ZAR is probably more of a complete player right now, but Sprong is definitely more talented moving forward
- PhillyCheese

I can't remember which reporter said it.... But they said Sprong has looked really, really good at the rookie camp. "Man against boys" was the comment.

Here are some rumored offerings for Duchene:

NYI - Hamonic, a prospect and a 1st. Which was shut down
CBJ - Murray & Jenner.
Nash - ??? But they have put in an offer.

What would Pittsburgh have to give up? Maata, Sheary & a 1st? That sounds at least equivalent to the CBJ offer.
- MacPatty

I think it is. I'm not crazy about Maatta, but I would probably rather have Maatta, Sheary, and our first than Murray and Jenner (exclude the 1st and I still take our guys). I think Jenner is one of the most overrated players around. And Murray hasn't exactly proven that he deserved to be the second overall pick (although he still might, but he's far from a stud right now).

I can't remember which reporter said it.... But they said Sprong has looked really, really good at the rookie camp. "Man against boys" was the comment.
- madmike71

With Sprong, I'm more concerned with everything other than scoring in his game. Where to be on the ice, defense, etc. He looked like an undisciplined crazy kid when he played with the Pens. I liked his enthusiasm but jeez he looked like a spazz out there.

Fleury should be a trade chip at this point with Faulk and Hanifin back there.
- Victoro311

Not a chance.

Defense going into next season is:

Slavin - Faulk
Hanifin - Pesce
Fleury - van Reimsdyk

The Hurricanes are wanting to add pieces either by trading picks or in free agency. Francis has balked at the idea of trading any current defender away right now.

Ryan Murphy? New Shultz?
- Vitorio

Ek reporting interest... So probably not

Michael f'ing Stone just got 3 x $3.5. Schultz should get at least 6 x $5.

With Sprong, I'm more concerned with everything other than scoring in his game. Where to be on the ice, defense, etc. He looked like an undisciplined crazy kid when he played with the Pens. I liked his enthusiasm but jeez he looked like a spazz out there.
- T-Train

I'm not concerned about any of those things under this coach. Sully will fix any issues along with the leadership of the team. What he doesn't need to fix is his "elite" shot. People b!tched about parts of Kessels game too and he now has two cups.

Not a chance.

Defense going into next season is:

Slavin - Faulk
Hanifin - Pesce
Fleury - van Reimsdyk

The Hurricanes are wanting to add pieces either by trading picks or in free agency. Francis has balked at the idea of trading any current defender away right now.
- BINGO!

I will always love Staal and like your core. I hope it works out for you guys in the long run.

Ryan Murphy? New Shultz?
- Vitorio

I think we should sign Ryan Murphy (RD) and trade for Ryan Murray (LD) and put them on a pairing together. Wouldn't that be quaint?

I'm not concerned about any of those things under this coach. Sully will fix any issues along with the leadership of the team. What he doesn't need to fix is his "elite" shot. People b!tched about parts of Kessels game too and he now has two cups.
- madmike71

Good point.

I think it is. I'm not crazy about Maatta, but I would probably rather have Maatta, Sheary, and our first than Murray and Jenner (exclude the 1st and I still take our guys). I think Jenner is one of the most overrated players around. And Murray hasn't exactly proven that he deserved to be the second overall pick (although he still might, but he's far from a stud right now).
- T-Train

Jenner' underrated if anything. He gets no love for how good he is.

I would not give up Maatta, Sheary, and a first for two years of the luxury that is Duchene at 3C. If we're giving up those young assets, we better be getting a long term, high impact asset in return.

Jenner' underrated if anything. He gets no love for how good he is.

I would not give up Maatta, Sheary, and a first for two years of the luxury that is Duchene at 3C. If we're giving up those young assets, we better be getting a long term, high impact asset in return.
- Victoro311

I think he runs around a lot trying to make big hits and gets out of position. The other team seems to score a lot when he is on the ice. He's only 24 so maybe he matures a bit yet. All I know is that the broadcast is always gushing over him when he is on the ice and then...score! (for the other team).

just makes me think of the Turbo Man doll
- stayinthefnnet

I need a turbo man doll nooww! What a good laugh haha

You classified him as a player who doesn't show up, your words, not mine. If you want to say he's declined in his recent playoff performances, that's fair, but saying he doesn't show up, that's not.

And as far as him being a jagoff. Hey, I wasn't happy with his comments before he was traded and his attitude was less than professional at that point, but I'd never consider him a Bonds level jagoff.

Accusing him of using performance enhancing drugs now? Look, you obviously have a real hate and dislike for the guy so I can see debating anything further with you would be pointless.
- NJPensfan

He hasn't shown up for the playoffs in the last 6 years, how about that? Meanwhile, Hornqvist has a SCWG and an empty netter that sealed the deal last year. Those two goals are more than Jagr has in his last 39 playoff games. If you want to argue that Jagr has shown up during that half-a-season's worth of games, go for it.

And I didn't accuse him - just said I wouldn't be surprised.

He's on the Mt. Rushmore of Pittsburgh Sports Jagoffs. Bonds, Jagr, Neil O'Donnell, and Terry Bradshaw.

Jenner' underrated if anything. He gets no love for how good he is.

I would not give up Maatta, Sheary, and a first for two years of the luxury that is Duchene at 3C. If we're giving up those young assets, we better be getting a long term, high impact asset in return.
- Victoro311

I would.

I would.
- 668710

I'd probably do that too. Maatta's skating is so underwhelming. I'm concerned he'll teeter between a 4d and 5d for the bulk of his career. If that's the case, he's over-paid.

I'd rather spend assets on D however. I agree with Vic about the short term of Duchene's contract.

I'd probably do that too. Maatta's skating is so underwhelming. I'm concerned he'll teeter between a 4d and 5d for the bulk of his career. If that's the case, he's over-paid.

I'd rather spend assets on D however. I agree with Vic about the short term of Duchene's contract.
- madmike71

Spot on (as you are with most of your posts IMO).

With Sprong, I'm more concerned with everything other than scoring in his game. Where to be on the ice, defense, etc. He looked like an undisciplined crazy kid when he played with the Pens. I liked his enthusiasm but jeez he looked like a spazz out there.
- T-Train

He was 18 then. Straight from playing with 17 year olds. I don't think you can judge an 18 on that. Will be up to recchi to get him ready for NHL work.

He was 18 then. Straight from playing with 17 year olds. I don't think you can judge an 18 on that. Will be up to recchi to get him ready for NHL work.
- sditulli

Very good point. I'll never forget him on the bench snorting smelling salts and getting all

He was 18 then. Straight from playing with 17 year olds. I don't think you can judge an 18 on that. Will be up to recchi to get him ready for NHL work.
- sditulli

Wasn't he also a latecomer to the sport? Or am I getting that confused with the fact that he is the rare prospect from The Netherlands?

God Damnit I want to just see the news of us signing someone to be the 3rd line center and be done with this.

I have no issue with Rowney on the 4th line if we snag a good 3rd line center for the team this upcoming season.

God Damnit I want to just see the news of us signing someone to be the 3rd line center and be done with this.

I have no issue with Rowney on the 4th line if we snag a good 3rd line center for the team this upcoming season.
- Guile

I always hate this time of year because there is always so much anticipation and waiting...waiting...waiting...and then they make some moves July 1 and then nothing until just before the season starts. You would think a bunch of things would happen before July 1 and then a bunch more July 2, July 3, etc. but it really drops off after the first day.

I wouldn't have the patience to be a GM.

I think there are a lot of deals in place not only with the Pens but throughout the league and they are just waiting until July 1 to announce (Captain Obvious alert).

This makes me think they are going the FA route otherwise why not complete the trade prior to July 1? I don't know, maybe there is something strategic about waiting.

He hasn't shown up for the playoffs in the last 6 years, how about that? Meanwhile, Hornqvist has a SCWG and an empty netter that sealed the deal last year. Those two goals are more than Jagr has in his last 39 playoff games. If you want to argue that Jagr has shown up during that half-a-season's worth of games, go for it.

And I didn't accuse him - just said I wouldn't be surprised.

He's on the Mt. Rushmore of Pittsburgh Sports Jagoffs. Bonds, Jagr, Neil O'Donnell, and Terry Bradshaw.
- hardnosed

Jagr had his shot to return, he decided to sign with Phily.

Wasn't he also a latecomer to the sport? Or am I getting that confused with the fact that he is the rare prospect from The Netherlands?
- T-Train

No idea but I don't expect any 18 year old to have his defensive and intellectual part of the game down. That is the job of coaches and playing experience. He's gotten this far on talent where his skill level compared to his competition is greater than Crosby to rest of NHL.

God Damnit I want to just see the news of us signing someone to be the 3rd line center and be done with this.

I have no issue with Rowney on the 4th line if we snag a good 3rd line center for the team this upcoming season.
- Guile

Dk's site has a Ruth interview. Sounds like he has his sights set on trading for a 3rd line center. He has 5 guys he's focused on.

Also adding a FA dman.