Ryan Wilson: Penguins Arm Chair GM
Penguins Arm Chair GM
- Ryan_Wilson

Tread lightly Pens fans. We remember years and years of you telling us how much Hemmer sucked

When you have the talent at the top that the Pens have, you're never really going to by too far from contender status. It's just a matter of finding/using the proper supporting pieces - a task that has proven difficult.
- BOSS_TWEED

I agree with you 100%. I don't know if you consider the coach a "supporting piece" or not, but I have to think that regardless of who took over for Therrien in 2009... they had a good shot of winning the cup with a newly inspired and motivated team. I'm not sure how much credit Bylsma deserves... Maybe he deserves all of it, maybe some, maybe none? But after 2009, I don't know if his coaching philosophy changed or what because during that Finals series... I saw the Pens making adjustments to the Red Wings stifling defense... in recent years.. not so much, and I don't understand it?

Also I'm not sure why people think the Pens should blow up the roster and trade Malkin or Letang. At times Malkin looks better than Crosby, why would you get rid of that? I tend to compare Malkin to Kopitar, with a little less defense and more offense. I love Kopitar and the way he plays, I would love to see Malkin adapt his play and emulate that a little bit. Now Tanger.. yeah you're going to get his mistakes.. but the dude has ridiculous upside. I think under the right coach he could easily be one of the better D-men in the league... he's only a year removed from being a Norris trophy candidate... You need those caliber players to win the cup... Kings have Doughty, Hawks have Keith, Bruins have Chara, Red Wings had Lidstrom... you're not going to win without those guys...

Like you said, it's more about the cast around those guys... the Adams, Glass, Engo, Pyatt, Orpik, Scuderi... those guys are paid WAY too much money and they are awful players. That handcuffed the Pens, I'm not sure why Shero signed those guys to those deals, maybe it was Bylsma that asked for them because they are "Disco-type" players? But they don't belong on this roster, at all. That kept them from making decent acquisitions that could help bolster their bottom 6... they had to roll with those guys instead! No wonder they lost.

I do think that if Dupuis can return to form, he can help out a lot, even though he is kind of old now.. he plays hard. I would like to see them acquire a Kulemin, or Hemsky, or Cammalari or Callahan. Hell, Now that Kesler had said on Chicago and Pittsburgh as his teams... could we get him a bit cheaper, much like the Callahan/Marty trade? That would be nice... honestly.. what about Spezza? I feel like it would take that muich to acquire him...

anyone else concerned that no ufa will want to come here due to the debacle that is called the Pens organization??

The only thing JR has done to impress me is keep Botterill, promote billy g and fitz... but the lack of coach a week before the draft is unsettling, the back pedaling he has done with the media via coaching search, barely having contact with players, no contact with rfa agents (which media announced he was qualifying all rfas), no trades, no signings...

what has he done to make us feel that this is the year we get back to finals?

Tread lightly Pens fans. We remember years and years of you telling us how much Hemmer sucked
- Morris

no me!!! I have been after him for years.. and it is funny how people are finally coming around

Hemsky is a very good hockey player. He had some injury issues a while back and the year after year losing, coupled with the focus on youth driving him down the depth chart may under rate him a bit. Great fit for the Pens IMO. With him on the team, I may actually wish them some success.

Hemsky is a very good hockey player. He had some injury issues a while back and the year after year losing, coupled with the focus on youth driving him down the depth chart may under rate him a bit. Great fit for the Pens IMO. With him on the team, I may actually wish them some success.
- Jeropotato

Definitely had his injury issues but he was always exciting to watch when he was on the ice. So fast.

Move Scuderi and all costs and use that money to upgrade Stempniak into Kulemin or Jokinen

Without getting too bogged down in details. The overall point is that our cap situation can be fixed by simply trusting the youth on D. And I 100000% agree with youth on D. They are more talented than those veteran anchors AND, more importantly, they are ready. It's not like theyre being rushed at this point. Theres only 2 spots to fill anyway if you count Maatta as an established player. Letang, Martin, Bortz, and Maatta can all be trusted. Why couldnt Despres, Harrington, Dumoulin, Pouliot handle the bottom pairing?

When the salary situation lightens up, every thing else because much simpler. I would certainly explore the Fleury - cheaper- goalie- replacement and getting rid of Scuds. Maybe if you dont resign Stempy. All the sudden were looking at another 4.5 - 7 million off the books. We can bring in any number of Free Agents or trade pieces and be able to pay them.

anyone else concerned that no ufa will want to come here due to the debacle that is called the Pens organization??

The only thing JR has done to impress me is keep Botterill, promote billy g and fitz... but the lack of coach a week before the draft is unsettling, the back pedaling he has done with the media via coaching search, barely having contact with players, no contact with rfa agents (which media announced he was qualifying all rfas), no trades, no signings...

what has he done to make us feel that this is the year we get back to finals?
- nh4442

For god sakes hes been the GM for what, like 2 weeks? Did you want him to blow things up on day 1? Would that of made you happy??

Definitely had his injury issues but he was always exciting to watch when he was on the ice. So fast.
- j.boyd919

Not many people can control the puck at high speeds like he can either.

For god sakes hes been the GM for what, like 2 weeks? Did you want him to blow things up on day 1? Would that of made you happy??
- YouMeAndDupuis9

Not to mention that those are basically the slowest 2 weeks of the year as far as player movement goes.

Don't know if you've ever been there, but if you go, your question will quickly be answered.
- madmike71

Don't even trip, dawg

Without getting too bogged down in details. The overall point is that our cap situation can be fixed by simply trusting the youth on D. And I 100000% agree with youth on D. They are more talented than those veteran anchors AND, more importantly, they are ready. It's not like theyre being rushed at this point. Theres only 2 spots to fill anyway if you count Maatta as an established player. Letang, Martin, Bortz, and Maatta can all be trusted. Why couldnt Despres, Harrington, Dumoulin, Pouliot handle the bottom pairing?

When the salary situation lightens up, every thing else because much simpler. I would certainly explore the Fleury - cheaper- goalie- replacement and getting rid of Scuds. Maybe if you dont resign Stempy. All the sudden were looking at another 4.5 - 7 million off the books. We can bring in any number of Free Agents or trade pieces and be able to pay them.
- YouMeAndDupuis9

A few things here:
(1) Pouliot not likely on the big club this year due primarily to injury (back around Dec at best), also it doesn't make cap sense (it means he is eligible 1 year less for RFA if he plays 9 games...PIT has too many young D to play him this year).
(2) Scuderi has a nmc clause, and isn't going to waive it. His contract sucks, but his ability to teach and lead the younger D guys will be valued, even if it means he is the 6th guy.
(3) Fleury - locker room loves him, which makes it very difficult to trade, especially after all the chaos of the off season...
(4) Maata likely out half of the season
(5) Letang is very tough to deal: contract and injury history will limit return on him, but his nmc kicks in July 1st and he'll likely not waive for any team. So, if PIT wants to deal they will have to take less than he's worth. Even though I don't think he is a $7+ mil guy, I find it tough to see any team offering up a sufficiently strong return to warrant dealing him.

Likely D:
Letang - Despres
Martin - Harrington
Demoulin - Scuderi
Bortuzzo/Samuelsson

There is only one part of the lineup I do not like. Rob Scuderi as a 7th Dman making 3.5 mill.. Just seems unnecessary.

A few things here:
(1) Pouliot not likely on the big club this year due primarily to injury (back around Dec at best), also it doesn't make cap sense (it means he is eligible 1 year less for RFA if he plays 9 games...PIT has too many young D to play him this year).
(2) Scuderi has a nmc clause, and isn't going to waive it. His contract sucks, but his ability to teach and lead the younger D guys will be valued, even if it means he is the 6th guy.
(3) Fleury - locker room loves him, which makes it very difficult to trade, especially after all the chaos of the off season...
(4) Maata likely out half of the season
(5) Letang is very tough to deal: contract and injury history will limit return on him, but his nmc kicks in July 1st and he'll likely not waive for any team. So, if PIT wants to deal they will have to take less than he's worth. Even though I don't think he is a $7+ mil guy, I find it tough to see any team offering up a sufficiently strong return to warrant dealing him.

Likely D:
Letang - Despres
Martin - Harrington
Demoulin - Scuderi
Bortuzzo/Samuelsson
- mventres

If you had an honest conversation with Scuderi and told him he was going to ride the pine this year or be traded to a team that would play him, he'd seriously consider waiving - Any competitor would....

If you had an honest conversation with Scuderi and told him he was going to ride the pine this year or be traded to a team that would play him, he'd seriously consider waiving - Any competitor would....
- TheGame316

Doubt it. He came here for family reasons, and doesn't want to move again...the intention is to retire a penguin. While his contract sucks, I do think he brings good things to the team as a #6 to train Bortuzzo/etc...they can't use another young guy in that spot, so they would replace him an older guy anyway...might as well stick with a known commodity.

Doubt it. He came here for family reasons, and doesn't want to move again...the intention is to retire a penguin. While his contract sucks, I do think he brings good things to the team as a #6 to train Bortuzzo/etc...they can't use another young guy in that spot, so they would replace him an older guy anyway...might as well stick with a known commodity.
- mventres

Ask Wade Redden, I guarantee you when he was down in the AHL he would have gone anywhere in the NHL to play

Now in Scuderi's case, since he has a NMC, he'd be showing up to practice, every day, going through drills, and NOT EVER Playing

That kind of thing has a way of motivating a guy to accept a trade, especially if he thinks he can still contribute...

Ask Wade Redden, I guarantee you when he was down in the AHL he would have gone anywhere in the NHL to play

Now in Scuderi's case, since he has a NMC, he'd be showing up to practice, every day, going through drills, and NOT EVER Playing

That kind of thing has a way of motivating a guy to accept a trade, especially if he thinks he can still contribute...
- TheGame316

Doubt it again. Scuderi has no reason to leave, even if he's not playing. His family wants to stay in PIT, he was extremely clear about that when he signed and it was the reason why he wanted the nmc to begin with. Perhaps not playing as frequently will allow him to rest a bit and light some fire in his game, but that is the only play PIT has there. I do believe that he has a good hockey IQ on the d-side of the game, and so I believe he is useful in that respect. His contract also doesn't allow him to be demoted unless it is for a temporary conditioning stint.

anyone else concerned that no ufa will want to come here due to the debacle that is called the Pens organization??

The only thing JR has done to impress me is keep Botterill, promote billy g and fitz... but the lack of coach a week before the draft is unsettling, the back pedaling he has done with the media via coaching search, barely having contact with players, no contact with rfa agents (which media announced he was qualifying all rfas), no trades, no signings...

what has he done to make us feel that this is the year we get back to finals?
- nh4442

The only thing i find unsettling and it has really ticked me off is that we blew our chance (most likely) of getting Willie Desjardins. The more I read about this man the more I loved the idea of him comming in with his faced paced style, his great communication and ability to help turn teams around and win championships wherever he has gone. But then JR tried to tell him he would not have any authority over he assistants/stafff, the same man who has left teams specifically because he didn't want to work as an assistant and wanted to be in charge of who worked under him, and somehow JR was probably trying to tell Willie he would have to accept Rick Tocchet or some other former pens players for his staff. Thats the other unsettling thing is how some of this fan base has such a hard on from the thought of having these former players come in to coach as if championships will sprout out of their asses just because these guys were considered "big tough guys" while they played in the league. Has half this fan base forgotten how other teams who keep bringing in former players regardless of experience have been failing hard? It makes me want to puke, idgaf about Samuelsson, tocchet or anyone who played for this team years ago, I care about a proven track record and a willingness to try something new.

Doubt it again. Scuderi has no reason to leave, even if he's not playing. His family wants to stay in PIT, he was extremely clear about that when he signed and it was the reason why he wanted the nmc to begin with. Perhaps not playing as frequently will allow him to rest a bit and light some fire in his game, but that is the only play PIT has there. I do believe that he has a good hockey IQ on the d-side of the game, and so I believe he is useful in that respect. His contract also doesn't allow him to be demoted unless it is for a temporary conditioning stint.
- mventres

Minor details at this point but his family and home is in long island not here in pittsburgh, I don't believe for a second that he came here for any other reason that it was as close of a team to long island that actually wanted anything to do with him.

Minor details at this point but his family and home is in long island not here in pittsburgh, I don't believe for a second that he came here for any other reason that it was as close of a team to long island that actually wanted anything to do with him.
- ImScore71

His family, as in that is where he grew up, yes. However, he has been very clear that he came back to PIT with the intention of retiring here because his family very much liked it the first time around. His kids are back at their old school, old friends, etc.

Even if he wanted to get back to Long Island, there is no way the Rangers/Devils/Islanders/Bruins/Flyers will want him, even if the PENS take half his contract. So, PIT is stuck with him...what the question is, is not how to get rid of him, but how to get the most out of him.

A few things here:
(1) Pouliot not likely on the big club this year due primarily to injury (back around Dec at best), also it doesn't make cap sense (it means he is eligible 1 year less for RFA if he plays 9 games...PIT has too many young D to play him this year).
(2) Scuderi has a nmc clause, and isn't going to waive it. His contract sucks, but his ability to teach and lead the younger D guys will be valued, even if it means he is the 6th guy.
(3) Fleury - locker room loves him, which makes it very difficult to trade, especially after all the chaos of the off season...
(4) Maata likely out half of the season
(5) Letang is very tough to deal: contract and injury history will limit return on him, but his nmc kicks in July 1st and he'll likely not waive for any team. So, if PIT wants to deal they will have to take less than he's worth. Even though I don't think he is a $7+ mil guy, I find it tough to see any team offering up a sufficiently strong return to warrant dealing him.

Likely D:
Letang - Despres
Martin - Harrington
Demoulin - Scuderi
Bortuzzo/Samuelsson
- mventres

1. The best players should play. I'm very glad they didn't hold Maatta back last year for cap reasons. If Pouliot is ready and they feel better than the other young guys (thats only the real question here), he should have a spot.

2. We don't need to pay a 7th defenseman $3.75 million to be a role model. What is he a role model of? How to play poorly?

3. Fleury is loved in the locker room. Again who cares. Its about fielding the best team. You say guys like Fleury, Scuderi, and Orpik are "locker room guys", then why is their such bad team chemistry? I think the room will survive without Flower.

4. Maatta may be out half the season, but maybe not? Just speculation. Even if he is out half the year, we dont have a need for Scuds.

5. Dont believe I said anything about wanting to deal Letang.

Ryan Wilson: Penguins Arm Chair GM
Penguins Arm Chair GM
- Ryan_Wilson

Ryan I dislike that roster for 2 reasons.
1. It looks wayyy too much like last years. (I know you really wouldn't want fluery and this is just from free agents.)
2. and I'm very worried this is quite possibly very close to how the team will look come next season, and outside of Hemsky, which I like, I don't think its enough change/improvement to boost my morale and outlook of this team.

I know a lot of people don't think it would work but I absolutely do agree that the only way to get the depth at forward and improved bottom six is to go really young on D and see what they can bring to the table, otherwise we won't have the cap space to bring in the right compliments to our core, let alone ones who don't get hemmed in and scored on every two minutes. Ill try to post some of my armchair gm rosters ive been fooling around with the last week, all of them have us riding young on D with marin/letang holding down the top pairing. Some of you say we wont win a championship with that many young ones on D, but hey I don't think anyone is thinking we are a fav to win after this last few seasons, so i say get them out there, let them learn and get better. These guys are all supposed to be studs, the quicker we let them grow into it the better imo.

Scuderi is a no longer a good hockey player, and completely unnecessary as a "locker room guy" or "leader" or "train the young guys". There I said it.

The only thing i find unsettling and it has really ticked me off is that we blew our chance (most likely) of getting Willie Desjardins. The more I read about this man the more I loved the idea of him comming in with his faced paced style, his great communication and ability to help turn teams around and win championships wherever he has gone. But then JR tried to tell him he would not have any authority over he assistants/stafff, the same man who has left teams specifically because he didn't want to work as an assistant and wanted to be in charge of who worked under him, and somehow JR was probably trying to tell Willie he would have to accept Rick Tocchet or some other former pens players for his staff. Thats the other unsettling thing is how some of this fan base has such a hard on from the thought of having these former players come in to coach as if championships will sprout out of their asses just because these guys were considered "big tough guys" while they played in the league. Has half this fan base forgotten how other teams who keep bringing in former players regardless of experience have been failing hard? It makes me want to puke, idgaf about Samuelsson, tocchet or anyone who played for this team years ago, I care about a proven track record and a willingness to try something new.
- ImScore71

I don't even care about WD, it is the fact that we have a GM who publicly stated he is only here a few yrs and that no coaches are lining up for the job. That is unsettling to me... This has 2 of the best players in the world, a top sniper, top rookie defender and a norris trophy candidate, and yet no coach...

Now there is reports saying tocchet was wanted last yr and that ulf says the coaching job isnt for him... what is going on...