2024-2025 Season Random Penguins Fodder

[dark_forces]

There's an interesting rumor tidbit about UFA free agency mentioning the possibility of kicking tires on Tavares July 1st.
The connection makes sense. He's familar with Dubas/Spezza. Geographically, the move wouldn't be terribly far.
He likely wouldn't command more than 3 years in term, and would be a reasonably good replacement for Malkin. For the upcoming season, they could play together—with Malkin shifting to wing.
Tavares has a great reputation as a lockerroom guy as well as a shoulder to lean on for younger players.
Just something for discussion fodder.
I could see it, but I don't expect it.

I don't know. Would think Tavares would want to go to a contender and chase the Cup since he's never come close to winning one.

Plus, he's old. No thanks. Stay the course and get younger, faster and more physical.

I'm not dead set on it, but...there aren't dozens of under 25 for us to pick and chose from for each position. We want to avoid older players, but we need so much help, there are spots over the next few years this team won't have a choice.

As far as possible RFAs that could be had, I'd see if Vegas would accept a pick or picks for Nicolas Hague. He's only 26 and seems to be coming into his own. I read that Vegas is going to be tight against the cap and will have to part with a defenseman. He would slot in pretty well on our left side.

[FLPensFan]

With the cap going up so much my hope is Dubas will sit back and watch other teams over spend. When teams see the money and term being given out Rakell and Rust will be much more coveted

It is a great point. People on the board mentioned this last season. It only works if Rakell and Rust continue to perform though.

At some point we have to get assets back for Rakell and Rust. If Dubas wants to take one last shot at it with Crosby and Malkin then ok, sign a guy like Tavares to a 1 year 12M deal. But if it doesn't work out you better be looking at a fire sale ahead of the next deadline.

I know a guy in New York City that might be dying to get Rust on his team....

[Puck-Lurker]

With the cap going up so much my hope is Dubas will sit back and watch other teams over spend. When teams see the money and term being given out Rakell and Rust will be much more coveted

It is a great point. People on the board mentioned this last season. It only works if Rakell and Rust continue to perform though.

At some point we have to get assets back for Rakell and Rust. If Dubas wants to take one last shot at it with Crosby and Malkin then ok, sign a guy like Tavares to a 1 year 12M deal. But if it doesn't work out you better be looking at a fire sale ahead of the next deadline.

That ship has sailed. Get on course and stay on course.

[Daniel]

With the cap going up so much my hope is Dubas will sit back and watch other teams over spend. When teams see the money and term being given out Rakell and Rust will be much more coveted

It is a great point. People on the board mentioned this last season. It only works if Rakell and Rust continue to perform though.

At some point we have to get assets back for Rakell and Rust. If Dubas wants to take one last shot at it with Crosby and Malkin then ok, sign a guy like Tavares to a 1 year 12M deal. But if it doesn't work out you better be looking at a fire sale ahead of the next deadline.

I know a guy in New York City that might be dying to get Rust on his team....

Bold Prediction.

NYR gives the Penguins the 2025 draft pick.
NYR gives the Penguins the 2026 1st round pick for Bryan Rust at the deadline (or maybe even this summer).

[Cow_Master66]

OMG….Tavares? Ekblad?…. Yinz can’t be serious.

The only FA vets this team needs are ones they can trade a few months after they arrive.

[100565]

With the cap going up so much my hope is Dubas will sit back and watch other teams over spend. When teams see the money and term being given out Rakell and Rust will be much more coveted

It is a great point. People on the board mentioned this last season. It only works if Rakell and Rust continue to perform though.

At some point we have to get assets back for Rakell and Rust. If Dubas wants to take one last shot at it with Crosby and Malkin then ok, sign a guy like Tavares to a 1 year 12M deal. But if it doesn't work out you better be looking at a fire sale ahead of the next deadline.

I know a guy in New York City that might be dying to get Rust on his team....

Bold Prediction.

NYR gives the Penguins the 2025 draft pick.
NYR gives the Penguins the 2026 1st round pick for Bryan Rust at the deadline (or maybe even this summer).

I agree; it's a bold prediction!

[100565]

OMG….Tavares? Ekblad?…. Yinz can’t be serious.

The only FA vets this team needs are ones they can trade a few months after they arrive.

I'm with ya.

I liked seeing rookies play well at season's end. I was onboard with going all in with EK and crew. I was optimistic heading into last season - hoping Graves, EK, DOC, and a rookie or two play really well.

However, after last season I am firmly planted on the rebuild. If 24-25 is indicator, it could be a long rebuild.

[FLPensFan]

OMG….Tavares? Ekblad?…. Yinz can’t be serious.

The only FA vets this team needs are ones they can trade a few months after they arrive.

I'm with ya.

I liked seeing rookies play well at season's end. I was onboard with going all in with EK and crew. I was optimistic heading into last season - hoping Graves, EK, DOC, and a rookie or two play really well.

However, after last season I am firmly planted on the rebuild. If 24-25 is indicator, it could be a long rebuild.

Let's pretend we jettison Jarry, Graves, Karlsson, Acciari, Hayes, Heinen....we do not have the candidates internally that are ready for NHL action. They will have to fill some spots (if they can move out dead weight) with other external candidates. While I'd prefer candidates that are younger and obtained through trade, that's not always realistic. You have to offer good assets and you have to have another team that wants to make a move.

I'm not on board with Tavares unless it's like Option C or D and short term. Ekblad, I'd still want short term. I doubt he's an option after playing for the Cup 3 years in a row. But...RD are in short supply. Ekblad, Burns, Fabbro, Ceci, and Schmidt are the top 5 UFA RD. Fabbro is young, but all the other options are older players.

You have to fill out the roster with something.

[Daniel]

OMG….Tavares? Ekblad?…. Yinz can’t be serious.

The only FA vets this team needs are ones they can trade a few months after they arrive.

I'm with ya.

I liked seeing rookies play well at season's end. I was onboard with going all in with EK and crew. I was optimistic heading into last season - hoping Graves, EK, DOC, and a rookie or two play really well.

However, after last season I am firmly planted on the rebuild. If 24-25 is indicator, it could be a long rebuild.

Let's pretend we jettison Jarry, Graves, Karlsson, Acciari, Hayes, Heinen....we do not have the candidates internally that are ready for NHL action. They will have to fill some spots (if they can move out dead weight) with other external candidates. While I'd prefer candidates that are younger and obtained through trade, that's not always realistic. You have to offer good assets and you have to have another team that wants to make a move.

I'm not on board with Tavares unless it's like Option C or D and short term. Ekblad, I'd still want short term. I doubt he's an option after playing for the Cup 3 years in a row. But...RD are in short supply. Ekblad, Burns, Fabbro, Ceci, and Schmidt are the top 5 UFA RD. Fabbro is young, but all the other options are older players.

You have to fill out the roster with something.

Judging by Graves comments regarding breakout passes and the years of seeing defensemen struggle under Sullivan, I'd be willing to see how he does with a new coach. I think he'll end up being a top 2 LD and they might get a better return at the deadline.

Depending on the coach, LD of Graves, Pickering, Kolyachonok might be a legit lineup. Maybe a Bellivue or whoever as depth.

[FLPensFan]

OMG….Tavares? Ekblad?…. Yinz can’t be serious.

The only FA vets this team needs are ones they can trade a few months after they arrive.

I'm with ya.

I liked seeing rookies play well at season's end. I was onboard with going all in with EK and crew. I was optimistic heading into last season - hoping Graves, EK, DOC, and a rookie or two play really well.

However, after last season I am firmly planted on the rebuild. If 24-25 is indicator, it could be a long rebuild.

Let's pretend we jettison Jarry, Graves, Karlsson, Acciari, Hayes, Heinen....we do not have the candidates internally that are ready for NHL action. They will have to fill some spots (if they can move out dead weight) with other external candidates. While I'd prefer candidates that are younger and obtained through trade, that's not always realistic. You have to offer good assets and you have to have another team that wants to make a move.

I'm not on board with Tavares unless it's like Option C or D and short term. Ekblad, I'd still want short term. I doubt he's an option after playing for the Cup 3 years in a row. But...RD are in short supply. Ekblad, Burns, Fabbro, Ceci, and Schmidt are the top 5 UFA RD. Fabbro is young, but all the other options are older players.

You have to fill out the roster with something.

Judging by Graves comments regarding breakout passes and the years of seeing defensemen struggle under Sullivan, I'd be willing to see how he does with a new coach. I think he'll end up being a top 2 LD and they might get a better return at the deadline.

Depending on the coach, LD of Graves, Pickering, Kolyachonok might be a legit lineup. Maybe a Bellivue or whoever as depth.

The thing is, Graves was still typically sheltered before he got to Pittsburgh. He may do better with a new coach, but I'm not expecting miracles. I don't see a legit top pairing LD on this roster right now. I really liked Kolyachonok's game until he was stuck with Letang. He reminds me of a more skilled Riikola....can skate, has a shot, has some physicality to his game. Hoping the new coach sees him as a solid option, not through a Sullivan lense.

[Daniel]

OMG….Tavares? Ekblad?…. Yinz can’t be serious.

The only FA vets this team needs are ones they can trade a few months after they arrive.

I'm with ya.

I liked seeing rookies play well at season's end. I was onboard with going all in with EK and crew. I was optimistic heading into last season - hoping Graves, EK, DOC, and a rookie or two play really well.

However, after last season I am firmly planted on the rebuild. If 24-25 is indicator, it could be a long rebuild.

Let's pretend we jettison Jarry, Graves, Karlsson, Acciari, Hayes, Heinen....we do not have the candidates internally that are ready for NHL action. They will have to fill some spots (if they can move out dead weight) with other external candidates. While I'd prefer candidates that are younger and obtained through trade, that's not always realistic. You have to offer good assets and you have to have another team that wants to make a move.

I'm not on board with Tavares unless it's like Option C or D and short term. Ekblad, I'd still want short term. I doubt he's an option after playing for the Cup 3 years in a row. But...RD are in short supply. Ekblad, Burns, Fabbro, Ceci, and Schmidt are the top 5 UFA RD. Fabbro is young, but all the other options are older players.

You have to fill out the roster with something.

Judging by Graves comments regarding breakout passes and the years of seeing defensemen struggle under Sullivan, I'd be willing to see how he does with a new coach. I think he'll end up being a top 2 LD and they might get a better return at the deadline.

Depending on the coach, LD of Graves, Pickering, Kolyachonok might be a legit lineup. Maybe a Bellivue or whoever as depth.

The thing is, Graves was still typically sheltered before he got to Pittsburgh. He may do better with a new coach, but I'm not expecting miracles. I don't see a legit top pairing LD on this roster right now. I really liked Kolyachonok's game until he was stuck with Letang. He reminds me of a more skilled Riikola....can skate, has a shot, has some physicality to his game. Hoping the new coach sees him as a solid option, not through a Sullivan lense.

As this defense corp is setup, the LD I suggested can be 1, 2, 3, since the team has Letang, Karlsson, who cares at RD. Their only job is to play defense. Pettersson and Dumoulin were both non traditional top pairing LD and I view this group as pretty much the same. With Pickering, I think we'll see someone become just as good if not better than Pettersson and Dumoulin. Graves is certainly capable of playing defense and Kolyachonok as 3rd pair doesn't move the needle either way.

Why don't you think Pickering can be a top pairing defensemen? Granted he won't score like Letang or Karlsson, but he skates well, good at defense, decent shot, and can get the puck out of the zone. He doesn't hit as much as we'd like, but neither did Dumoulin (who I think is a very good comparison). What more do you want him to do