If Shero had taken an arbitrary "(frank) it lets just take the two highest rated Pittsburgh boys, we're at the bottom of both rounds so what do we have to lose anyways" approach, SHEEEEEEAAAAAAT.... I don't even want to think about it.
- Victoro311

Why do people want to change the past. If Shero drafted 1 or both those players there's no guarantee the Pens would be back 2 back champs. Maybe with the 2 Pittsburgh natives the Pens might have been just good enough for HCMJ , HCDB or Shero to keep their jobs....just enjoy what we have now

My two non-starters are bad defensively and doesn't kill penalties, which would exclude Bozak and Galchenyuk among others.

Bonus for being a good facilitator and good at faceoffs (and all that fancy stat stuff like possession, passing percentage, controlled zone exits, etc. which I take with a big grain of salt).
- T-Train

Jordan Nolan.

Bonino had 19 !
- willi

...in 80 games vs. 101 for AA which translates to 12+. Bonino is better defensively, better at faceoffs, plays more PK, higher assist-to-goal ratio, blocks more shots, more experienced, playoff-tested, etc. etc.

Bonino is no longer on the team. He is not a part of the discussion. I don't want AA as our 3C.

Why do people want to change the past. If Shero drafted 1 or both those players there's no guarantee the Pens would be back 2 back champs. Maybe with the 2 Pittsburgh natives the Pens might have been just good enough for HCMJ , HCDB or Shero to keep their jobs....just enjoy what we have now
- willi

Yeah, it is funny how changing one (or in this case two) things can alter the future in unpredictable ways. In addition to the coaches, we probably don't get Kessel and who knows what else happens or doesn't happen. All I know is I'm happy with back-to-back and the most recent one is one of the most improbable runs I can remember from any team.

Mike Fisher retired. Scratch him from the 3C list.

Whatever. 77:34 of PP TOI is significant (as in, not just a few minutes). Rabbit hole denied. Bottom line: 16 assists is putrid for a so-called center.
- T-Train

1 minute 20 seconds per game is significant? Which probably means he's getting the final 25-30 seconds of a PP after the PP1 has already been on the ice for a 1:30, after 3 PPs per night... that's like 1:20... that's not significant lol

Mike Fisher retired. Scratch him from the 3C list.
- T-Train

The list is getting smaller and smaller. Hopefully, GMJR has a little magic left and can find a trade partner to get a 3C deal done!

I think GMJR basically said there is an option in place, but he is looking at other options. IMO, this means he is looking to try to get a very, very good 3C that would fit with the Pens. I'm hoping Now, he is looking for a young player that can play 3C but has potential to be even better or play multiple positions if needed for now and the future. As you said, he can always look again near the trade deadline to get more of a rental.
- so_buzz11

I agree with this extrapolation.

ZAR has played almost entirely only at RW. Left shot that plays RW so could probably switch wings. I'd say he's more likely to make it right away then Sprong for sure being as he fits the bottom 6 a lot better. Isn't as skilled and is more of a net front scorer that brings a power game more then speed and skill. He also killed penalties in college and did a bit with WBS. Also he is 22 years old and has always been known as a 2 way forward.
- pens4life-66

DK had a nice long piece on ZAR about a month ago that said he split his time pretty evenly at all 3 forward positions last year. Everything since then says they expect his future to be at wing and they played him on the left in WBS so that's most likely where he ends up. Would live it if it turns out he can play some C at this level though.

All the points you highlighted on him is why I think he's NHL ready now. ZAR was an incredibly well rounded player whi developed a scoring touch later. And if you read that article, man does he have a monster work ethic! I don't expect him to make the team out of camp due to dat numbers game, bit he shoild be filling at least a depth role at some point and I think his game should translate well in the playoffs.

Sprong has a tougher road. He at least claims he can play LW which would help him. How about a Sprong-Malkin-Hornqvist second line? He supposedly progressed in rounding out his game last year according to the Pens development people, but he also lost a lot of time.

Hoping they get a 3C that can play with some skill because we should have plenty to spread around!

1 minute 20 seconds per game is significant? Which probably means he's getting the final 25-30 seconds of a PP after the PP1 has already been on the ice for a 1:30, after 3 PPs per night... that's like 1:20... that's not significant lol
- j.boyd919

You can't pass up a rabbit hole, can you? Even when there's a dead horse stuffed into it. But thanks for putting so much thought into it - you really add to the discussion.

DK had a nice long piece on ZAR about a month ago that said he split his time pretty evenly at all 3 forward positions last year. Everything since then says they expect his future to be at wing and they played him on the left in WBS so that's most likely where he ends up. Would live it if it turns out he can play some C at this level though.

All the points you highlighted on him is why I think he's NHL ready now. ZAR was an incredibly well rounded player whi developed a scoring touch later. And if you read that article, man does he have a monster work ethic! I don't expect him to make the team out of camp due to dat numbers game, bit he shoild be filling at least a depth role at some point and I think his game should translate well in the playoffs.

Sprong has a tougher road. He at least claims he can play LW which would help him. How about a Sprong-Malkin-Hornqvist second line? He supposedly progressed in rounding out his game last year according to the Pens development people, but he also lost a lot of time.

Hoping they get a 3C that can play with some skill because we should have plenty to spread around!
- Tojo.

Who really knows, but I would have to think that if ZAR looks as good as they hoped / is being reported, it might affect their willingness to trade Hornqvist as it sounds like they play a similar game. Even if it doesn't work out, I think we have enough RW depth to have it covered. An extra $4.25 on top of $4 or so would be niiiiiice!

So Fischer has officially retired....does this mean Bonino is officially the Preds 2C?

DK had a nice long piece on ZAR about a month ago that said he split his time pretty evenly at all 3 forward positions last year. Everything since then says they expect his future to be at wing and they played him on the left in WBS so that's most likely where he ends up. Would live it if it turns out he can play some C at this level though.

All the points you highlighted on him is why I think he's NHL ready now. ZAR was an incredibly well rounded player whi developed a scoring touch later. And if you read that article, man does he have a monster work ethic! I don't expect him to make the team out of camp due to dat numbers game, bit he shoild be filling at least a depth role at some point and I think his game should translate well in the playoffs.

Sprong has a tougher road. He at least claims he can play LW which would help him. How about a Sprong-Malkin-Hornqvist second line? He supposedly progressed in rounding out his game last year according to the Pens development people, but he also lost a lot of time.

Hoping they get a 3C that can play with some skill because we should have plenty to spread around!
- Tojo.

Me too and in that regard Bonino was never really a good fit. He was one of the slowest on the team and not overly skilled. He was a fearless PK'er though.

Crazy amounts of comments on blogs in August. No matter the quality of the posts, EK has to be loving the traffic coming RW's way...

Who really knows, but I would have to think that if ZAR looks as good as they hoped / is being reported, it might affect their willingness to trade Hornqvist as it sounds like they play a similar game. Even if it doesn't work out, I think we have enough RW depth to have it covered. An extra $4.25 on top of $4 or so would be niiiiiice!
- T-Train

Only if you don't value the net front role on the PP. Alot of people don't I do. I think net front play, both offensively and defensively, is one of the more undervalued aspects of play to the analytics only crowd. Saying ZAR can step in on the top PP is like saying Sprong can step right in on the top 6, possible, but far from a sure thing.

We may not need to dump any salary this year anyways. If we don't trade a good roster player, we're likely getting an option that fits in the cap. If we get an expensive player, likely some salary is going the other way. If we make a trade that puts us over the cap, then we can talk salary dump, but with 3.9M in space when you subtract our spare wing, we likely won't need a cap clearing trade.

Me too and in that regard Bonino was never really a good fit. He was one of the slowest on the team and not overly skilled. He was a fearless PK'er though.
- MattStrat

Agree. Bonino had a nice run with HBK, but otherwise anyone who played with him, even good players like Sheary and Hornqvist, saw their numbers plummet. Always be greatful for his contributions to the 2 Cups though.

Agree. Bonino had a nice run with HBK, but otherwise anyone who played with him, even good players like Sheary and Hornqvist, saw their numbers plummet. Always be greatful for his contributions to the 2 Cups though.
- Tojo.

Always will be...I honestly think he's one of those players who's more important in the locker room than on the ice.

For as well as people thought he contributed defensively, the Pens did not get scored on in the final two games of the cup final...two games he wasn't dressed.

Mike Fisher retired. Scratch him from the 3C list.
- T-Train

It was unrealistic that he would come here, only an idiot would have thought that or proposed he would.

Only if you don't value the net front role on the PP. Alot of people don't I do. I think net front play, both offensively and defensively, is one of the more undervalued aspects of play to the analytics only crowd. Saying ZAR can step in on the top PP is like saying Sprong can step right in on the top 6, possible, but far from a sure thing.

We may not need to dump any salary this year anyways. If we don't trade a good roster player, we're likely getting an option that fits in the cap. If we get an expensive player, likely some salary is going the other way. If we make a trade that puts us over the cap, then we can talk salary dump, but with 3.9M in space when you subtract our spare wing, we likely won't need a cap clearing trade.
- Tojo.

Its so important. When I play hockey, whether it be ice or ball, thats where I am usually, right on the door step. I have been given the nickname the garbage man...because I clean up peoples garbage (rebounds) around the net and put it in. Im also 6 foot 200 pounds so Im not a great window and goalies hate it haha. I take my fair share of shots to various parts of the body by being there too. I honestly cant remember the last time my body didnt have bruises on it.

You can't pass up a rabbit hole, can you? Even when there's a dead horse stuffed into it. But thanks for putting so much thought into it - you really add to the discussion.
- T-Train

If you find a thought out, researched counter argument to a statement you made to be a rabbit hole, then that's your fault for not being educated enough on the statement you made before you made it.

It was unrealistic that he would come here, only an idiot would have thought that or proposed he would.
- Thorny

Was there no way for him to be a 4C in Nash? I get he only wanted to play in Nash, but still seemed like he had something to offer.

Agree. Bonino had a nice run with HBK, but otherwise anyone who played with him, even good players like Sheary and Hornqvist, saw their numbers plummet. Always be greatful for his contributions to the 2 Cups though.
- Tojo.

Kessel is basically having career low goals here with Bonino.....he was ok but nothing special nor irreplaceable.

Its so important. When I play hockey, whether it be ice or ball, thats where I am usually, right on the door step. I have been given the nickname the garbage man...because I clean up peoples garbage (rebounds) around the net and put it in. Im also 6 foot 200 pounds so Im not a great window and goalies hate it haha. I take my fair share of shots to various parts of the body by being there too. I honestly cant remember the last time my body didnt have bruises on it.
- MattStrat

Right, and that's another reason it's important. When Hornqvist was out in the Sens series, all those cross checks went to Crosby on the PP bevause he became the net front guy. And keeping him and the other stars healthy has already been stated as an area GMJR wants to improve on by acquiring Reaves.

Its so important. When I play hockey, whether it be ice or ball, thats where I am usually, right on the door step. I have been given the nickname the garbage man...because I clean up peoples garbage (rebounds) around the net and put it in. Im also 6 foot 200 pounds so Im not a great window and goalies hate it haha. I take my fair share of shots to various parts of the body by being there too. I honestly cant remember the last time my body didnt have bruises on it.
- MattStrat

Really? when I play ball hockey no one gives a sh!t about net front presence. Hell there never ends up being positions either.

Only if you don't value the net front role on the PP. Alot of people don't I do. I think net front play, both offensively and defensively, is one of the more undervalued aspects of play to the analytics only crowd. Saying ZAR can step in on the top PP is like saying Sprong can step right in on the top 6, possible, but far from a sure thing.

We may not need to dump any salary this year anyways. If we don't trade a good roster player, we're likely getting an option that fits in the cap. If we get an expensive player, likely some salary is going the other way. If we make a trade that puts us over the cap, then we can talk salary dump, but with 3.9M in space when you subtract our spare wing, we likely won't need a cap clearing trade.
- Tojo.

You are acting like with hornqvist we don't have a net front guy. ZAR and Guentzel have that ability. Crosby certainly does too. If Hornqvist is the piece to land a 3c then I value a 3c over what hornqvist brings to the team. Simple matter of which position are we deeper at. I would miss hornqvist, but 3c is more essential.

For us to really get a good 3c we are going to have to move more than just picks. Probably need to shed some salary. And we need to move an asset that another team would value. I don't think hagelin has high trade value. Hornqvist does. Sheary does. Maatta does. Our 1st round pick has some value, but I'm in the camp that I don't like moving a 1st this time of year. We need to stock our system with prospects ideally; but if we would take a significant injury during the year the 1st round pick is the easiest thing you can use to replace a 2nd pairing defenseman or a 3c (if the one we get is injured or malkin suffers something).

Of our best tradable assets I veiw Hornqvist as the most expandable.