Penguins Thin on Top 6 Wingers.

[Bo_Pens]

It looks like line one is clicking…. Might be jumping the gun but we cannot only have one line. Any thoughts or ideas, on second and third lines for this year?

[Pens4Life]

That wont change probably any time soon.. I said few times I would try Puljujarvi with Geno, who is on other wing, I really dont care, Tomasino or Bunting.

We have some options, but with Sullivan still coaching is just pointless to talk about.

[FLPensFan]

Loading Rakell and Rust with Crosby is one part of the problem. If you look at all the wingers on this roster, those 2 are the most likely to be the top 2 scoring wingers on this roster at the end of the year, and Sullivan loads up the 1st line.

Rakell works OK with Malkin. Rust has worked well with Malkin in the past. They should really move Rust to line 2. I think the Penguins have worked best when they have a speedster and a "banger" (think Hornqvist or Kunitz) on each line.

Tomasino-Crosby-Rakell
Puljujarvi-Malkin-Rust
Bunting-Lizotte-DOC
Beauvillier-Hayes-Acciari

Big shakeup, JP and DOC out of their favored positions, but I wouldn't mind seeing something like this.

[Puck-Lurker]

Loading Rakell and Rust with Crosby is one part of the problem. If you look at all the wingers on this roster, those 2 are the most likely to be the top 2 scoring wingers on this roster at the end of the year, and Sullivan loads up the 1st line.

Rakell works OK with Malkin. Rust has worked well with Malkin in the past. They should really move Rust to line 2. I think the Penguins have worked best when they have a speedster and a "banger" (think Hornqvist or Kunitz) on each line.

Tomasino-Crosby-Rakell
Puljujarvi-Malkin-Rust
Bunting-Lizotte-DOC
Beauvillier-Hayes-Acciari

Big shakeup, JP and DOC out of their favored positions, but I wouldn't mind seeing something like this.

Looks good.

Though, I really want to see Puljujärvi with Sid for a couple of game, I can get behind this as well.

Sullivan will never go for it. Beauvillier isn't 32 years old, so he can't be on the fourth line.

[Cow_Master66]

It looks like line one is clicking…. Might be jumping the gun but we cannot only have one line. Any thoughts or ideas, on second and third lines for this year?

Yes. Trade anyone who is clicking.

[dark_forces]

Loading Rakell and Rust with Crosby is one part of the problem. If you look at all the wingers on this roster, those 2 are the most likely to be the top 2 scoring wingers on this roster at the end of the year, and Sullivan loads up the 1st line.

Rakell works OK with Malkin. Rust has worked well with Malkin in the past. They should really move Rust to line 2. I think the Penguins have worked best when they have a speedster and a "banger" (think Hornqvist or Kunitz) on each line.

Tomasino-Crosby-Rakell
Puljujarvi-Malkin-Rust
Bunting-Lizotte-DOC
Beauvillier-Hayes-Acciari

Big shakeup, JP and DOC out of their favored positions, but I wouldn't mind seeing something like this.

Looks good.

Though, I really want to see Puljujärvi with Sid for a couple of game, I can get behind this as well.

Sullivan will never go for it. Beauvillier isn't 32 years old, so he can't be on the fourth line.

Does any continued success, in any way, alter management's plans for the rest of this season?
I'm assuming they remain willing to sell for picks and semi-proven prospects/young NHLers. The contrary would be to attempt to deal for more veterans to flesh out the lineup, but that kind of thinking would most certainly be a mistake.

[FLPensFan]

Loading Rakell and Rust with Crosby is one part of the problem. If you look at all the wingers on this roster, those 2 are the most likely to be the top 2 scoring wingers on this roster at the end of the year, and Sullivan loads up the 1st line.

Rakell works OK with Malkin. Rust has worked well with Malkin in the past. They should really move Rust to line 2. I think the Penguins have worked best when they have a speedster and a "banger" (think Hornqvist or Kunitz) on each line.

Tomasino-Crosby-Rakell
Puljujarvi-Malkin-Rust
Bunting-Lizotte-DOC
Beauvillier-Hayes-Acciari

Big shakeup, JP and DOC out of their favored positions, but I wouldn't mind seeing something like this.

Looks good.

Though, I really want to see Puljujärvi with Sid for a couple of game, I can get behind this as well.

Sullivan will never go for it. Beauvillier isn't 32 years old, so he can't be on the fourth line.

Does any continued success, in any way, alter management's plans for the rest of this season?
I'm assuming they remain willing to sell for picks and semi-proven prospects/young NHLers. The contrary would be to attempt to deal for more veterans to flesh out the lineup, but that kind of thinking would most certainly be a mistake.

There should be no attempts to give up futures to improve this team. That's what Dubas has essentially said from the beginning and even as recently as 1-2 weeks ago on the GM show.

As it is, they still should be doing more to get Puljujarvi and Puustinen in the lineup, and calling up Broz/Koivunen should any stop 9 winger injuries occur. I also think Pickering should probably stay up at this point. I'm ok if he sits maybe 1 out of every 5 games, with the intended notion that at least 1 of Pettersson or Grzelcyk is going to be gone in the next month or so.

Grzelcyk hasn't been good defensively. He's been a train wreck most nights, but, his offensive generation numbers have been good from what I've read. At this point, pump his tires to see if they can increase his trade value. Right now, I think the Penguins could move the following 4 players at the deadline for the returns below:

MP = 2nd and a good prospect, or a late 1st and a B/C level prospect with retention or bidding war
Grz = 3rd
Acciari = 3rd
Beauvillier = 2nd

I think the Penguins will have to decided if they want to move these guys, if there is interest:
Puljujarvi = 3rd
DOC = 3rd
Ned = 3rd

With all of these guys, I could see throwing a 4th or 5th in with our player to try and move up to a 2nd. Some of it will depend on demand. Multiple teams asking about players can help drive up the price. So can a well placed hot streak in February.

[dark_forces]

Loading Rakell and Rust with Crosby is one part of the problem. If you look at all the wingers on this roster, those 2 are the most likely to be the top 2 scoring wingers on this roster at the end of the year, and Sullivan loads up the 1st line.

Rakell works OK with Malkin. Rust has worked well with Malkin in the past. They should really move Rust to line 2. I think the Penguins have worked best when they have a speedster and a "banger" (think Hornqvist or Kunitz) on each line.

Tomasino-Crosby-Rakell
Puljujarvi-Malkin-Rust
Bunting-Lizotte-DOC
Beauvillier-Hayes-Acciari

Big shakeup, JP and DOC out of their favored positions, but I wouldn't mind seeing something like this.

Looks good.

Though, I really want to see Puljujärvi with Sid for a couple of game, I can get behind this as well.

Sullivan will never go for it. Beauvillier isn't 32 years old, so he can't be on the fourth line.

Does any continued success, in any way, alter management's plans for the rest of this season?
I'm assuming they remain willing to sell for picks and semi-proven prospects/young NHLers. The contrary would be to attempt to deal for more veterans to flesh out the lineup, but that kind of thinking would most certainly be a mistake.

There should be no attempts to give up futures to improve this team. That's what Dubas has essentially said from the beginning and even as recently as 1-2 weeks ago on the GM show.

As it is, they still should be doing more to get Puljujarvi and Puustinen in the lineup, and calling up Broz/Koivunen should any stop 9 winger injuries occur. I also think Pickering should probably stay up at this point. I'm ok if he sits maybe 1 out of every 5 games, with the intended notion that at least 1 of Pettersson or Grzelcyk is going to be gone in the next month or so.

Grzelcyk hasn't been good defensively. He's been a train wreck most nights, but, his offensive generation numbers have been good from what I've read. At this point, pump his tires to see if they can increase his trade value. Right now, I think the Penguins could move the following 4 players at the deadline for the returns below:

MP = 2nd and a good prospect, or a late 1st and a B/C level prospect with retention or bidding war
Grz = 3rd
Acciari = 3rd
Beauvillier = 2nd

I think the Penguins will have to decided if they want to move these guys, if there is interest:
Puljujarvi = 3rd
DOC = 3rd
Ned = 3rd

With all of these guys, I could see throwing a 4th or 5th in with our player to try and move up to a 2nd. Some of it will depend on demand. Multiple teams asking about players can help drive up the price. So can a well placed hot streak in February.

Do you really think Beauvillier would net a 2nd round pick? If that happens, I'd personally drive him out of town. I was thinking more of a 4th rounder for him.

[FLPensFan]

Loading Rakell and Rust with Crosby is one part of the problem. If you look at all the wingers on this roster, those 2 are the most likely to be the top 2 scoring wingers on this roster at the end of the year, and Sullivan loads up the 1st line.

Rakell works OK with Malkin. Rust has worked well with Malkin in the past. They should really move Rust to line 2. I think the Penguins have worked best when they have a speedster and a "banger" (think Hornqvist or Kunitz) on each line.

Tomasino-Crosby-Rakell
Puljujarvi-Malkin-Rust
Bunting-Lizotte-DOC
Beauvillier-Hayes-Acciari

Big shakeup, JP and DOC out of their favored positions, but I wouldn't mind seeing something like this.

Looks good.

Though, I really want to see Puljujärvi with Sid for a couple of game, I can get behind this as well.

Sullivan will never go for it. Beauvillier isn't 32 years old, so he can't be on the fourth line.

Does any continued success, in any way, alter management's plans for the rest of this season?
I'm assuming they remain willing to sell for picks and semi-proven prospects/young NHLers. The contrary would be to attempt to deal for more veterans to flesh out the lineup, but that kind of thinking would most certainly be a mistake.

There should be no attempts to give up futures to improve this team. That's what Dubas has essentially said from the beginning and even as recently as 1-2 weeks ago on the GM show.

As it is, they still should be doing more to get Puljujarvi and Puustinen in the lineup, and calling up Broz/Koivunen should any stop 9 winger injuries occur. I also think Pickering should probably stay up at this point. I'm ok if he sits maybe 1 out of every 5 games, with the intended notion that at least 1 of Pettersson or Grzelcyk is going to be gone in the next month or so.

Grzelcyk hasn't been good defensively. He's been a train wreck most nights, but, his offensive generation numbers have been good from what I've read. At this point, pump his tires to see if they can increase his trade value. Right now, I think the Penguins could move the following 4 players at the deadline for the returns below:

MP = 2nd and a good prospect, or a late 1st and a B/C level prospect with retention or bidding war
Grz = 3rd
Acciari = 3rd
Beauvillier = 2nd

I think the Penguins will have to decided if they want to move these guys, if there is interest:
Puljujarvi = 3rd
DOC = 3rd
Ned = 3rd

With all of these guys, I could see throwing a 4th or 5th in with our player to try and move up to a 2nd. Some of it will depend on demand. Multiple teams asking about players can help drive up the price. So can a well placed hot streak in February.

Do you really think Beauvillier would net a 2nd round pick? If that happens, I'd personally drive him out of town. I was thinking more of a 4th rounder for him.

Depends on where he's at goal wise when he's moved. 2nd might be optimistic...another where we maybe throw in something else. I expect Dubas to try and get 2nds over 3rds, even if he has to throw in something else.

[Antonio]

Yeah i saw beau as a 2nd and immediately thought, no chance. Can't say I think that is realistic.

[Puck-Lurker]

Looks good.

Though, I really want to see Puljujärvi with Sid for a couple of game, I can get behind this as well.

Sullivan will never go for it. Beauvillier isn't 32 years old, so he can't be on the fourth line.

Does any continued success, in any way, alter management's plans for the rest of this season?
I'm assuming they remain willing to sell for picks and semi-proven prospects/young NHLers. The contrary would be to attempt to deal for more veterans to flesh out the lineup, but that kind of thinking would most certainly be a mistake.

There should be no attempts to give up futures to improve this team. That's what Dubas has essentially said from the beginning and even as recently as 1-2 weeks ago on the GM show.

As it is, they still should be doing more to get Puljujarvi and Puustinen in the lineup, and calling up Broz/Koivunen should any stop 9 winger injuries occur. I also think Pickering should probably stay up at this point. I'm ok if he sits maybe 1 out of every 5 games, with the intended notion that at least 1 of Pettersson or Grzelcyk is going to be gone in the next month or so.

Grzelcyk hasn't been good defensively. He's been a train wreck most nights, but, his offensive generation numbers have been good from what I've read. At this point, pump his tires to see if they can increase his trade value. Right now, I think the Penguins could move the following 4 players at the deadline for the returns below:

MP = 2nd and a good prospect, or a late 1st and a B/C level prospect with retention or bidding war
Grz = 3rd
Acciari = 3rd
Beauvillier = 2nd

I think the Penguins will have to decided if they want to move these guys, if there is interest:
Puljujarvi = 3rd
DOC = 3rd
Ned = 3rd

With all of these guys, I could see throwing a 4th or 5th in with our player to try and move up to a 2nd. Some of it will depend on demand. Multiple teams asking about players can help drive up the price. So can a well placed hot streak in February.

Do you really think Beauvillier would net a 2nd round pick? If that happens, I'd personally drive him out of town. I was thinking more of a 4th rounder for him.

Depends on where he's at goal wise when he's moved. 2nd might be optimistic...another where we maybe throw in something else. I expect Dubas to try and get 2nds over 3rds, even if he has to throw in something else.

Grzelcyk, Beauvillier, Acciari I will move any day of the week and twice on Sunday. If trading the three of them returns us just a 7th, 4th and a 3rd I'd be all over that.

The other pieces you mention, only if you can make them part of a deal that moves out a crap contract. Jarry or Karlsson.

[Daniel]

Yeah i saw beau as a 2nd and immediately thought, no chance. Can't say I think that is realistic.

I think it’s realistic if either of these occur. Low 2nd pick, drafting about 25-30 would pretty much be a 3rd round pick for all intents and purposes or a team has multiple 2nd round picks and trades the lower of the two.

I can’t see them getting about the 45th pick but 58th might be doable if Beau is playing well.

[Daniel]

Does any continued success, in any way, alter management's plans for the rest of this season?
I'm assuming they remain willing to sell for picks and semi-proven prospects/young NHLers. The contrary would be to attempt to deal for more veterans to flesh out the lineup, but that kind of thinking would most certainly be a mistake.

There should be no attempts to give up futures to improve this team. That's what Dubas has essentially said from the beginning and even as recently as 1-2 weeks ago on the GM show.

As it is, they still should be doing more to get Puljujarvi and Puustinen in the lineup, and calling up Broz/Koivunen should any stop 9 winger injuries occur. I also think Pickering should probably stay up at this point. I'm ok if he sits maybe 1 out of every 5 games, with the intended notion that at least 1 of Pettersson or Grzelcyk is going to be gone in the next month or so.

Grzelcyk hasn't been good defensively. He's been a train wreck most nights, but, his offensive generation numbers have been good from what I've read. At this point, pump his tires to see if they can increase his trade value. Right now, I think the Penguins could move the following 4 players at the deadline for the returns below:

MP = 2nd and a good prospect, or a late 1st and a B/C level prospect with retention or bidding war
Grz = 3rd
Acciari = 3rd
Beauvillier = 2nd

I think the Penguins will have to decided if they want to move these guys, if there is interest:
Puljujarvi = 3rd
DOC = 3rd
Ned = 3rd

With all of these guys, I could see throwing a 4th or 5th in with our player to try and move up to a 2nd. Some of it will depend on demand. Multiple teams asking about players can help drive up the price. So can a well placed hot streak in February.

Do you really think Beauvillier would net a 2nd round pick? If that happens, I'd personally drive him out of town. I was thinking more of a 4th rounder for him.

Depends on where he's at goal wise when he's moved. 2nd might be optimistic...another where we maybe throw in something else. I expect Dubas to try and get 2nds over 3rds, even if he has to throw in something else.

Grzelcyk, Beauvillier, Acciari I will move any day of the week and twice on Sunday. If trading the three of them returns us just a 7th, 4th and a 3rd I'd be all over that.

The other pieces you mention, only if you can make them part of a deal that moves out a crap contract. Jarry or Karlsson.

The biggest thing for me with trading those 3 is that you also get Pickering, Puustinen, Poulin (or whatever 3 prospects, but you get the point). Tired of random NHL players blocking younger ones. I can understand a Rakell or even a Rust, but those 3? Nah.

[Puck-Lurker]

The biggest thing for me with trading those 3 is that you also get Pickering, Puustinen, Poulin (or whatever 3 prospects, but you get the point). Tired of random NHL players blocking younger ones. I can understand a Rakell or even a Rust, but those 3? Nah.

Absolutely! Totally on board with your point there.

DK in his pod was going on about how young players waaaay back (when we were winning cups) forced their way onto the roster by being good (enough). Mentioned Tommy K, Rust, Scott Wilson, Sheary, Guentzel.. and extrapolated that our current guys aren't doing that.

Sure, Puustinen refuses to shoot the puck. Okay. Beauvillier does shoot the puck. I think that's fair that Puustinen gets bumped and bumped out.

But then complained how Poulin has this flavourless game where he doesn't bring any real strength that sticks out to the team. You know, unlike Nieto.. who offers... uhh.. something I'm sure. Veteran leadership on a team full of youngsters?

Ponomarev can become a very useful bottom 6 center. But we're in love with Acciari for reasons I don't fathom; needs to play wing. And Hayes just doesn't have to play 70+ games this year.

RMG in WBS I get. Build him up, just turned pro this season. But Broz? Koivunen?

The more of this line of 32 year old fifth liners I see the more annoyed I get and that's not counting Puljujärvi getting scratched for a week

[Daniel]

The biggest thing for me with trading those 3 is that you also get Pickering, Puustinen, Poulin (or whatever 3 prospects, but you get the point). Tired of random NHL players blocking younger ones. I can understand a Rakell or even a Rust, but those 3? Nah.

Absolutely! Totally on board with your point there.

DK in his pod was going on about how young players waaaay back (when we were winning cups) forced their way onto the roster by being good (enough). Mentioned Tommy K, Rust, Scott Wilson, Sheary, Guentzel.. and extrapolated that our current guys aren't doing that.

Sure, Puustinen refuses to shoot the puck. Okay. Beauvillier does shoot the puck. I think that's fair that Puustinen gets bumped and bumped out.

But then complained how Poulin has this flavourless game where he doesn't bring any real strength that sticks out to the team. You know, unlike Nieto.. who offers... uhh.. something I'm sure. Veteran leadership on a team full of youngsters?

Ponomarev can become a very useful bottom 6 center. But we're in love with Acciari for reasons I don't fathom; needs to play wing. And Hayes just doesn't have to play 70+ games this year.

RMG in WBS I get. Build him up, just turned pro this season. But Broz? Koivunen?

The more of this line of 32 year old fifth liners I see the more annoyed I get and that's not counting Puljujärvi getting scratched for a week

Here's the counter argument to DK. The cup years didn't have full rosters and MS didn't make decisions based on waiver status. Don't get me wrong, there weren't 5-6 spots, but he rotated 2-3 people in until someone beat out the others, then brought people up when injuries occured. The key to me is training camp competition. The Tommy K's, Rust, Wilson, etc. competed with each other for actual roster spot. When was the last time the Penguins went into training camp with less than a full roster? Probably the last cup win.

You had the top 6 usually full but those guys fought for 4th line and occassional 3rd roles and moved up when they earned it (Sheary, Rust, Guentzel). Now guys like Poulin, Puustinen, etc are competing with UFAs with no waiver exemptions. Just not the same and I imagine it's a bit demoralizing for them.

[Sams_Dog]

The biggest thing for me with trading those 3 is that you also get Pickering, Puustinen, Poulin (or whatever 3 prospects, but you get the point). Tired of random NHL players blocking younger ones. I can understand a Rakell or even a Rust, but those 3? Nah.

Absolutely! Totally on board with your point there.

DK in his pod was going on about how young players waaaay back (when we were winning cups) forced their way onto the roster by being good (enough). Mentioned Tommy K, Rust, Scott Wilson, Sheary, Guentzel.. and extrapolated that our current guys aren't doing that.

Sure, Puustinen refuses to shoot the puck. Okay. Beauvillier does shoot the puck. I think that's fair that Puustinen gets bumped and bumped out.

But then complained how Poulin has this flavourless game where he doesn't bring any real strength that sticks out to the team. You know, unlike Nieto.. who offers... uhh.. something I'm sure. Veteran leadership on a team full of youngsters?

Ponomarev can become a very useful bottom 6 center. But we're in love with Acciari for reasons I don't fathom; needs to play wing. And Hayes just doesn't have to play 70+ games this year.

RMG in WBS I get. Build him up, just turned pro this season. But Broz? Koivunen?

The more of this line of 32 year old fifth liners I see the more annoyed I get and that's not counting Puljujärvi getting scratched for a week

Here's the counter argument to DK. The cup years didn't have full rosters and MS didn't make decisions based on waiver status. Don't get me wrong, there weren't 5-6 spots, but he rotated 2-3 people in until someone beat out the others, then brought people up when injuries occured. The key to me is training camp competition. The Tommy K's, Rust, Wilson, etc. competed with each other for actual roster spot. When was the last time the Penguins went into training camp with less than a full roster? Probably the last cup win.

You had the top 6 usually full but those guys fought for 4th line and occasional 3rd roles and moved up when they earned it (Sheary, Rust, Guentzel). Now guys like Poulin, Puustinen, etc are competing with UFAs with no waiver exemptions. Just not the same and I imagine it's a bit demoralizing for them.

YES! I completely agree. Every year during the summer the team says there are "some spots open for grabs" but then before training camp rolls around they go out and sign a veteran or two who makes too much money and waiver protection. And then those spots disappear until there are injuries. The list of guys who have taken up a roster spot, blocked a young guy who outplayed them in camp, without producing enough to justify their jersey is LONG. If it is true that Sullivan has a good amount of say in who the team signs or trades for (and I think he does) then I put this squarely on him. I'll list a few guys here. I'm sure you all can name more.
Matt Nieto
Matt Grzelczyk
Jeff Carter
Janson Harkins
Danton Heinen
Brian Boyle
Mark Jankowski
Colton Sceviour

[Puck-Lurker]

The biggest thing for me with trading those 3 is that you also get Pickering, Puustinen, Poulin (or whatever 3 prospects, but you get the point). Tired of random NHL players blocking younger ones. I can understand a Rakell or even a Rust, but those 3? Nah.

Absolutely! Totally on board with your point there.

DK in his pod was going on about how young players waaaay back (when we were winning cups) forced their way onto the roster by being good (enough). Mentioned Tommy K, Rust, Scott Wilson, Sheary, Guentzel.. and extrapolated that our current guys aren't doing that.

Sure, Puustinen refuses to shoot the puck. Okay. Beauvillier does shoot the puck. I think that's fair that Puustinen gets bumped and bumped out.

But then complained how Poulin has this flavourless game where he doesn't bring any real strength that sticks out to the team. You know, unlike Nieto.. who offers... uhh.. something I'm sure. Veteran leadership on a team full of youngsters?

Ponomarev can become a very useful bottom 6 center. But we're in love with Acciari for reasons I don't fathom; needs to play wing. And Hayes just doesn't have to play 70+ games this year.

RMG in WBS I get. Build him up, just turned pro this season. But Broz? Koivunen?

The more of this line of 32 year old fifth liners I see the more annoyed I get and that's not counting Puljujärvi getting scratched for a week

Here's the counter argument to DK. The cup years didn't have full rosters and MS didn't make decisions based on waiver status. Don't get me wrong, there weren't 5-6 spots, but he rotated 2-3 people in until someone beat out the others, then brought people up when injuries occured. The key to me is training camp competition. The Tommy K's, Rust, Wilson, etc. competed with each other for actual roster spot. When was the last time the Penguins went into training camp with less than a full roster? Probably the last cup win.

You had the top 6 usually full but those guys fought for 4th line and occasional 3rd roles and moved up when they earned it (Sheary, Rust, Guentzel). Now guys like Poulin, Puustinen, etc are competing with UFAs with no waiver exemptions. Just not the same and I imagine it's a bit demoralizing for them.

YES! I completely agree. Every year during the summer the team says there are "some spots open for grabs" but then before training camp rolls around they go out and sign a veteran or two who makes too much money and waiver protection. And then those spots disappear until there are injuries. The list of guys who have taken up a roster spot, blocked a young guy who outplayed them in camp, without producing enough to justify their jersey is LONG. If it is true that Sullivan has a good amount of say in who the team signs or trades for (and I think he does) then I put this squarely on him. I'll list a few guys here. I'm sure you all can name more.
Matt Nieto
Matt Grzelczyk
Jeff Carter
Janson Harkins
Danton Heinen
Brian Boyle
Mark Jankowski
Colton Sceviour

(Disclaimer beyond the first line I put up, mentioning DK, those are all just my own thoughts, really. Though there's probably significant overlap)

I can excuse Heinen, he performed above his cheapo contract and was aged 26-27 respectively when he was in town.


Nobody outplayed Nieto in training camp, because he wasn't even there. Sullivan should, by now, have seen enough to know that there are at least 5 players in Wilkes-Barre that will give you more. Players that will grow and develop for getting the experience. Nieto has now played 8 games this season and it's an absolute disgrace to the organisation. He has zero trade value and is just a 32 year old random plugger who puts up 10 to 15 points at most. This dude needs to get waived and replaced by anyone else, even Emil Bemström is preferable and he's a nobody I have zero interest in seeing in Pittsburgh.

[Daniel]

The biggest thing for me with trading those 3 is that you also get Pickering, Puustinen, Poulin (or whatever 3 prospects, but you get the point). Tired of random NHL players blocking younger ones. I can understand a Rakell or even a Rust, but those 3? Nah.

Absolutely! Totally on board with your point there.

DK in his pod was going on about how young players waaaay back (when we were winning cups) forced their way onto the roster by being good (enough). Mentioned Tommy K, Rust, Scott Wilson, Sheary, Guentzel.. and extrapolated that our current guys aren't doing that.

Sure, Puustinen refuses to shoot the puck. Okay. Beauvillier does shoot the puck. I think that's fair that Puustinen gets bumped and bumped out.

But then complained how Poulin has this flavourless game where he doesn't bring any real strength that sticks out to the team. You know, unlike Nieto.. who offers... uhh.. something I'm sure. Veteran leadership on a team full of youngsters?

Ponomarev can become a very useful bottom 6 center. But we're in love with Acciari for reasons I don't fathom; needs to play wing. And Hayes just doesn't have to play 70+ games this year.

RMG in WBS I get. Build him up, just turned pro this season. But Broz? Koivunen?

The more of this line of 32 year old fifth liners I see the more annoyed I get and that's not counting Puljujärvi getting scratched for a week

Here's the counter argument to DK. The cup years didn't have full rosters and MS didn't make decisions based on waiver status. Don't get me wrong, there weren't 5-6 spots, but he rotated 2-3 people in until someone beat out the others, then brought people up when injuries occured. The key to me is training camp competition. The Tommy K's, Rust, Wilson, etc. competed with each other for actual roster spot. When was the last time the Penguins went into training camp with less than a full roster? Probably the last cup win.

You had the top 6 usually full but those guys fought for 4th line and occasional 3rd roles and moved up when they earned it (Sheary, Rust, Guentzel). Now guys like Poulin, Puustinen, etc are competing with UFAs with no waiver exemptions. Just not the same and I imagine it's a bit demoralizing for them.

YES! I completely agree. Every year during the summer the team says there are "some spots open for grabs" but then before training camp rolls around they go out and sign a veteran or two who makes too much money and waiver protection. And then those spots disappear until there are injuries. The list of guys who have taken up a roster spot, blocked a young guy who outplayed them in camp, without producing enough to justify their jersey is LONG. If it is true that Sullivan has a good amount of say in who the team signs or trades for (and I think he does) then I put this squarely on him. I'll list a few guys here. I'm sure you all can name more.
Matt Nieto
Matt Grzelczyk
Jeff Carter
Janson Harkins
Danton Heinen
Brian Boyle
Mark Jankowski
Colton Sceviour

But but but........they can all be waived. Yeah right.