Just so I understand, Clendening has to clear waivers to play in the AHL? Did Harrington have to clear waivers as well? So if he's the replacement for Harrington I'm just not sure how you can justify that statement if Harrington didn't have to clear waivers - if he did ok but I'm pretty sure he didn't.

So Clendening probably won't make the team & may not clear waivers? Unless he is part of a deal which is very possible, we may never see him in a Pens or baby Pens uniform for actual competition? Just being the devils advocate here because everyone seems to be uncontrollably delirious - I cannot imagine what it's going to be like when Scuds gets moved? I know one thing - that poor bastard is going to be executed 100000 times in here.

Again, I think Bonino is a better version of Spaling...and cheaper (slightly). Miles ahead of Adams, Sill, and the like.

I only mention this because I just made the trade...Bonino is an 85 in NHL 15 and Fehr is an 82 lol
- YouMeAndDupuis9

Holy F does that game overrate Bonino! God, I hope he plays like an 85 overaller this season

Holy F does that trade overrate Bonino! God, I hope he plays like an 85 overaller this season
- Victoro311

if he plays like 75 and Fehr plays like a 78 I'll be happy

Again, I think Bonino is a better version of Spaling...and cheaper (slightly). Miles ahead of Adams, Sill, and the like.

I only mention this because I just made the trade...Bonino is an 85 in NHL 15 and Fehr is an 82 lol
- YouMeAndDupuis9

I like the idea of Bonino as an offensive line fixer, ala Spaling for defense. I see him moved around the lineup alot depending on injuries and if any lines need a little extra offense.

Here's my thing: I don't LOVE Bonino. In a bubble, I'm not expecting him to be a big improvement over Sutter points wise. In fact, I think they'll be about equal. I'm only expecting about 33 points out of Bonino this year. I also think Sutter is a better PKer than Bonion, but we got Fehr who's probably just as good at PKing as Sutter, so that's not too important. However, the thing is, I think that Bonino can be the pivot for a line much more effectively than Sutter since he's not a possession black hole and can somewhat facilitate offense. Gotta admit, that even if Bonino just ends up being Sutter 2.0, that 1.9 mil cap hit makes it extremely acceptable.

Now, my entire argument for trading Sutter was asset management. Yeah, I didn't like his game and I thought he was incompetent at facilitating offense for his line mates, but his production in a bubble allowed me to accept his 3.3 mil cap hit. However, I by no means wanted Sutter for any more than that 3.3 and I didn't want him walking for nothing, hence why I wanted him traded. With Fehr, Simon, and Sundqvist and possibly even Bleuger moving forward, I probably won't be advocating resigning Bonino to whatever raise he'll want after his two year contract is over, so there's a 50% chance I will be on the trade Bonino train next offseason depending on how things are looking.
- Victoro311

I agree with you here Victor - absolutely 1000% correct if Bonino can equal Sutter it's a win - huge win due to the cost reduction & signing Fehr with the savings. we probably may have been able to get a first at trade deadline but the trade now helps now more.

Just so I understand, Clendening has to clear waivers to play in the AHL? Did Harrington have to clear waivers as well? So if he's the replacement for Harrington I'm just not sure how you can justify that statement if Harrington didn't have to clear waivers - if he did ok but I'm pretty sure he didn't.

So Clendening probably won't make the team & may not clear waivers? Unless he is part of a deal which is very possible, we may never see him in a Pens or baby Pens uniform for actual competition? Just being the devils advocate here because everyone seems to be uncontrollably delirious - I cannot imagine what it's going to be like when Scuds gets moved? I know one thing - that poor bastard is going to be executed 100000 times in here.
- Aussiepenguin

Scuderi is what he is. He's old and over the hill and his playing style neither ages well nor fits into our system. He served a purpose once upon a time, but doesn't anymore. Its not his fault Shero gave him that contract. Totally apples and oranges from Sutter. Sutter is still in his prime and should fit into our system, but his softness on the boards and lack of facilitating ability are maddening to watch. Scuderi is just a pitiful site to behold. I won't bad mouth Scuderi when he's gone. Honestly, I hope he just retires ASAP and enjoys his two cups before marring his legacy further.

The difference between Clendening and Harrington is that Clendening from all reports is able to make an impact at the NHL level now, where as Harrington still needs to develop in the minors. Therefore, he's a viable 7th d man while Harrington was not just yet. So yes, he is Harrington's replacement, he's just further along in his development as of now.

Just so I understand, Clendening has to clear waivers to play in the AHL? Did Harrington have to clear waivers as well? So if he's the replacement for Harrington I'm just not sure how you can justify that statement if Harrington didn't have to clear waivers - if he did ok but I'm pretty sure he didn't.

So Clendening probably won't make the team & may not clear waivers? Unless he is part of a deal which is very possible, we may never see him in a Pens or baby Pens uniform for actual competition? Just being the devils advocate here because everyone seems to be uncontrollably delirious - I cannot imagine what it's going to be like when Scuds gets moved? I know one thing - that poor bastard is going to be executed 100000 times in here.
- Aussiepenguin

Believe you are correct on both counts. The other key difference is he's a righty. Harrington may have stayed stuck behind Maatta, Pouliot, and Dumoulin or play his off side. Long-term I think Clendening is actually a better fit, but with the waiver status and Scuds it will be an awkward fit this year.

Believe you are correct on both counts. The other key difference is he's a righty. Harrington may have stayed stuck behind Maatta, Pouliot, and Dumoulin or play his off side. Long-term I think Clendening is actually a better fit, but with the waiver status and Scuds it will be an awkward fit this year.
- Tojo.

With Fehr on LTIR, carrying Clendening shouldn't be an issue. There's not much left for him to gain at the AHL level, so I don't mind him sitting in our press box.

I agree with you here Victor - absolutely 1000% correct if Bonino can equal Sutter it's a win - huge win due to the cost reduction & signing Fehr with the savings. we probably may have been able to get a first at trade deadline but the trade now helps now more.
- Aussiepenguin

If Bonino had the same stats as Sutter and the trade was Bonino for Sutter straight up, then it'd be a win for the Pens simply because he's cheaper and has one more year of term. The fact that Bonino is probably the better player and we got more assets to go along with it makes it a coup.

Moral of the story: you won't be hearing me complain about Bonino this season. However, after the season's over, a Bonino trade may make sense, regardless of how everyone feels about him.

A lot of people here who just hate Kunitz. He makes around what some 3rd liners are being paid but can produce like a top 6 player. I'd say keep him at least until the deadline. If plotnikov, Bennett, or another can take his spot in the top 6, then I think he could be sent at the deadline for a 1st
- drummer829

Always gotta hate someone but Kunitz has been a great Penguin. The way he plays the game he's a tough player to hate Hope we keep him.

I honestly like this team and moves but if I have a guy who I think is overrated and barely a top 6 it's Perron. I could see him on the 3rd line and think a bunch of Pen fans act like he's a strong top 6.

My lines to start the year
Kunitz - Crosby - Kessell
Politnikov - Malkin - Hornqist
Perron - Bonino- Dupuis
Sheary - Sundqvist - Bennett (Fehr) takes Sheary spot
Farnham extra
Maybe sign a 4th liner for Sheary.

Scuderi is what he is. He's old and over the hill and his playing style neither ages well nor fits into our system. He served a purpose once upon a time, but doesn't anymore. Its not his fault Shero gave him that contract. Totally apples and oranges from Sutter. Sutter is still in his prime and should fit into our system, but his softness on the boards and lack of facilitating ability are maddening to watch. Scuderi is just a pitiful site to behold. I won't bad mouth Scuderi when he's gone. Honestly, I hope he just retires ASAP and enjoys his two cups before marring his legacy further.

The difference between Clendening and Harrington is that Clendening from all reports is able to make an impact at the NHL level now, where as Harrington still needs to develop in the minors. Therefore, he's a viable 7th d man while Harrington was not just yet. So yes, he is Harrington's replacement, he's just further along in his development as of now.
- Victoro311

So who plays D or do we carry 9 D into the games? All are signed & all need to clear waivers if they go down except Pouliot (I think) - Scuds can't be moved down due to his NMC unless he is being bought out. That is my point - Harrington can move up & down without going through waivers (unless I'm mistaken), the player that is his replacement cannot. If a player scored 30 goals is replaced by a 15 goal scorer would you call him his replacement?

Agree to disagree. Would you agree that if he wasn't part of the team first up Clendening would have to pass waivers & may get picked up by another team & therefore not play a game for us??

Always gotta hate someone but Kunitz has been a great Penguin. The way he plays the game he's a tough player to hate Hope we keep him.

I honestly like this team and moves but if I have a guy who I think is overrated and barely a top 6 it's Perron. I could see him on the 3rd line and think a bunch of Pen fans act like he's a strong top 6.

My lines to start the year
Kunitz - Crosby - Kessell
Politnikov - Malkin - Hornqist
Perron - Bonino- Dupuis
Sheary - Sundqvist - Bennett (Fehr) takes Sheary spot
Farnham extra
Maybe sign a 4th liner for Sheary.
- lloyd095

I see
Perron Crosby Kessel
Plotnikov Malkin Hornqvist
Kunitz Bonino Dupuis
Sheary Sundqvist Bennett
Wilson/Rust

I can see plot and kuni switching
I see Fehr taking over on 3rd/4th line wing in dec, not center
Farnham will not play nhl
dupuis being 50% healthy

but of course injuries and player production changes everything... is it October yet? lol

With Fehr on LTIR, carrying Clendening shouldn't be an issue. There's not much left for him to gain at the AHL level, so I don't mind him sitting in our press box.
- Victoro311

I could also see us only carrying 12 forwards since all the guys competing for the last spot, except maybe Farnheim, don't need to clear waivers. Bottom line, it's not ideal, but doable.

Always gotta hate someone but Kunitz has been a great Penguin. The way he plays the game he's a tough player to hate Hope we keep him.

I honestly like this team and moves but if I have a guy who I think is overrated and barely a top 6 it's Perron. I could see him on the 3rd line and think a bunch of Pen fans act like he's a strong top 6.

My lines to start the year
Kunitz - Crosby - Kessell
Politnikov - Malkin - Hornqist
Perron - Bonino- Dupuis
Sheary - Sundqvist - Bennett (Fehr) takes Sheary spot
Farnham extra
Maybe sign a 4th liner for Sheary.
- lloyd095

I question how well Plotnikov and Hornqvist can play together. They both occupy the same space. I'm onboard with the Perron on the third, though. I'm not super low on Perron, but it goes a long way to evening out the talent. In an ideal world where Plotnikov and Bennett prove themselves to be 40 + point scorers and Hornqvist attempts to play the left side (I fully believe his net front game would be succesful on his off wing), these are my ideal lines as far as game meshing goes.

Hornqvist-Crosby-Kessel
Plotnikov-Malkin-Bennett
Perron-Bonino-Dupuis
Kunitz-Sundqvist-Fehr

The first line requires no explanation. Its the perfect line. Those three compliment each other's game fantastically. It would be the best line in hockey.

The second line is extremely intriguing. Bennett's playmaking ability can allow Malkin to fully shift into a finishing role and let him go full sniper. Malkin dangles the puck into the zone where he can either take it himself or give it off to Bennett who'll set him up. Then you've got Plotnikov in front of the net creating havoc while Malkin and Bennett (frank) around. This line could be an offensive dynamo that has its way with an exhausted team that's been focusing all its resources to stopping that lethal first line.

Perron and Bonino make the third line deceptively dangerous when it comes to tertiary scoring. Not a traditional shut down third line, but between Dupuis and Perron's forecheck, they should be able to effectively keep the puck in the offensive zone with Perron and Bonino chipping in the occasional goal. Defense through offense.

The fourth line is your traditional checking line. Sundqvist and Fehr on the same line is going to be a female dog for the other team's top offensive lines to play against. They are going to wear the other team down while still having enough offensive capability to keep the other team on their toes. On the occasion that they do have the puck in the offensive zone, Kunitz and Fehr's forechecks are going to be a female dog for the opposing team to deal with. If Kunitz's hands bounce back, he'll add an offensive punch.


If you can't tell, I'm super excited

I could also see us only carrying 12 forwards since all the guys competing for the last spot, except maybe Farnheim, don't need to clear waivers. Bottom line, it's not ideal, but doable.
- Tojo.

How many can sit on the bench each game & how many in the press box?

Our D are: Tanger, Maatta, Pouliot (who I think everyone agrees needs to play 100%), Cole, Scuds, Erixon, Lovejoy, Clendening & Dumo.

I believe Clendening will be trade bait to go with Scuds or 'replace' whoever is sent with Scuds. He is not Harringtons replacement - sorry Gunner.

So who plays D or do we carry 9 D into the games? All are signed & all need to clear waivers if they go down except Pouliot (I think) - Scuds can't be moved down due to his NMC unless he is being bought out. That is my point - Harrington can move up & down without going through waivers (unless I'm mistaken), the player that is his replacement cannot. If a player scored 30 goals is replaced by a 15 goal scorer would you call him his replacement?

Agree to disagree. Would you agree that if he wasn't part of the team first up Clendening would have to pass waivers & may get picked up by another team & therefore not play a game for us??
- Aussiepenguin

I don't think Erixon needs to clear. He's on his last year of ELC, unless I'm mistaken, so its really only Clendening who's problematic. My point I guess is that if Harrington was NHL ready, we'd want him up with the big club as our 7th d man too, and that its not that big a deal that Clendening can't be sent down because right now our chart looks like so:

Letang
Maatta
Pouliot
Cole
Dumoulin
Lovejoy
Scuderi
Clendening

In all honesty, Scuderi and Clendening should be flipped. We have the cap space to let us carry 8 defenseman so we're really not in trouble here. Yes, it would be ideal if Clendening could play, but there's nothing wrong with having him spend one year in the press box. And trust me, he will play some with the injuries we always seem to have. Next season, when Lovejoy and Scuderi are gone (I'm just gonna go ahead and assume we buy out Scuderi after this year), Clendening will be our sixth. I think He and Dumo will work quite well together. So yes, he wastes away in the press box a little bit for a year, but moving forward having him is huge.

And yes, I agree with you 100%. If we try to send him through wavers he will be snagged.

Always gotta hate someone but Kunitz has been a great Penguin. The way he plays the game he's a tough player to hate Hope we keep him.

I honestly like this team and moves but if I have a guy who I think is overrated and barely a top 6 it's Perron. I could see him on the 3rd line and think a bunch of Pen fans act like he's a strong top 6.

My lines to start the year
Kunitz - Crosby - Kessell
Politnikov - Malkin - Hornqist
Perron - Bonino- Dupuis
Sheary - Sundqvist - Bennett (Fehr) takes Sheary spot
Farnham extra
Maybe sign a 4th liner for Sheary.
- lloyd095

I like Perron a lot. Streaky for sure but he can easily play the Jussi Jokinen role now instead of the primary winger on his line.

One thing I've noticed is that pretty much across the board our players have great fancy stats.

Van's blog is kinda funny. They are going to give sutter 4.5-5 mil for 5 years and I say yr 2 fans start complaining... not sure who their 2nd line wingers are but hope they help sutter out
- nh4442

After conversing with Vancouver fans on SBN and here, I honestly don't think most of them are very knowledgeable at all. The few that are have basically lost their minds over this offseason deservingly so. I really can't think of a move much worse than signing Sutter long term.

After conversing with Vancouver fans on SBN and here, I honestly don't think most of them are very knowledgeable at all. The few that are have basically lost their minds over this offseason deservingly so. I really can't think of a move much worse than signing Sutter long term.
- jfkst1

Foundation piece.

After conversing with Vancouver fans on SBN and here, I honestly don't think most of them are very knowledgeable at all. The few that are have basically lost their minds over this offseason deservingly so. I really can't think of a move much worse than signing Sutter long term.
- jfkst1

Salary will be shifting in and out for the next couple years as the vets leave and the younger players come in. Having Sutter around isn't so bad. If its over five years and over four mil.... Yea its not a great move.

Foundation piece.
- pker2theend

If Sutter is part of the "foundation" then the whole structure is gonna collapse under it's own weight like Sutter in a board battle. AT BEST he is an average 3C that is easily replaceable.

Just all the people who complain about everything and say they are offended by everything
- nh4442

Can't even get into a good bicker with Pens fans these days, you guys are all in great moods because of the sweet deals your GM is pulling off.

#62 in points per 60

http://stats.hockeyanalys...p=1&sort=PCT&sortdir=DESC


edit: Adams 326 out of 330

#62 in points per 60

http://stats.hockeyanalys...p=1&sort=PCT&sortdir=DESC


edit: Adams 326 out of 330
- YouMeAndDupuis9

He beats out some really solid players. I wonder how he'll do with the quality of line mates he's going to have along with being in a bottom six role where he can hopefully go up against weaker opposition. Maybe he beats out his career high from two years ago in Anaheim.

The Penguins have really become the XXX rated nicknames team now though.
Hornquist= Horny
Bonino= Boner
Bennet= wussy
It's pretty fun!
- Dcoms

imagine if they had signed splugy!