I don't think many were wanting to move Rust. My memory may be foggy, but my recollection was that media had him as very likely candidate to be moved, so he was injected to a lot of trade proposals on here.
- Rinosaur

Also armchair GM’s have a long and storied history of using middle six wingers to get rid of bad contracts.

What I did say on that front is that it wouldn't be worth it for the other team. Running off the assumption that other teams understood JJ was unplayable, you'd essentially be bringing in Rust at a $7 mil cap. I mean, Rust is a max player and all, but I doubt any team would be interested in Bryan Rust at top line wing money.
- Victoro311

That's a good way of looking at it for sure.


I wonder how bad JJ is gonna suck after this long layoff...

I wonder if the coaching staff will have different outlooks, perspectives and ideas for their D after this long layoff..such as realizing just how badly JJ on the ice hinders the overall play of every single other Penguin on the ice...

I wonder if Schultz is very motivated to raise his game in attempts to get a big next contract...

The Pens D, and to a lesser extent goalies, are what concern me. The forwards are pretty stocked...if they stay healthy

I don't think many were wanting to move Rust. My memory may be foggy, but my recollection was that media had him as very likely candidate to be moved, so he was injected to a lot of trade proposals on here.
- Rinosaur

I think this is correct. Definitely rings a bell. In ways the season that ended short feels like a lifetime ago haha

Game times. As I figured and hoped the Pens games, probably because they are playing a Canadian team and are one of the more watched teams anyway, will be on prime time 8:00EST.

https://www.sportsfanpane...0KzGmTDitRdUTnch9CCbNEclg

Game times. As I figured and hoped the Pens games, probably because they are playing a Canadian team and are one of the more watched teams anyway, will be on prime time 8:00EST.

https://www.sportsfanpane...0KzGmTDitRdUTnch9CCbNEclg
- MattStrat

Cool. Insurance against being on office rotation that week.

If anyone wants to talk hockey here’s a thought I’ve had. While players are going to be rested there’s going to be a lot of rust. Patrick Hornqvist’s style of play is going to be more effective early on than the Sid/Sheary/Geuntzel style. I’d put Horny with Sid and Getz.
- Grinder47

I've been thinking about that lately because I don't have a lot of confidence in Sheary either. Like less than Simon even. Sheary is one of those guys who disappears in playoffs against physical defensemen, so I'll be surprised if he holds up against Weber.

With Simon out, there really isn't another RW option to turn to. Rod? I think I might throw Poulin there first and that's a Hail Mary. (I know he's listed at LW most places, but sone say both, and I've seen a lot of video of him in that side).

Sid doesn't like playing with Hornqvist though, so I wonder if at some point they'll force Jake to RW or consider bumping Rust there.

That's the whole point with people, i assume, on my side of the aisle. It seems much more like the masks are a scare tactic, to make you think, that they are absolutely necessary, which would make it "irresponsible" to go back to work. which will clearly surpress the economy. all while, all to conveniently, within an election year. and all of it just disappears when there is a protest??? wot?


no, i don't buy it. not when this was all seemlessly transitioned from a ridiculous impeachment campaign which featured countless "i heard from someone who heard from someone" and 0 first hand knowledge.
- joecool2931

Nobody was pretending the pandemic disappeared during those protests. People were willing to risk their health because moments where people are actually paying attention to a death like George Floyd's are few and far between. Regardless of where you fall, these protests definitely changed the conversation about race.

I've been thinking about that lately because I don't have a lot of confidence in Sheary either. Like less than Simon even. Sheary is one of those guys who disappears in playoffs against physical defensemen, so I'll be surprised if he holds up against Weber.

With Simon out, there really isn't another RW option to turn to. Rod? I think I might throw Poulin there first and that's a Hail Mary. (I know he's listed at LW most places, but sone say both, and I've seen a lot of video of him in that side).

Sid doesn't like playing with Hornqvist though, so I wonder if at some point they'll force Jake to RW or consider bumping Rust there.
- Tojo.

Sid not liking to play with Hornqvist is probably overblown like the Malkin-Kessel rift was. I think after a whole chemistry goes stale and players want to mix things up, but I highly doubt Sid gets upset when Sullivan puts Hornqvist on his wing after a long time apart. They’re all professionals, after all.

There is no chance in hell Poulin will get his first taste of an NHL game in the playoffs with a healthy roster.

I don't think many were wanting to move Rust. My memory may be foggy, but my recollection was that media had him as very likely candidate to be moved, so he was injected to a lot of trade proposals on here.
- Rinosaur

I long since admitted I was wrong about Rust, so I have no problem recalling my thinking at the time.

I thought he was a middle 6 forward worth his salary but nothing more and was acceptable as a salary dump so they could give cheaper guys like Kahin and McCann a shot. And I did and still do like Malkin and Hornqvist together.

I thought if Rust was going to break 20 he'd have done it by now ans would be a little over-valued in the trade market because of hia Cup experience.

I'm still worried this will be a career year like Tyler Kennedy's breakout, but I was wrong and wouldn't look to move him now. GMJR found a much better solution moving Gudbranson without taking salary back and having a cheap option nobody saw coming in Marino.

My preference was always JJ. I didn't throw Rust-JJ proposals out there because like Vic said I didn't find them realistic.

Sid not liking to play with Hornqvist is probably overblown like the Malkin-Kessel rift was. I think after a whole chemistry goes stale and players want to mix things up, but I highly doubt Sid gets upset when Sullivan puts Hornqvist on his wing after a long time apart. They’re all professionals, after all.

There is no chance in hell Poulin will get his first taste of an NHL game in the playoffs with a healthy roster.
- Victoro311

In normal times I would say no chance. In these times I think there's a slight chance. Healthy roster is the key part of that sentence. Players basically jumping into high temp playoff games after no real game action for long time could result in injuries. Theres that pesky thing called covid going around that could take players out. It's also possible he could be in such amazing shape, so driven and perform in camp so well that the coaching staff just cant scratch him.

Sid not liking to play with Hornqvist is probably overblown like the Malkin-Kessel rift was. I think after a whole chemistry goes stale and players want to mix things up, but I highly doubt Sid gets upset when Sullivan puts Hornqvist on his wing after a long time apart. They’re all professionals, after all.

There is no chance in hell Poulin will get his first taste of an NHL game in the playoffs with a healthy roster.
- Victoro311

Every insider around the team says while he won't complain, Sid prefers speed to Hornqvist's style. They may have no choice though and I happen to like that mix as it would occupy Weber in front likely.

I agree Poulin won't play, I'm just saying I would consider him. Rod ok, but putting Lafferty or Angelo in the top 9 (when they don't break up the Blueger line), I think I might roll the dice on the talent.

I long since admitted I was wrong about Rust, so I have no problem recalling my thinking at the time.

I thought he was a middle 6 forward worth his salary but nothing more and was acceptable as a salary dump so they could give cheaper guys like Kahin and McCann a shot. And I did and still do like Malkin and Hornqvist together.

I thought if Rust was going to break 20 he'd have done it by now ans would be a little over-valued in the trade market because of hia Cup experience.

I'm still worried this will be a career year like Tyler Kennedy's breakout, but I was wrong and wouldn't look to move him now. GMJR found a much better solution moving Gudbranson without taking salary back and having a cheap option nobody saw coming in Marino.

My preference was always JJ. I didn't throw Rust-JJ proposals out there because like Vic said I didn't find them realistic.
- Tojo.

I think no matter what Rust is a good player at to have at his price even if he doesn't eclipse 20 goals again. $3.5M for a player who can put up around 30/40 points and brings good speed and all-around play is a solid get IMO. You can always stumble upon a younger cheaper player, but I think the perception of how easy they are to come by is not that realistic.

I guarantee you would not find one of me advocating trading Rust haha. My wife got me his sweater for my last birthday. Can't have it becoming a vintage already.
- Victoro311

I bought one begining of the 2017 season, first and last one ill ever buy...(frank)ing 225 is a bit ridiculous.

Sid not liking to play with Hornqvist is probably overblown like the Malkin-Kessel rift was. I think after a whole chemistry goes stale and players want to mix things up, but I highly doubt Sid gets upset when Sullivan puts Hornqvist on his wing after a long time apart. They’re all professionals, after all.

There is no chance in hell Poulin will get his first taste of an NHL game in the playoffs with a healthy roster.
- Victoro311

I just think dirty goals are going to be easier to come by. Plus The more zone time Hornqvist has with Price the better.

There is no chance in hell Poulin will get his first taste of an NHL game in the playoffs with a healthy roster.
- Victoro311

Not unless the injury bug picks up where it left off.

I think no matter what Rust is a good player at to have at his price even if he doesn't eclipse 20 goals again. $3.5M for a player who can put up around 30/40 points and brings good speed and all-around play is a solid get IMO. You can always stumble upon a younger cheaper player, but I think the perception of how easy they are to come by is not that realistic.
- Rinosaur

Yeah, it's more that idea of not paying middle six guys if you have cheaper alternatives and are up against the cap. He was already worth it. But Rust is solidly in the top 6 now and really we don't even have a 2nd wing for those lines.

Yeah, it's more that idea of not paying middle six guys if you have cheaper alternatives and are up against the cap. He was already worth it. But Rust is solidly in the top 6 now and really we don't even have a 2nd wing for those lines.
- Tojo.

We’re thin at RW in general. I love Rust but I don’t like that he’s our best right flank. Meanwhile we have absolutely silly depth at LW especially with Poulin looking like someone who can challenge for a role next season. We should really try to get a right wing scorer this offseason. Probably our biggest need and what id be looking for in a Murray trade.

We’re thin at RW in general. I love Rust but I don’t like that he’s our best right flank. Meanwhile we have absolutely silly depth at LW especially with Poulin looking like someone who can challenge for a role next season. We should really try to get a right wing scorer this offseason. Probably our biggest need and what id be looking for in a Murray trade.
- Victoro311

I would like to look for a sizeable upgrade on 2LD. Hope for peterson to get better, but still feel like if JJ is on the team, we could use a D upgrade.

I like the tandem line idea, where the 3rd person is replaceable. Replaceable with specific other, not like "not good", so rust is replaeable with horny and simon and even mccann. So i don't mind our RW being "thin", but yet, i still see that as our second place of need behind LD.

I would like to look for a sizeable upgrade on 2LD. Hope for peterson to get better, but still feel like if JJ is on the team, we could use a D upgrade.

I like the tandem line idea, where the 3rd person is replaceable. Replaceable with specific other, not like "not good", so rust is replaeable with horny and simon and even mccann. So i don't mind our RW being "thin", but yet, i still see that as our second place of need behind LD.
- joecool2931

Statistically, Pettersson and Marino are a really good second pairing. The eye test is slightly less glowing of them than the stats, but they’re still pretty good by the eye. I think we’re pretty set in the top 4D and the issue isn’t that pairing or Pettersson at all. Our issue is that Jack Johnson isn’t NHL caliber and Schultz has been bad, so our third pairing is completley unplayable and whenever Johnson has to jump into the top 4 due to injury we’re in deep poop. We don’t need to bring in more top 4 caliber D men necessarily, we just need to be smarter about our depth signings and stop investing cap in mediocre to bad blue liners. This season we could have had a completely serviceable bottom pairing of Riikola-Ruhwedel for about $1.7 mil on the cap and instead we have total dumpster fire worth like $7 mil. Can’t do anything about Schultz regressing. At the time signing him was a no brainer, but Johnson is the exact boneheaded signing a cap team needs to avoid when contending.

We’re thin at RW in general. I love Rust but I don’t like that he’s our best right flank. Meanwhile we have absolutely silly depth at LW especially with Poulin looking like someone who can challenge for a role next season. We should really try to get a right wing scorer this offseason. Probably our biggest need and what id be looking for in a Murray trade.
- Victoro311

Has Zucker ever played RW with any success?

Statistically, Pettersson and Marino are a really good second pairing. The eye test is slightly less glowing of them than the stats, but they’re still pretty good by the eye. I think we’re pretty set in the top 4D and the issue isn’t that pairing or Pettersson at all. Our issue is that Jack Johnson isn’t NHL caliber and Schultz has been bad, so our third pairing is completley unplayable and whenever Johnson has to jump into the top 4 due to injury we’re in deep poop. We don’t need to bring in more top 4 caliber D men necessarily, we just need to be smarter about our depth signings and stop investing cap in mediocre to bad blue liners. This season we could have had a completely serviceable bottom pairing of Riikola-Ruhwedel for about $1.7 mil on the cap and instead we have total dumpster fire worth like $7 mil. Can’t do anything about Schultz regressing. At the time signing him was a no brainer, but Johnson is the exact boneheaded signing a cap team needs to avoid when contending.
- Victoro311

I just still don't get treatment Riikola has gotten. He had a mediocre first year, but really got it together and adjusted in his second season. He was very consistent IMO.

From DeFabo

Today's line rushes with nine Pens held out:
Guentzel – Crosby – Sheary
Zucker – Malkin – Rust
Marleau – McCann – Rodrigues/ Lafferty
ZAR - Blueger - Tanev

Dumoulin – Letang
Pettersson – Marino
Johnson - Schultz
Ruhwedel – Czuzman

Murray, Jarry

Desmith, Larmi practiced before main group

It's basically 8 young guys plus Hornqvist missing. It was reported on the 1st Hornqvist would be in quarantine for 2 weeks so that might not even be up. I'm guessing those young guys all went to dinner or something together where someone tested positive and hopefully they didn't catch it.
- Tojo.

Just realized Rikky wasnt there either.

Has Zucker ever played RW with any success?
- Rinosaur

Yes. But he’s also not a right shot that will help the PP where it is weak.

Yes. But he’s also not a right shot that will help the PP where it is weak.
- Victoro311

It's never good to have a weak PP.

Jokes aside, this is why I was hoping the Pens were going to also pick up Toffoli. He'd be a solid get at RW if they can figure stuff out financially this off-season.

We’re thin at RW in general. I love Rust but I don’t like that he’s our best right flank. Meanwhile we have absolutely silly depth at LW especially with Poulin looking like someone who can challenge for a role next season. We should really try to get a right wing scorer this offseason. Probably our biggest need and what id be looking for in a Murray trade.
- Victoro311

As I mentioned earlier, I think it's possible Poulin can play right wing and might have this year. Still not a righty for the PP and while Sully has done it before hard to see a rookie with Crosby. But he'd have to make the team anyways so there needs to be a plan A, but he might be a RW option at some point.