Aside from Malkin and Letang playing at far less than 100%, Matt Cullen dressing in 71 games, the Hagelin/Pearson/Gudbranson debacle, Derick Brassard playing more than 0 games, and JMFJ playing top-4 minutes, nothing on the current roster gives me a feeling that things will be better.

That said, as you pointed out, they seemed uninspired often. I think THAT was a big problem as well, and may be the result of a complacency that had set in, and no changes short of retooling the entire roster, will magically fix that. That's up to the players, starting from Crosby and filtering all the way down, to come back this season with a lot more passion.

So I think this Pens team, with Crosby, probably has 1-2 more years (barring significant roster turnover) where they are true top contenders. So while it's never a bad idea to see where your players fall in the market, I wouldn't be so quick to abandon ship right now.
- jmatchett383

Yeah, it's that complacency thing that worried/worries me most... I don't see how that issue takes a step in the right direction with the same core... it was so obvious night after night...

I don't know about abandon ship, which apparently some folks here surmise when their beloved Geno is considered for his value moving forward... just keep your options open, as any good GM should do.

Yeah, it's that complacency thing that worried/worries me most... I don't see how that issue takes a step in the right direction with the same core... it was so obvious night after night...

I don't know about abandon ship, which apparently some folks here surmise when their beloved Geno is considered for his value moving forward... just keep your options open, as any good GM should do.
- Cousinskrid

There are guys like Marner asking for 10.5-11m. Genos contract, albeit he's in his decline, still provides much value. There's no chance equal value would come back to us. Along with the Letang + Kessel contracts. Guys like Myers are potentially getting 7m on the market. The drum has been beat heavily, but there aren't many scenarios where trading our bread and butter contracts make sense for us.

Not to go off on a tangent, but my issue with the Pens drafting a guy like Legare is that they're comparing him to Hornqvist and this is the route the Pens seemed to head in the draft and I don't think it's a great direction.

When you look at Hornqvist, there's a reason why he never sticks on a line. Yes, he brings tenacity, chaos and can cycle. What doesn't he bring? Transition game. His transition game is piss-poor and hampers the Pens at times.

Having good possession stats is all well-and-good, but IMO helping get the puck from one end to the other is equally as important, and Hornqvist is very mediocre in that respect.

So yeah, they got some promising players, but I think they went the wrong direction instead of going after guys like Brink, Lavoie, Suzuki, etc...

Not to go off on a tangent, but my issue with the Pens drafting a guy like Legare is that they're comparing him to Hornqvist and this is the route the Pens seemed to head in the draft and I don't think it's a great direction.

When you look at Hornqvist, there's a reason why he never sticks on a line. Yes, he brings tenacity, chaos and can cycle. What doesn't he bring? Transition game. His transition game is piss-poor and hampers the Pens at times.

Having good possession stats is all well-and-good, but IMO helping get the puck from one end to the other is equally as important, and Hornqvist is very mediocre in that respect.

So yeah, they got some promising players, but I think they went the wrong direction instead of going after guys like Brink, Lavoie, Suzuki, etc...
- Rinosaur

Not likely, but what if Legare is a power forward that is the next Jamie Benn or Ryan Getzlaf? Simply being "a power forward" doesn't automatically qualify you as a lumbering giant with no skills whatsoever. I'm not going to say he's a better pick than the 3 guys you mentioned, but I don't think he's automatically bad because he shares some traits with a guy who was a perennial 20-25 goal scorer in his prime.

Also, keep in mind that, no matter who they drafted, they're likely 3-5 years away from having any meaningful impact on the roster, so whether or not they "fit" on the team right now shouldn't have much to do with their selections, either.

Oh yee of little faith...

Granted the Pens have been heading in the wrong direction since the 2 Cups. But I would offer their larger issue is the underperforming top half of the lineup, in addition to the underwhelming bottom half. And a couple dud deals by the GM in addition to what appears to be the head coach and GM not on the same page with player utilization. Sid is the only Penguin (ice or office) that I would leave out of the conundrum they are in.
I've lobbied for larger changes, as I feel this group has run its course with 3 Cups. But it appears that probably won't be happening as GMJR doesn't have much cap space.
- Cousinskrid

Right? Because Sid, Geno, and Kessel all with a point per game or more. Guentzel with 76 in 82 and Letang with 56 in 65. But sure it’s the “underperforming” top half of the lineup. Sure let’s blame the best players that are still producing at elite levels. (frank) outta here with that garbage.

Not likely, but what if Legare is a power forward that is the next Jamie Benn or Ryan Getzlaf? Simply being "a power forward" doesn't automatically qualify you as a lumbering giant with no skills whatsoever. I'm not going to say he's a better pick than the 3 guys you mentioned, but I don't think he's automatically bad because he shares some traits with a guy who was a perennial 20-25 goal scorer in his prime.

Also, keep in mind that, no matter who they drafted, they're likely 3-5 years away from having any meaningful impact on the roster, so whether or not they "fit" on the team right now shouldn't have much to do with their selections, either.
- jmatchett383

Poulin seems like he MIGHT be a mix of PF and skill, but who knows. From what I've read up on Legare, while he has some skill, the focus has been on his net-front presence and comparisons to Hornqvist.

I'm also not necessarily focusing on "team fit," but rather the direction of the NHL. While you'll always need players who can play a physically imposing game, it's moving farther and farther away from the power-forward mold due to the faster transition game that we're seeing more of.

Not to go off on a tangent, but my issue with the Pens drafting a guy like Legare is that they're comparing him to Hornqvist and this is the route the Pens seemed to head in the draft and I don't think it's a great direction.

When you look at Hornqvist, there's a reason why he never sticks on a line. Yes, he brings tenacity, chaos and can cycle. What doesn't he bring? Transition game. His transition game is piss-poor and hampers the Pens at times.

Having good possession stats is all well-and-good, but IMO helping get the puck from one end to the other is equally as important, and Hornqvist is very mediocre in that respect.

So yeah, they got some promising players, but I think they went the wrong direction instead of going after guys like Brink, Lavoie, Suzuki, etc...
- Rinosaur

Looking at his highlights he seems like more of a Neal type player. He's really good at finding soft spots in coverage and ripping it. He has a good release and seems to be a pretty good passer as well.

https://youtu.be/VrtlMaetaNo

Right? Because Sid, Geno, and Kessel all with a point per game or more. Guentzel with 76 in 82 and Letang with 56 in 65. But sure it’s the “underperforming” top half of the lineup. Sure let’s blame the best players that are still producing at elite levels. (frank) outta here with that garbage.
- j.boyd919

LOL, all that amazing production at elite levels got them SLAMMED right out of the playoffs, with nary a whimper.

LOL, all that amazing production at elite levels got them SLAMMED right out of the playoffs, with nary a whimper.
- Cousinskrid

4......game......sample.......size.

LOL, all that amazing production at elite levels got them SLAMMED right out of the playoffs, with nary a whimper.
- Cousinskrid

Ah. So you’re knee jerk reaction is to make huge moves based on a 4 game sample size. You’re a... smart one...

Orpik retires today. Notched out a really nice career for himself. Won cups, made money. Not much more you can ask for

Orpik retires today. Notched out a really nice career for himself. Won cups, made money. Not much more you can ask for
- jchst22

Dude is funny as poop too. Go check out his interview on Spittin Chiclets with Ryan Whitney and Biz.

Ah. So you’re knee jerk reaction is to make huge moves based on a 4 game sample size. You’re a... smart one...
- j.boyd919

Yeah, and who appointed you RW's blog steward? Geez dude, relax. You get too worked up and you don't really read what others are saying. You are obviously protecting a hockey card (or jersey) collection, so you're pretty smart too, LOL.

Disagree with? I can deal with that. If you paid attention all season, the Pens were lackluster at best. The only time they played consistent, sound hockey was the stretch in March, when two of your favorite cards were out of the lineup (15 game sample size).

Yeah, and who appointed you RW's blog steward? Geez dude, relax. You get too worked up and you don't really read what others are saying. You are obviously protecting a hockey card (or jersey) collection, so you're pretty smart too, LOL.

Disagree with? I can deal with that. If you paid attention all season, the Pens were lackluster at best. The only time they played consistent, sound hockey was the stretch in March, when two of your favorite cards were out of the lineup (15 game sample size).
- Cousinskrid

Boyd was one of the people calling out their play all year, saying they had no identity and what not. He would call me an optimist because of the things I'd say....but really, Im a realist...just a hopeful one.

Yeah, and who appointed you RW's blog steward? Geez dude, relax. You get too worked up and you don't really read what others are saying. You are obviously protecting a hockey card (or jersey) collection, so you're pretty smart too, LOL.

Disagree with? I can deal with that. If you paid attention all season, the Pens were lackluster at best. The only time they played consistent, sound hockey was the stretch in March, when two of your favorite cards were out of the lineup (15 game sample size).
- Cousinskrid

He's just saying that we shouldn't be focusing our attention on trading our best players under great contracts. That wouldn't be the smart route to follow, for many obvious reasons that have been posted on this blog several times.

Simmonds has had two organizations give up on him in the last six months. That alone should tell you where he is at in his career.

Trading Hornqvist for Simmonds just doesn't make any sense, especially since you drafted two guys who appear to be Hornqvist replacement. Either of which will be cheaper, younger and a better skater than Simmonds.

Edit: a better way of putting would be trading Hornqvist just to sign Simmonds doesn't make sense.

Poulin seems like he MIGHT be a mix of PF and skill, but who knows. From what I've read up on Legare, while he has some skill, the focus has been on his net-front presence and comparisons to Hornqvist.

I'm also not necessarily focusing on "team fit," but rather the direction of the NHL. While you'll always need players who can play a physically imposing game, it's moving farther and farther away from the power-forward mold due to the faster transition game that we're seeing more of.
- Rinosaur

Yes, but we've seen "direction" and trends turn over every 2-3 years.
Back in 2010, you didn't need to have a top-flight goalie. That changed by 2013.

Until the late 2000, you needed to have savvy vets to show the kids the way and let the kids earn thier time. Now, the kids get important roles from day 1.

From 2011-2014, you needed to play that heavy Western style to compete. Now you need a speed/transition game. Who knows what the direction and trends will be when these kids come up.

Simmonds has had two organizations give up on him in the last six months. That alone should tell you where he is at in his career.

Trading Hornqvist for Simmonds just doesn't make any sense, especially since you drafted two guys who appear to be Hornqvist replacement. Either of which will be cheaper, younger and a better skater than Simmonds.

Edit: a better way of putting would be trading Hornqvist just to sign Simmonds doesn't make sense.
- Thunderbolt

The Flyers didn't "give up" on him, he was an impending UFA on a non-playoff team. That happens every year to players, but it doesn't mean those organizations are "giving up" on them.

The Flyers didn't "give up" on him, he was an impending UFA on a non-playoff team. That happens every year to players, but it doesn't mean those organizations are "giving up" on them.
- jmatchett383

Yeah, they made a smart hockey decision on an aging player with an expiring contract. Everything I've read over the years he was there has pointed to him being loved in Philly by everyone.

Yeah, and who appointed you RW's blog steward? Geez dude, relax. You get too worked up and you don't really read what others are saying. You are obviously protecting a hockey card (or jersey) collection, so you're pretty smart too, LOL.

Disagree with? I can deal with that. If you paid attention all season, the Pens were lackluster at best. The only time they played consistent, sound hockey was the stretch in March, when two of your favorite cards were out of the lineup (15 game sample size).
- Cousinskrid

Who’s worked up? I’m not worked up about anything. Just pointing out that you’re logic is as flawed as it comes.

Boyd was one of the people calling out their play all year, saying they had no identity and what not. He would call me an optimist because of the things I'd say....but really, Im a realist...just a hopeful one.
- MattStrat

Right? I’m pretty sure I paid attention all season lol it’s not like I’m suffering from recency bias or anything like some people...

Yes, but we've seen "direction" and trends turn over every 2-3 years.
Back in 2010, you didn't need to have a top-flight goalie. That changed by 2013.

Until the late 2000, you needed to have savvy vets to show the kids the way and let the kids earn thier time. Now, the kids get important roles from day 1.

From 2011-2014, you needed to play that heavy Western style to compete. Now you need a speed/transition game. Who knows what the direction and trends will be when these kids come up.
- jmatchett383

After the Blues win the cup everyone thinks “big boy” hockey is back. Can’t wait to see those knee jerk reactions.

Bottom line...

_______________________________
Simmonds is not what this team needs.

After the Blues win the cup everyone thinks “big boy” hockey is back. Can’t wait to see those knee jerk reactions.
- j.boyd919

Is Parayko going to be moved? Theres your fix.

Is Parayko going to be moved? Theres your fix.
- Doogs

Doubtful after that Playoff run. He was solid.