Wilson’s really getting lazy. Jack Johnson needs another blog about him.
- Grinder47

There is always one player that Pens fans always circle in on and cry about and this year it's JJ. He is on a bad contract and he has not been good, but in reality he has been an average bottom pairing D man so far.

The Pens didn't bring him in expecting him to light it up in the regular season. They brought him in to be their new Ian Cole come playoff time. Once the Pens actually tighten up and playing 2 way hockey I would rather have Johnson going than Petterson or Maata. At least he can clear the net and add some kind of physical presence on the back end.
- MacPatty

He has not been an “average bottom pairing D” he’s been below replacement level. There is a big difference.

Not to mention he has absolutely zero of the qualities that Ian Cole has.

Brodin is basically the same cap hit as Maata and a much better player. Spurgeon would be a great pickup.
- MacPatty

Brodin has 7 more points in 104 more games, is a career possession player below 50 in both corsi and fenwick, where Maatta is an even 50. I dont get the love for him, he isn't anything better than Olli.

There is always one player that Pens fans always circle in on and cry about and this year it's JJ. He is on a bad contract and he has not been good, but in reality he has been an average bottom pairing D man so far.

The Pens didn't bring him in expecting him to light it up in the regular season. They brought him in to be their new Ian Cole come playoff time. Once the Pens actually tighten up and playing 2 way hockey I would rather have Johnson going than Petterson or Maata. At least he can clear the net and add some kind of physical presence on the back end.
- MacPatty

No. He's pretty much played at or below replacement level all season. Criticisms of his play are totally warranted.

He's a slow thinker. Now in the world of hockey players, to be in the NHL this long he's obviously a much quicker hockey thinker than alot of people in the world. To be playing hockey at its highest and fastest level, he has to think the game fast. Never the less, compared to his pro NHL peers he's a lot slower thinking than most of them. This leads to all sorts of blunders and giveaways. I actually think playing his wrong sides makes his decision making even more of a process for him and we may see a little raise in level of play here and there by being on his natural side...being paired with the Pens 2nd best dman should help as well....should...

Brodin has 7 more points in 104 more games, is a career possession player below 50 in both corsi and fenwick, where Maatta is an even 50. I dont get the love for him, he isn't anything better than Olli.
- burgh4life87

nah he isn't superior to Maatta, if anything they are about equal.

do you guys think Pearson holds any value still? If GMJR were looking to move him, is it going to be another "undo a bad contract" or would other teams still see a young-ish top 6 forward locked up for a few years?

do you guys think Pearson holds any value still? If GMJR were looking to move him, is it going to be another "undo a bad contract" or would other teams still see a young-ish top 6 forward locked up for a few years?
- YouMeAndDupuis9

Getting scratched(if it happens) certainly wont help stock value haha but honestly, I think he can be better from what I've seen game to game.

Brodin has 7 more points in 104 more games, is a career possession player below 50 in both corsi and fenwick, where Maatta is an even 50. I dont get the love for him, he isn't anything better than Olli.
- burgh4life87

yeah i don't see whats so much better having brodin over maatta. maybe he's a faster skater but that might be it

Just want to point out... the majority of us are super defensive and supportive for Pearson. Is all our hatred funneled to JJ?

Not that I am complaining, I think Pearson can succeed but feels awkward seeing so many behind him lately.

Just want to point out... the majority of us are super defensive and supportive for Pearson. Is all our hatred funneled to JJ?

Not that I am complaining, I think Pearson can succeed but feels awkward seeing so many behind him lately.
- Guile

Pearson's most common linemates in his 3 years at LA were Toffili, Carter, and Kopitar. His top Dmen on the ice were Doughty, Martinez, and Muzzin.

It's pretty easy to see why he was a 35-40 point player. He plays well when he plays with good players. You stick him in a bottom 6 role with poopty D, of course he won't be effective.

Just want to point out... the majority of us are super defensive and supportive for Pearson. Is all our hatred funneled to JJ?

Not that I am complaining, I think Pearson can succeed but feels awkward seeing so many behind him lately.
- Guile

IMO the rope’s ran out for Pearson and I’m happy that he’s being held accountable for his lack of production in favor of a guy like Blueger who’s producing. I like the idea of Pearson, I think he could be good and I don’t really understand why he’s not producing, but he’s not and I guess that’s just how it is.

IMO the rope’s ran out for Pearson and I’m happy that he’s being held accountable for his lack of production in favor of a guy like Blueger who’s producing. I like the idea of Pearson, I think he could be good and I don’t really understand why he’s not producing, but he’s not and I guess that’s just how it is.
- Victoro311

I think its great that all of a sudden the depth is there to scratch someone like Pearson, who in previous years showed he's a top 6, and as a result there'll be competition within the group.

Cant wait to see how Simon responds to being scratched.

do you guys think Pearson holds any value still? If GMJR were looking to move him, is it going to be another "undo a bad contract" or would other teams still see a young-ish top 6 forward locked up for a few years?
- YouMeAndDupuis9

Amac for Pearson, done.

Pearson's most common linemates in his 3 years at LA were Toffili, Carter, and Kopitar. His top Dmen on the ice were Doughty, Martinez, and Muzzin.

It's pretty easy to see why he was a 35-40 point player. He plays well when he plays with good players. You stick him in a bottom 6 role with poopty D, of course he won't be effective.
- j.boyd919

He wasn't playing well in LA this year either.

I always think of Blake Comeau. You put any guy with a good shot and a decent ability to get open for one-timers....they will score 20 goals with Geno. I thought Pearson would fit well in that regard...I just think he's too vanilla.