2024-2025 Season Random Penguins Fodder

[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.

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.

They also need one of their goalies to improve and play consistently.

1. Fix the defense
2. Better goaltending
3. Tweak the forward group
4. Smile at your top 2-3 coach

[KG]

TNT is broadcasting the games from Winnipeg remotely to cut costs and ESPN’s audio cuts all of the crowd noise from their broadcasts.

Do better NHL, Bettman.

[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.

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.

Great post. I agree with your points. Thinking outside the box, or outside the NHL to get players is somethign worth exploring.
As far as players you cited, I would lean on keeping Heinen for next season. He can play either wing, can slot up and down the lineup, and can produce reasonably well for a bottom six forward. I could be swayed on Tomasino, but overall, I like what he brought. And, I would definitely bring back Dewar and Timmins.

[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.

Great post. I agree with your points. Thinking outside the box, or outside the NHL to get players is somethign worth exploring.
As far as players you cited, I would lean on keeping Heinen for next season. He can play either wing, can slot up and down the lineup, and can produce reasonably well for a bottom six forward. I could be swayed on Tomasino, but overall, I like what he brought. And, I would definitely bring back Dewar and Timmins.

Heinen is fine as Hinostroza type that plays in the AHL and is a first callup when someone in the top 9 goes down. He produces a little more than that, but I don't won't Sullivan to have an excuse to block another player who has upside. Tomasino needs to step up and provide more offense, but Tomasino is 23 and Heinen is 29. One still has room to improve, the other has likely hit his ceiling. There's a reason Heinen has switched teams 5 times in the last 7 seasons.

[Wyopen]

It appears our minor league teams stink just as bad as we do. Wheeling scores one goal in three games. Murashov gives up 11 in three. Blomqvist folded against LV at home. Team couldn’t score against a journeyman goalie. So much for the Kelly and Calder Cups.

[FLPensFan]

It appears our minor league teams stink just as bad as we do. Wheeling scores one goal in three games. Murashov gives up 11 in three. Blomqvist folded against LV at home. Team couldn’t score against a journeyman goalie. So much for the Kelly and Calder Cups.

I don't know what their record was this year against them, but WBS lost to LV last year in the first round. They seem to be a problem matchup for this WBS.

[Wyopen]

It appears our minor league teams stink just as bad as we do. Wheeling scores one goal in three games. Murashov gives up 11 in three. Blomqvist folded against LV at home. Team couldn’t score against a journeyman goalie. So much for the Kelly and Calder Cups.

I don't know what their record was this year against them, but WBS lost to LV last year in the first round. They seem to be a problem matchup for this WBS.

I think WBS was 8-2-1 against LVP. None of our “premier” goalies have done well. Of course when you don’t score, well…,,

[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

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.

Yeah, allround player with scoring touch and still young, I hope Dubas has eyes on him..

[100565]

I hope the Pens are patient at least one more year, but man, I miss Pens' playoff hockey. Ain't nothing else like playoff hockey.

[FLPensFan]

I hope the Pens are patient at least one more year, but man, I miss Pens' playoff hockey. Ain't nothing else like playoff hockey.

This will be an interesting summer. A lot will ride on how Dubas handles this summer. Josh Yohe had the first part of his mailbag on the Athletic, and he said something interesting that made me think a little more about the type of moves Dubas needs to make.

Dubas himself said he's not interested in just making the playoffs, sneaking in, maybe winning a round. He wants to build a contender...a team that makes the playoffs annually and is positioned for a deep run during those playoff appearances.

He's not going to build a contender in a year or two. And if in 2 years, you aren't going to have a contender....there is zero reason to hold onto Rakell and Rust long term, as well as Karlsson and Letang.

Rust, I think by his style of play, can still be very useful if his offense starts to fall off. He could eventually fall down to being a solid 3rd line guy in 2-3 years as he ages.

Dubas should be looking to move Rakell this summer for younger options. When the Penguins are ready to compete, they are going to want some vets in the lineup, not just all young guys...but, those vets should more be in the 28-32 age range. Rakell already turns 32 in 2 weeks.

I need to see how this summer plays out.

[FLPensFan]

Taylor Haase mentioned she had seen Howe around the Penguins facilities several times in the past week or two, and said that was not a good sign. Knowing that he was injured, a prospect being in Pittsburgh usually means they are seeking 2nd opinions, team opinions, etc for dealing with a longer-term injury. Looks like she nailed this one.

[FLPensFan]

Apparently, Blomqvist was injured in last night's WBS game. Larsson is already injured.

Murashov has been recalled. Gauthier played the 3rd period and gave up 2 goals on 7 shots. Must win game for WBS Friday.

Lehigh Valley forward Alex Bump may have given WBS some bulletin board material, saying the WBS d-men were soft defenders, didn't want to play the game hard.

Sounds about right for our organization.

[DeHaven162]

Apparently, Blomqvist was injured in last night's WBS game. Larsson is already injured.

Murashov has been recalled. Gauthier played the 3rd period and gave up 2 goals on 7 shots. Must win game for WBS Friday.

Lehigh Valley forward Alex Bump may have given WBS some bulletin board material, saying the WBS d-men were soft defenders, didn't want to play the game hard.

Sounds about right for our organization.

Not what you want to hear when Pickering, St. Ivany, and Brunicke are the D in the lineup.

[100565]

I hope the Pens are patient at least one more year, but man, I miss Pens' playoff hockey. Ain't nothing else like playoff hockey.

This will be an interesting summer. A lot will ride on how Dubas handles this summer. Josh Yohe had the first part of his mailbag on the Athletic, and he said something interesting that made me think a little more about the type of moves Dubas needs to make.

Dubas himself said he's not interested in just making the playoffs, sneaking in, maybe winning a round. He wants to build a contender...a team that makes the playoffs annually and is positioned for a deep run during those playoff appearances.

He's not going to build a contender in a year or two. And if in 2 years, you aren't going to have a contender....there is zero reason to hold onto Rakell and Rust long term, as well as Karlsson and Letang.

Rust, I think by his style of play, can still be very useful if his offense starts to fall off. He could eventually fall down to being a solid 3rd line guy in 2-3 years as he ages.

Dubas should be looking to move Rakell this summer for younger options. When the Penguins are ready to compete, they are going to want some vets in the lineup, not just all young guys...but, those vets should more be in the 28-32 age range. Rakell already turns 32 in 2 weeks.

I need to see how this summer plays out.

Its been awhile since the Pens have played well in playoff hockey. No sport is better than playoff hockey - in my opinion. I miss that.

Anyways, I agree. This should be an exciting offseason! It should be quite active. It better be.

One thing is cap space of almost all teams. Other than when the cap was first implemented, the cap has never increased this much. It will increase almost 9% this year, and next, and the year after that. I think many will be surprised at the inflated contracts handed out this summer. From what I can tell, the current contract projection sites mostly use cap percentage. Smart to do so. However, thise data models (most likely regression, ANN, or decision trees) do not include overall increases to the cap for multiple years. I bet contracts will be 20% higher than most projected cap numbers. Not too big of a deal going from $1mil to $1.2mil, but $10mil will be $12mil. $5mil will be $6mil.

The inflated contracts will increase the value of Rust, EK, and Rakell.

[Pens4Life]

Can we stop with lets trade Rakell, Rust talks already?!? They werent the problem and they are under very reasonable contracts for top line wingers!

Coach is an issue, poor bottom lines vets were an issue, defense is an issue, poor goaltending is an issue!

Dubas will try to make contender asap while Sid is still here! It will be damn hard...but again, RR and Rusty arent the problem and should stay!

[Puck-Lurker]

Can we stop with lets trade Rakell, Rust talks already?!? They werent the problem and they are under very reasonable contracts for top line wingers!

Coach is an issue, poor bottom lines vets were an issue, defense is an issue, poor goaltending is an issue!

Dubas will try to make contender asap while Sid is still here! It will be damn hard...but again, RR and Rusty arent the problem and should stay!

They'll put Rakell and Rust one each with Geno and Sid. One of the kids or younger players on the other side.

[Antonio]

Can we stop with lets trade Rakell, Rust talks already?!? They werent the problem and they are under very reasonable contracts for top line wingers!

Coach is an issue, poor bottom lines vets were an issue, defense is an issue, poor goaltending is an issue!

Dubas will try to make contender asap while Sid is still here! It will be damn hard...but again, RR and Rusty arent the problem and should stay!

You don't keep high producing and therefore high value assets that are in their mid 30s and who will very quickly lose the value they have, when you are years away from being a serious competitor again. This team could have been a competitor again by making serious changes a couple of years ago, but they chose not to, so that window is gone. Only a fool would keep 2 guys who are at high value still for a couple of years of meaningless nothing when you are not going anywhere and when they will then be 35+ and near valueless.

[thehockeyguru]

Can we stop with lets trade Rakell, Rust talks already?!? They werent the problem and they are under very reasonable contracts for top line wingers!

Coach is an issue, poor bottom lines vets were an issue, defense is an issue, poor goaltending is an issue!

Dubas will try to make contender asap while Sid is still here! It will be damn hard...but again, RR and Rusty arent the problem and should stay!

You don't keep high producing and therefore high value assets that are in their mid 30s and who will very quickly lose the value they have, when you are years away from being a serious competitor again. This team could have been a competitor again by making serious changes a couple of years ago, but they chose not to, so that window is gone. Only a fool would keep 2 guys who are at high value still for a couple of years of meaningless nothing when you are not going anywhere and when they will then be 35+ and near valueless.

Yeah you have to trade one of Rakell or Rust. Since Rust kills penalties and is a better all around player I think he stays unless some team blows Dubas away.

If you can get a young defenseman with top 4 potential for Rakell you take it

[Pens4Life]

Can we stop with lets trade Rakell, Rust talks already?!? They werent the problem and they are under very reasonable contracts for top line wingers!

Coach is an issue, poor bottom lines vets were an issue, defense is an issue, poor goaltending is an issue!

Dubas will try to make contender asap while Sid is still here! It will be damn hard...but again, RR and Rusty arent the problem and should stay!

They'll put Rakell and Rust one each with Geno and Sid. One of the kids or younger players on the other side.

Yep, Koivunen and McGroarty, top 6 for next season.. if we can add UFA Blumel to 3rd line with Novak and Tomasino would be another young interesting line.

[Pens4Life]

Can we stop with lets trade Rakell, Rust talks already?!? They werent the problem and they are under very reasonable contracts for top line wingers!

Coach is an issue, poor bottom lines vets were an issue, defense is an issue, poor goaltending is an issue!

Dubas will try to make contender asap while Sid is still here! It will be damn hard...but again, RR and Rusty arent the problem and should stay!

You don't keep high producing and therefore high value assets that are in their mid 30s and who will very quickly lose the value they have, when you are years away from being a serious competitor again. This team could have been a competitor again by making serious changes a couple of years ago, but they chose not to, so that window is gone. Only a fool would keep 2 guys who are at high value still for a couple of years of meaningless nothing when you are not going anywhere and when they will then be 35+ and near valueless.

But if they want to compete , why would you trade top line winger and then you have to find replacement who will likely be even on bigger contract?? Why sell one or even two winger who have good chemistry with Sid especially, who are good locker room guys and as I said are giving you what you want on top 6 roles on very decent contracts??

Then you will be chasing replacements and IF they dont adjust ,fit in, trade them again soon.. pointless

[pekkasteele]

Can we stop with lets trade Rakell, Rust talks already?!? They werent the problem and they are under very reasonable contracts for top line wingers!

Coach is an issue, poor bottom lines vets were an issue, defense is an issue, poor goaltending is an issue!

Dubas will try to make contender asap while Sid is still here! It will be damn hard...but again, RR and Rusty arent the problem and should stay!

You don't keep high producing and therefore high value assets that are in their mid 30s and who will very quickly lose the value they have, when you are years away from being a serious competitor again. This team could have been a competitor again by making serious changes a couple of years ago, but they chose not to, so that window is gone. Only a fool would keep 2 guys who are at high value still for a couple of years of meaningless nothing when you are not going anywhere and when they will then be 35+ and near valueless.

But if they want to compete , why would you trade top line winger and then you have to find replacement who will likely be even on bigger contract?? Why sell one or even two winger who have good chemistry with Sid especially, who are good locker room guys and as I said are giving you what you want on top 6 roles on very decent contracts??

Then you will be chasing replacements and IF they dont adjust ,fit in, trade them again soon.. pointless

Well, I for one DON'T want us to try to compete next season, the team would be in a much better position in the long run if we get a good draft position next draft to. So trad them now, because the will be to old when we should be ready to compete anyway, now the will just be to good to destroy our draft position next year.

[Antonio]

Exactly. This team will not be competitive by the time they are past their prime and their value is too high to ignore right now. If they were mid to late 20s that would be different.

The smart move is to trade both but zero chance this organization has the balls and brains to do that. I'll be shocked if they move one of them. The reason this team is years from being relevant already is the lack of foresight and courage to make the moves that were necessary in the last few years to avoid the exact situation they're in now... that tons of fans saw and said but the million dollar experts somehow couldn't or wouldn't.

[FLPensFan]

Can we stop with lets trade Rakell, Rust talks already?!? They werent the problem and they are under very reasonable contracts for top line wingers!

Coach is an issue, poor bottom lines vets were an issue, defense is an issue, poor goaltending is an issue!

Dubas will try to make contender asap while Sid is still here! It will be damn hard...but again, RR and Rusty arent the problem and should stay!

I don't think anywhere in my post did I say they were the problem. If the goal is to be a yearly playoff team that can win multiple rounds, it's going to take 2-3 years, and in 2-3 years, Rust and Rakell are going to be on the decline and have low value. This team can't keep prioritizing aging 30+ year old players as their "core" and expect to get advance.

When the Penguins won their last Cup, Kunitz was 37, Daley was 33, MAF 32, Hornqvist and Malkin 30. Kessel was 29, Jake was 22. Their defense overall was younger.

This team isn't moving forward with Crosby at 39, Rakell at 33, Rust at 34, no Geno, Letang at 40 and Karlsson at 36 (ages in 2 years). Rust and Rakell aren't the problem...having 80% of your scoring or defense as mid to late 30s is. They need to get younger. We still had the oldest roster in the league this year.

[Puck-Lurker]

Can we stop with lets trade Rakell, Rust talks already?!? They werent the problem and they are under very reasonable contracts for top line wingers!

Coach is an issue, poor bottom lines vets were an issue, defense is an issue, poor goaltending is an issue!

Dubas will try to make contender asap while Sid is still here! It will be damn hard...but again, RR and Rusty arent the problem and should stay!

I don't think anywhere in my post did I say they were the problem. If the goal is to be a yearly playoff team that can win multiple rounds, it's going to take 2-3 years, and in 2-3 years, Rust and Rakell are going to be on the decline and have low value. This team can't keep prioritizing aging 30+ year old players as their "core" and expect to get advance.

When the Penguins won their last Cup, Kunitz was 37, Daley was 33, MAF 32, Hornqvist and Malkin 30. Kessel was 29, Jake was 22. Their defense overall was younger.

This team isn't moving forward with Crosby at 39, Rakell at 33, Rust at 34, no Geno, Letang at 40 and Karlsson at 36 (ages in 2 years). Rust and Rakell aren't the problem...having 80% of your scoring or defense as mid to late 30s is. They need to get younger. We still had the oldest roster in the league this year.

Team will keep Sid, Geno, Letang, Karlsson, so they get 4 years added, by default. Not likely moving any of those, maybe Karlsson, hopefully for some return (plus retention)

Rust, Hayes, Rakell, Acciari, Heinen, Graves, Ned and Jarry will all be >=30. Rust and Rakell are very good wingers that teams sleep on because they figure "Oh they play with Sid". That's not how that works, Guentzel was the real deal and these guys are a tier below Jake, but still excellent for *any* team. Those should only be shipped out for quality returns. They can stay and keep the Penguins from becoming a joke team that no one will want to go to.

Ned has no clauses
Rust has no clauses (NMC expired)

So far so good.. but then:

Acciari 8 team NTC
Rakell 8 team NTC
Heinen 12 team NTC
Hayes 12 team NTC
Jarry 12 team NTC
Graves 12 team NTC (drops to 8 teams in 2026-27, not that it matters)

And this is a serious problem. Most everyone we'd be trying to get rid of has a bleeping NTC. Apart from Rakell, they're all misfits and bad fits, too. I don't care much about their contract AAVs, but that they're holding down a roster spot.

[Pens4Life]

Can we stop with lets trade Rakell, Rust talks already?!? They werent the problem and they are under very reasonable contracts for top line wingers!

Coach is an issue, poor bottom lines vets were an issue, defense is an issue, poor goaltending is an issue!

Dubas will try to make contender asap while Sid is still here! It will be damn hard...but again, RR and Rusty arent the problem and should stay!

I don't think anywhere in my post did I say they were the problem. If the goal is to be a yearly playoff team that can win multiple rounds, it's going to take 2-3 years, and in 2-3 years, Rust and Rakell are going to be on the decline and have low value. This team can't keep prioritizing aging 30+ year old players as their "core" and expect to get advance.

When the Penguins won their last Cup, Kunitz was 37, Daley was 33, MAF 32, Hornqvist and Malkin 30. Kessel was 29, Jake was 22. Their defense overall was younger.

This team isn't moving forward with Crosby at 39, Rakell at 33, Rust at 34, no Geno, Letang at 40 and Karlsson at 36 (ages in 2 years). Rust and Rakell aren't the problem...having 80% of your scoring or defense as mid to late 30s is. They need to get younger. We still had the oldest roster in the league this year.

It wasnt meant as reply to anything you wrote.. just in general.

I hoped this year we will go in complete selloff and tank mode and we didnt..they dont want to do that! thats why I said, if they want to compete, well let them then, to the last breathe lol.. then there is no need to sell RR and Rust,but we still can get younger and YES we must certainly do that, get younger