business side of things so I'm curious to know/learn.

[Badamski9]

Saw on PP that the NHL released the '25-26 offer sheet tiers. With the cap going up so much next year I assumed most teams would have a ton of space but was surprised to see quite a few estimated with < $10M. The most glaring was DAL, as they have < $6M with only 15 players signed. They can let Benn, Duchene, Dadonov and Granlun walk as UFA's but they still need to replace them with somebody. I'm not sure what their player pipeline looks like. I've seen discussion about Blumel here.

Another interesting team is EDM. Bouchard has to be in line for a massive raise even though he's an RFA. 25 y.o. #1 RD's don't grow on trees. The big factor that I assume really complicates things for them is that McDavid needs a new deal in '26-27. If Draisaitl is $14M per, that's at least gotta be the floor right?

I guess my question is what teams look to be cap casualties in the coming few years that the Pens could target? Trades, offer sheets, UFA's not being resigned by previous team, etc. I really don't see the cap going up anywhere near what it did this coming year in '26-27, given all the economic uncertainty going on right now (please, I'm not looking to start any kind of discussion on this, just pointing it out for the purpose of NHL salary economics). I would assume agents are approaching any contract negotiations with the intent of "gettin' while the gettin's good". Obviously they're always trying to get the most for their clients but have to think there's extra urgency if the cap's going back to flat or minimal increases again. I hope Pens' management is looking at this in their rebuild strategy, not just draft picks, draft pick,s draft picks. I think these cap economics can really be a positive factor in accelerating the rebuild if used effectively.

Thoughts? Again, I'm not very educated on the business side of things so I'm curious to know/learn.

The cap is going up even more the following year. The economy has never been better.

[Victor]

Saw on PP that the NHL released the '25-26 offer sheet tiers. With the cap going up so much next year I assumed most teams would have a ton of space but was surprised to see quite a few estimated with < $10M. The most glaring was DAL, as they have < $6M with only 15 players signed. They can let Benn, Duchene, Dadonov and Granlun walk as UFA's but they still need to replace them with somebody. I'm not sure what their player pipeline looks like. I've seen discussion about Blumel here.

Another interesting team is EDM. Bouchard has to be in line for a massive raise even though he's an RFA. 25 y.o. #1 RD's don't grow on trees. The big factor that I assume really complicates things for them is that McDavid needs a new deal in '26-27. If Draisaitl is $14M per, that's at least gotta be the floor right?

I guess my question is what teams look to be cap casualties in the coming few years that the Pens could target? Trades, offer sheets, UFA's not being resigned by previous team, etc. I really don't see the cap going up anywhere near what it did this coming year in '26-27, given all the economic uncertainty going on right now (please, I'm not looking to start any kind of discussion on this, just pointing it out for the purpose of NHL salary economics). I would assume agents are approaching any contract negotiations with the intent of "gettin' while the gettin's good". Obviously they're always trying to get the most for their clients but have to think there's extra urgency if the cap's going back to flat or minimal increases again. I hope Pens' management is looking at this in their rebuild strategy, not just draft picks, draft pick,s draft picks. I think these cap economics can really be a positive factor in accelerating the rebuild if used effectively.

Thoughts? Again, I'm not very educated on the business side of things so I'm curious to know/learn.

The situation in Edmonton will be interesting to observe how it unfolds. Someone can offer sheet Bouchard 11M if he's not extended by July 1st and put them in an awkward position with McDavid also needing an extension for the following summer. McDavid's next cap hit could be in the 16-18M range. With the cap going up even more, he will be eligible to sign anywhere up to 20.8M.

Toronto is also worth keeping an eye in what they do with Tavares, Marner and Knies.

Dubas can look for RFAs that are not qualified by their current teams, like Blake Lizotte last off-season becoming an UFA from LA, or someone that can be made available in the trade market, either because they have no room for that player and/or they can reach an agreement when their contract is up. Nic Hague from Vegas, Dylan Samberg from Winnipeg and JJ Peterka could be some of the guys that are on the block. Vegas in particular already have 7 dmen under contract for next season and have to consider what to do with Eichel as he will enter the least year of his contract. Winnipeg is in a similar position with Kyle Connor.

[FLPensFan]

Saw on PP that the NHL released the '25-26 offer sheet tiers. With the cap going up so much next year I assumed most teams would have a ton of space but was surprised to see quite a few estimated with < $10M. The most glaring was DAL, as they have < $6M with only 15 players signed. They can let Benn, Duchene, Dadonov and Granlun walk as UFA's but they still need to replace them with somebody. I'm not sure what their player pipeline looks like. I've seen discussion about Blumel here.

Another interesting team is EDM. Bouchard has to be in line for a massive raise even though he's an RFA. 25 y.o. #1 RD's don't grow on trees. The big factor that I assume really complicates things for them is that McDavid needs a new deal in '26-27. If Draisaitl is $14M per, that's at least gotta be the floor right?

I guess my question is what teams look to be cap casualties in the coming few years that the Pens could target? Trades, offer sheets, UFA's not being resigned by previous team, etc. I really don't see the cap going up anywhere near what it did this coming year in '26-27, given all the economic uncertainty going on right now (please, I'm not looking to start any kind of discussion on this, just pointing it out for the purpose of NHL salary economics). I would assume agents are approaching any contract negotiations with the intent of "gettin' while the gettin's good". Obviously they're always trying to get the most for their clients but have to think there's extra urgency if the cap's going back to flat or minimal increases again. I hope Pens' management is looking at this in their rebuild strategy, not just draft picks, draft pick,s draft picks. I think these cap economics can really be a positive factor in accelerating the rebuild if used effectively.

Thoughts? Again, I'm not very educated on the business side of things so I'm curious to know/learn.

The situation in Edmonton will be interesting to observe how it unfolds. Someone can offer sheet Bouchard 11M if he's not extended by July 1st and put them in an awkward position with McDavid also needing an extension for the following summer. McDavid's next cap hit could be in the 16-18M range. With the cap going up even more, he will be eligible to sign anywhere up to 20.8M.

Toronto is also worth keeping an eye in what they do with Tavares, Marner and Knies.

Dubas can look for RFAs that are not qualified by their current teams, like Blake Lizotte last off-season becoming an UFA from LA, or someone that can be made available in the trade market, either because they have no room for that player and/or they can reach an agreement when their contract is up. Nic Hague from Vegas, Dylan Samberg from Winnipeg and JJ Peterka could be some of the guys that are on the block. Vegas in particular already have 7 dmen under contract for next season and have to consider what to do with Eichel as he will enter the least year of his contract. Winnipeg is in a similar position with Kyle Connor.

I'd keep an eye on Bowen Byram in Buffalo as well. Penguins are said to have interest, and Byram just switched agents about a week ago. I think he's going into RFA status looking for a hefty raise, and with Dahlin and Power already making about 19.5M combined, I don't think they can give Byram a bunch of money.

[Posterboy]

Saw on PP that the NHL released the '25-26 offer sheet tiers. With the cap going up so much next year I assumed most teams would have a ton of space but was surprised to see quite a few estimated with < $10M. The most glaring was DAL, as they have < $6M with only 15 players signed. They can let Benn, Duchene, Dadonov and Granlun walk as UFA's but they still need to replace them with somebody. I'm not sure what their player pipeline looks like. I've seen discussion about Blumel here.

Another interesting team is EDM. Bouchard has to be in line for a massive raise even though he's an RFA. 25 y.o. #1 RD's don't grow on trees. The big factor that I assume really complicates things for them is that McDavid needs a new deal in '26-27. If Draisaitl is $14M per, that's at least gotta be the floor right?

I guess my question is what teams look to be cap casualties in the coming few years that the Pens could target? Trades, offer sheets, UFA's not being resigned by previous team, etc. I really don't see the cap going up anywhere near what it did this coming year in '26-27, given all the economic uncertainty going on right now (please, I'm not looking to start any kind of discussion on this, just pointing it out for the purpose of NHL salary economics). I would assume agents are approaching any contract negotiations with the intent of "gettin' while the gettin's good". Obviously they're always trying to get the most for their clients but have to think there's extra urgency if the cap's going back to flat or minimal increases again. I hope Pens' management is looking at this in their rebuild strategy, not just draft picks, draft pick,s draft picks. I think these cap economics can really be a positive factor in accelerating the rebuild if used effectively.

Thoughts? Again, I'm not very educated on the business side of things so I'm curious to know/learn.

The cap is going up even more the following year. The economy has never been better.

Is the cap increase guaranteed? Everywhere I've seen it it's been phrased as "estimated to" or "could" increase. If that is tied to things like ticket revenue wouldn't that carry a bit of uncertainty and variability TBD beyond this year? Or is that how player escrow works, i.e, the owners and players agree to a set cap increase(s) but the owners hedge a certain amount of potential losses due to revenue variability by being able to recoup from that?

[Cow_Master66]

Saw on PP that the NHL released the '25-26 offer sheet tiers. With the cap going up so much next year I assumed most teams would have a ton of space but was surprised to see quite a few estimated with < $10M. The most glaring was DAL, as they have < $6M with only 15 players signed. They can let Benn, Duchene, Dadonov and Granlun walk as UFA's but they still need to replace them with somebody. I'm not sure what their player pipeline looks like. I've seen discussion about Blumel here.

Another interesting team is EDM. Bouchard has to be in line for a massive raise even though he's an RFA. 25 y.o. #1 RD's don't grow on trees. The big factor that I assume really complicates things for them is that McDavid needs a new deal in '26-27. If Draisaitl is $14M per, that's at least gotta be the floor right?

I guess my question is what teams look to be cap casualties in the coming few years that the Pens could target? Trades, offer sheets, UFA's not being resigned by previous team, etc. I really don't see the cap going up anywhere near what it did this coming year in '26-27, given all the economic uncertainty going on right now (please, I'm not looking to start any kind of discussion on this, just pointing it out for the purpose of NHL salary economics). I would assume agents are approaching any contract negotiations with the intent of "gettin' while the gettin's good". Obviously they're always trying to get the most for their clients but have to think there's extra urgency if the cap's going back to flat or minimal increases again. I hope Pens' management is looking at this in their rebuild strategy, not just draft picks, draft pick,s draft picks. I think these cap economics can really be a positive factor in accelerating the rebuild if used effectively.

Thoughts? Again, I'm not very educated on the business side of things so I'm curious to know/learn.

The situation in Edmonton will be interesting to observe how it unfolds. Someone can offer sheet Bouchard 11M if he's not extended by July 1st and put them in an awkward position with McDavid also needing an extension for the following summer. McDavid's next cap hit could be in the 16-18M range. With the cap going up even more, he will be eligible to sign anywhere up to 20.8M.

Toronto is also worth keeping an eye in what they do with Tavares, Marner and Knies.

Dubas can look for RFAs that are not qualified by their current teams, like Blake Lizotte last off-season becoming an UFA from LA, or someone that can be made available in the trade market, either because they have no room for that player and/or they can reach an agreement when their contract is up. Nic Hague from Vegas, Dylan Samberg from Winnipeg and JJ Peterka could be some of the guys that are on the block. Vegas in particular already have 7 dmen under contract for next season and have to consider what to do with Eichel as he will enter the least year of his contract. Winnipeg is in a similar position with Kyle Connor.

I would think 4 firsts for Bouchard (and almost anyone) is highly unlikely.

[Posterboy]

Saw on PP that the NHL released the '25-26 offer sheet tiers. With the cap going up so much next year I assumed most teams would have a ton of space but was surprised to see quite a few estimated with < $10M. The most glaring was DAL, as they have < $6M with only 15 players signed. They can let Benn, Duchene, Dadonov and Granlun walk as UFA's but they still need to replace them with somebody. I'm not sure what their player pipeline looks like. I've seen discussion about Blumel here.

Another interesting team is EDM. Bouchard has to be in line for a massive raise even though he's an RFA. 25 y.o. #1 RD's don't grow on trees. The big factor that I assume really complicates things for them is that McDavid needs a new deal in '26-27. If Draisaitl is $14M per, that's at least gotta be the floor right?

I guess my question is what teams look to be cap casualties in the coming few years that the Pens could target? Trades, offer sheets, UFA's not being resigned by previous team, etc. I really don't see the cap going up anywhere near what it did this coming year in '26-27, given all the economic uncertainty going on right now (please, I'm not looking to start any kind of discussion on this, just pointing it out for the purpose of NHL salary economics). I would assume agents are approaching any contract negotiations with the intent of "gettin' while the gettin's good". Obviously they're always trying to get the most for their clients but have to think there's extra urgency if the cap's going back to flat or minimal increases again. I hope Pens' management is looking at this in their rebuild strategy, not just draft picks, draft pick,s draft picks. I think these cap economics can really be a positive factor in accelerating the rebuild if used effectively.

Thoughts? Again, I'm not very educated on the business side of things so I'm curious to know/learn.

The situation in Edmonton will be interesting to observe how it unfolds. Someone can offer sheet Bouchard 11M if he's not extended by July 1st and put them in an awkward position with McDavid also needing an extension for the following summer. McDavid's next cap hit could be in the 16-18M range. With the cap going up even more, he will be eligible to sign anywhere up to 20.8M.

Toronto is also worth keeping an eye in what they do with Tavares, Marner and Knies.

Dubas can look for RFAs that are not qualified by their current teams, like Blake Lizotte last off-season becoming an UFA from LA, or someone that can be made available in the trade market, either because they have no room for that player and/or they can reach an agreement when their contract is up. Nic Hague from Vegas, Dylan Samberg from Winnipeg and JJ Peterka could be some of the guys that are on the block. Vegas in particular already have 7 dmen under contract for next season and have to consider what to do with Eichel as he will enter the least year of his contract. Winnipeg is in a similar position with Kyle Connor.

I would think 4 firsts for Bouchard (and almost anyone) is highly unlikely.

Would it be that cut and dry? If you were a team like the Pens of 10-15 years ago and could fit the salary it might be worth the risk. If you expect to be picking at draft spots of 25 or later for the foreseeable future, maybe you say I'll take the 25 yo already established RHD who can run a first unit PP and be put out against other team's top line than taking a chance that any of those 4 picks pan out, let alone at the level that Bouchard is at or trending towards. Definitely would be a risk but I think one that the right team could very well take.

[Victor]

Saw on PP that the NHL released the '25-26 offer sheet tiers. With the cap going up so much next year I assumed most teams would have a ton of space but was surprised to see quite a few estimated with < $10M. The most glaring was DAL, as they have < $6M with only 15 players signed. They can let Benn, Duchene, Dadonov and Granlun walk as UFA's but they still need to replace them with somebody. I'm not sure what their player pipeline looks like. I've seen discussion about Blumel here.

Another interesting team is EDM. Bouchard has to be in line for a massive raise even though he's an RFA. 25 y.o. #1 RD's don't grow on trees. The big factor that I assume really complicates things for them is that McDavid needs a new deal in '26-27. If Draisaitl is $14M per, that's at least gotta be the floor right?

I guess my question is what teams look to be cap casualties in the coming few years that the Pens could target? Trades, offer sheets, UFA's not being resigned by previous team, etc. I really don't see the cap going up anywhere near what it did this coming year in '26-27, given all the economic uncertainty going on right now (please, I'm not looking to start any kind of discussion on this, just pointing it out for the purpose of NHL salary economics). I would assume agents are approaching any contract negotiations with the intent of "gettin' while the gettin's good". Obviously they're always trying to get the most for their clients but have to think there's extra urgency if the cap's going back to flat or minimal increases again. I hope Pens' management is looking at this in their rebuild strategy, not just draft picks, draft pick,s draft picks. I think these cap economics can really be a positive factor in accelerating the rebuild if used effectively.

Thoughts? Again, I'm not very educated on the business side of things so I'm curious to know/learn.

The situation in Edmonton will be interesting to observe how it unfolds. Someone can offer sheet Bouchard 11M if he's not extended by July 1st and put them in an awkward position with McDavid also needing an extension for the following summer. McDavid's next cap hit could be in the 16-18M range. With the cap going up even more, he will be eligible to sign anywhere up to 20.8M.

Toronto is also worth keeping an eye in what they do with Tavares, Marner and Knies.

Dubas can look for RFAs that are not qualified by their current teams, like Blake Lizotte last off-season becoming an UFA from LA, or someone that can be made available in the trade market, either because they have no room for that player and/or they can reach an agreement when their contract is up. Nic Hague from Vegas, Dylan Samberg from Winnipeg and JJ Peterka could be some of the guys that are on the block. Vegas in particular already have 7 dmen under contract for next season and have to consider what to do with Eichel as he will enter the least year of his contract. Winnipeg is in a similar position with Kyle Connor.

I would think 4 firsts for Bouchard (and almost anyone) is highly unlikely.

Up to 11.7M AAV the compensation would be two firsts, one second and one third.

[FLPensFan]

Saw on PP that the NHL released the '25-26 offer sheet tiers. With the cap going up so much next year I assumed most teams would have a ton of space but was surprised to see quite a few estimated with < $10M. The most glaring was DAL, as they have < $6M with only 15 players signed. They can let Benn, Duchene, Dadonov and Granlun walk as UFA's but they still need to replace them with somebody. I'm not sure what their player pipeline looks like. I've seen discussion about Blumel here.

Another interesting team is EDM. Bouchard has to be in line for a massive raise even though he's an RFA. 25 y.o. #1 RD's don't grow on trees. The big factor that I assume really complicates things for them is that McDavid needs a new deal in '26-27. If Draisaitl is $14M per, that's at least gotta be the floor right?

I guess my question is what teams look to be cap casualties in the coming few years that the Pens could target? Trades, offer sheets, UFA's not being resigned by previous team, etc. I really don't see the cap going up anywhere near what it did this coming year in '26-27, given all the economic uncertainty going on right now (please, I'm not looking to start any kind of discussion on this, just pointing it out for the purpose of NHL salary economics). I would assume agents are approaching any contract negotiations with the intent of "gettin' while the gettin's good". Obviously they're always trying to get the most for their clients but have to think there's extra urgency if the cap's going back to flat or minimal increases again. I hope Pens' management is looking at this in their rebuild strategy, not just draft picks, draft pick,s draft picks. I think these cap economics can really be a positive factor in accelerating the rebuild if used effectively.

Thoughts? Again, I'm not very educated on the business side of things so I'm curious to know/learn.

The cap is going up even more the following year. The economy has never been better.

Is the cap increase guaranteed? Everywhere I've seen it it's been phrased as "estimated to" or "could" increase. If that is tied to things like ticket revenue wouldn't that carry a bit of uncertainty and variability TBD beyond this year? Or is that how player escrow works, i.e, the owners and players agree to a set cap increase(s) but the owners hedge a certain amount of potential losses due to revenue variability by being able to recoup from that?

Nothing is set in stone, but, all predictions have the cap going up significantly. Easiest way to put it, some of the hard caps they put around limiting the cap due to COVID was too restrictive and they started making a lot more money sooner than anticipated. I had also heard that this year and last year, the NHL gave the players back their escrow already, meaning they already knew they were well above the 14% or so that they hold to verify that the revenues check out.

I think the new Sportsnet deal that was signed last year has a lot to do with the big surge, but surely is not the sole reason for the increase in revenue, which leads to an increase in the cap.

Here are the latest projections on the cap: https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/nh ... e-seasons/

[Victor]

Saw on PP that the NHL released the '25-26 offer sheet tiers. With the cap going up so much next year I assumed most teams would have a ton of space but was surprised to see quite a few estimated with < $10M. The most glaring was DAL, as they have < $6M with only 15 players signed. They can let Benn, Duchene, Dadonov and Granlun walk as UFA's but they still need to replace them with somebody. I'm not sure what their player pipeline looks like. I've seen discussion about Blumel here.

Another interesting team is EDM. Bouchard has to be in line for a massive raise even though he's an RFA. 25 y.o. #1 RD's don't grow on trees. The big factor that I assume really complicates things for them is that McDavid needs a new deal in '26-27. If Draisaitl is $14M per, that's at least gotta be the floor right?

I guess my question is what teams look to be cap casualties in the coming few years that the Pens could target? Trades, offer sheets, UFA's not being resigned by previous team, etc. I really don't see the cap going up anywhere near what it did this coming year in '26-27, given all the economic uncertainty going on right now (please, I'm not looking to start any kind of discussion on this, just pointing it out for the purpose of NHL salary economics). I would assume agents are approaching any contract negotiations with the intent of "gettin' while the gettin's good". Obviously they're always trying to get the most for their clients but have to think there's extra urgency if the cap's going back to flat or minimal increases again. I hope Pens' management is looking at this in their rebuild strategy, not just draft picks, draft pick,s draft picks. I think these cap economics can really be a positive factor in accelerating the rebuild if used effectively.

Thoughts? Again, I'm not very educated on the business side of things so I'm curious to know/learn.

The situation in Edmonton will be interesting to observe how it unfolds. Someone can offer sheet Bouchard 11M if he's not extended by July 1st and put them in an awkward position with McDavid also needing an extension for the following summer. McDavid's next cap hit could be in the 16-18M range. With the cap going up even more, he will be eligible to sign anywhere up to 20.8M.

Toronto is also worth keeping an eye in what they do with Tavares, Marner and Knies.

Dubas can look for RFAs that are not qualified by their current teams, like Blake Lizotte last off-season becoming an UFA from LA, or someone that can be made available in the trade market, either because they have no room for that player and/or they can reach an agreement when their contract is up. Nic Hague from Vegas, Dylan Samberg from Winnipeg and JJ Peterka could be some of the guys that are on the block. Vegas in particular already have 7 dmen under contract for next season and have to consider what to do with Eichel as he will enter the least year of his contract. Winnipeg is in a similar position with Kyle Connor.

I'd keep an eye on Bowen Byram in Buffalo as well. Penguins are said to have interest, and Byram just switched agents about a week ago. I think he's going into RFA status looking for a hefty raise, and with Dahlin and Power already making about 19.5M combined, I don't think they can give Byram a bunch of money.

The situation with Byram is puzzling to me. I would go as far as saying that is more likely for Byram to play somewhere else next season than staying in Buffalo. Even with his concussion history, he will probably attract a lot of interest around the league. He had 7 goals, 38 points in 82 games playing almost 23 minutes this season.

I'm not sure if Dubas would go into some kind of bidding war for a highly sought player. I doubt there would be a buy low scenario here. I doubt Buffalo would be interested in a trade around Karlsson and Byram. They could use a RD over a LD, but they also need players that play defense.