Best players being the best players. I was actually encouraged looking at Mirtle's article the other day about 4th lines, and comparing how much we are using our "4th line" to other teams.
- Deadstar

Bylsma is just rolling all of the lines night in and night out. I still can't believe Pyatt was on with 6 minutes left when the Canucks went up by 2.

But all he does is win, so i'll shut up.

That's a nice 3rd line. It also comes with the trade off of having Michael Handzus and Kris Versteeg on a "2nd line"
- Deadstar

That's true. Kane must be thrilled. But wasn't it Kruger and Versteeg?

Shero has no cap room and no high-salaried assets to move to pull off any kind of meaningful trade. For instance, a trade of Brian Dumoulin for T.J. Galiardi would put the Penguins over the cap.

The Penguins basically can't make any significant moves unless it's a D prospect for an entry-level contract forward prospect, or unless they move a guy like Niskanen.

But then, I have a hard time believing that there's a 3rd line type guy out there who is more valuable than a vet defensemen who has stepped up while everyone else was out, and protects against having to play two rookie defensemen in the playoffs even if they struggle.

That's true. Kane must be thrilled. But wasn't it Kruger and Versteeg?
- canadianpenfan

I wasn't actually watching the game last night. Just basing it on past. Mostly watched Philly. It very well could have been Kruger.

Shero has no cap room and no high-salaried assets to move to pull off any kind of meaningful trade. For instance, a trade of Brian Dumoulin for T.J. Galiardi would put the Penguins over the cap.

The Penguins basically can't make any significant moves unless it's a D prospect for an entry-level contract forward prospect, or unless they move a guy like Niskanen.

But then, I have a hard time believing that there's a 3rd line type guy out there who is more valuable than a vet defensemen who has stepped up while everyone else was out, and protects against having to play two rookie defensemen in the playoffs even if they struggle.
- hardnosed

I don't think Dupuis' contract is in the calculations yet for how much room we have. I think we will be fine picking up a number of 3rd liners. Any higher salaried players (I'm thinking 3.5+) would require some money going back or retained salary.

I don't think Dupuis' contract is in the calculations yet for how much room we have. I think we will be fine picking up a number of 3rd liners. Any higher salaried players (I'm thinking 3.5+) would require some money going back or retained salary.
- Deadstar

I could see Vokoun's salary (2 mil) come into play. It's hard to imagine he's coming back.

I don't think Dupuis' contract is in the calculations yet for how much room we have. I think we will be fine picking up a number of 3rd liners. Any higher salaried players (I'm thinking 3.5+) would require some money going back or retained salary.
- Deadstar

Yea, plus there are a few other ways to get their salary cap down. I read somewhere that the pens could have around 5 mil in cap space by the deadline

I wasn't actually watching the game last night. Just basing it on past. Mostly watched Philly. It very well could have been Kruger.
- Deadstar

I was watching that one first, I hate to say it but they've turned the corner. They are a legitimate threat. I think it will be a dogfight between them, the Rags and the Isles from here on out. The Isles, and especially Tavares, are on fire.

I don't think Dupuis' contract is in the calculations yet for how much room we have. I think we will be fine picking up a number of 3rd liners. Any higher salaried players (I'm thinking 3.5+) would require some money going back or retained salary.
- Deadstar

It's certainly not going to be like last year. The late trade deadline meant that teams were only responsible for about a 7th of a player's salary. That'll be different this year. And unlike last year, the Penguins didn't come into this season with their customary salary buffer for Ray to play with, just no way to do that the way the cap went down. Pretty sure that capgeek's numbers are correct, and the Penguins will be $970k under the cap come the deadline, which is miniscule.

I was watching that one first, I hate to say it but they've turned the corner. They are a legitimate threat. I think it will be a dogfight between them, the Rags and the Isles from here on out. The Isles, and especially Tavares, are on fire.
- canadianpenfan

Rinaldo scored. I wouldn't say its as much turning a corner as it is progression to the mean from their 1-7 start. Montreal looked terrible. Wasn't moving their feet. Couldn't make a pass. The Flyers defensemen probably would have had 3-4 interference calls on them if Montreal was actually skating.

Not to totally knock the Flyers for their run. Last night was the only game I've really watched lately.

It's certainly not going to be like last year. The late trade deadline meant that teams were only responsible for about a 7th of a player's salary. That'll be different this year. And unlike last year, the Penguins didn't come into this season with their customary salary buffer for Ray to play with, just no way to do that the way the cap went down. Pretty sure that capgeek's numbers are correct, and the Penguins will be $970k under the cap come the deadline, which is miniscule.
- hardnosed

Dupuis is not on LTIR yet. It certainly not is going to be like last year. No one had to worry about the cap last year it was so high.

I could see Vokoun's salary (2 mil) come into play. It's hard to imagine he's coming back.
- madmike71

Shero suddenly (and unfortunately) has plenty of cap room with Dupuis and Vokoun on the shelf for the year.

By plenty of cap room, I mean that in the context of shoring up the bottom 6.

Whatever Shero does I think he'll take his sweet time doing it considering our lead in the division. How can they play pyatt over sill ? I don't get it , wasn't sill a healthy scratch last game ? Or am I wrong , is he hurt ? Mcginn is probably our best bet , watched most of Avs game last night , they need help on the blue line bad , Ottawa exposed their need last night , yes Ottawa !

Rinaldo scored. I wouldn't say its as much turning a corner as it is progression to the mean from their 1-7 start. Montreal looked terrible. Wasn't moving their feet. Couldn't make a pass. The Flyers defensemen probably would have had 3-4 interference calls on them if Montreal was actually skating.

Not to totally knock the Flyers for their run. Last night was the only game I've really watched lately.
- Deadstar

10 in a row at home, 5 of last 6 on the road or something. Balanced scoring.

They've turned the corner. One thing I will say though, they sure do seem to see alot of back up golaies.

10 in a row at home, 5 of last 6 on the road or something. Balanced scoring.

They've turned the corner. One thing I will say though, they sure do seem to see alot of back up golaies.
- canadianpenfan

The Metro wasn't going to be that bad forever.

Shero has no cap room and no high-salaried assets to move to pull off any kind of meaningful trade. For instance, a trade of Brian Dumoulin for T.J. Galiardi would put the Penguins over the cap.

The Penguins basically can't make any significant moves unless it's a D prospect for an entry-level contract forward prospect, or unless they move a guy like Niskanen.

But then, I have a hard time believing that there's a 3rd line type guy out there who is more valuable than a vet defensemen who has stepped up while everyone else was out, and protects against having to play two rookie defensemen in the playoffs even if they struggle.
- hardnosed

They can get the LTIR for Dupuis if need be. Plus, all contract cap hits are pro rated, and they can demote players and save up to $900K if need be on waiver exempt players. They'll be just fine.

We have all been talking about letang or a d prospect being traded, but does anyone think orpik could be dealt. Although he's had a rough few games, the guy can flat out play defense, but in his last year with these other defenseman stepping in, it makes it possible

We have all been talking about letang or a d prospect being traded, but does anyone think orpik could be dealt. Although he's had a rough few games, the guy can flat out play defense, but in his last year with these other defenseman stepping in, it makes it possible
- drummer829

I just can't imagine either Orpik or Letang traded this season... For once in a long while we have a solid top 4 for a playoff run. You don't hurt your top 4 to help your 3rd line (or even your first line when the other 2/3 of it are top 10 scorers).

I can't root for Chris Neil.
- Oneonta Penguin

Looking ahead to next year it is untenable to have a roster of
Martin
Scuderi
Letang
Nisc (if we resign him)
Orpik (if we resign him
Maata
Where does that leave poulliot, Harrington, doimilin, depres , Samuelson, ruopp???
Even if we let both niskenen and Orpik walk that leaves 3 roster spots for 6 players !!!
They re not all playing for the pens... Some decisions need to be made this year before the deadline ...

They can get the LTIR for Dupuis if need be. Plus, all contract cap hits are pro rated, and they can demote players and save up to $900K if need be on waiver exempt players. They'll be just fine.
- jmatchett383

Do the penguins see a point in the future with both poulliot and letang on the roster? If no is nt sensible to trade one esp if it addresses the needs of the team

Looking ahead to next year it is untenable to have a roster of
Martin
Scuderi
Letang
Nisc (if we resign him)
Orpik (if we resign him
Maata
Where does that leave poulliot, Harrington, doimilin, depres , Samuelson, ruopp???
Even if we let both niskenen and Orpik walk that leaves 3 roster spots for 6 players !!!
They re not all playing for the pens... Some decisions need to be made this year before the deadline ...
- Brianandr1

Shero has some blue line decisions to make this summer.

Samuelsson, Ruopp or Pouliot aren't going to be NHL regulars next season (if ever for the first 2).

What gets interesting is that Shero has to have an idea what is going to happen with Orpik and Niskanen before he does anything at the deadline. I don't think that you can't lose both of those guys and trade a Despres, Dumoulin or Harrington too. That's a big chunk of your organizational depth.

I just can't imagine either Orpik or Letang traded this season... For once in a long while we have a solid top 4 for a playoff run. You don't hurt your top 4 to help your 3rd line (or even your first line when the other 2/3 of it are top 10 scorers).
- rival22

I personally think they should resign orpik for a 3-4 year deal and trade try to trade him in 2 years when the younger guys start stepping in more. I think he's too valuable as of right now and no one can fill his role yet. Just do the sign and trade like jagr. Seems like the only reason teams are signing jagr is to trade him at the deadline for something they couldn't get before

I just can't imagine either Orpik or Letang traded this season... For once in a long while we have a solid top 4 for a playoff run. You don't hurt your top 4 to help your 3rd line (or even your first line when the other 2/3 of it are top 10 scorers).
- rival22

Those two aren't going anywhere. It's hard for me to believe they'll trade any prominent roster players.....including Nisky before the playoffs.

Do the penguins see a point in the future with both poulliot and letang on the roster? If no is nt sensible to trade one esp if it addresses the needs of the team
- Brianandr1

I don't move either of them now... You have Letang locked up, and you have Pouliot just entering his entry level deal next season. After one year in Wilkes Barre, and a second year as a bottom pairing/part time NHL player, then you figure out what you have in him and what you are doing long term. There is no rush in my opinion.

I just can't imagine either Orpik or Letang traded this season... For once in a long while we have a solid top 4 for a playoff run. You don't hurt your top 4 to help your 3rd line (or even your first line when the other 2/3 of it are top 10 scorers).
- rival22

Pens have a cup team this year! Depending on the return for a niskenen or a prospect shero needs to consider all possibilities! Is this team better this year if we could trade nisk for a top 6 forward? ESP if they know he walks this summer