I was actually one of those who didn't want to add Kovy, but that's more about getting younger. Kovy looked rejuvenated early, but he ended up getting just 1 total shot in 5 games against the Isles so I don't think he'd have helped beat the trap. 1 assist in 8 games if you include the round robin.

But yeah, should at least be some guys worth watching if nothing else.
- Tojo.

I didn't get the Caps adding Kovy, I wanted Kovy to improve our PP. Couldn't have been worse than our "third" line we put out there.

Here's something from the EDM blog about Pulj:

"Yesterday Mark Spector, a fairly well connected individual seemed to strongly imply that Jesse Puljujarvi would return to Edmonton and is expected to be with the team at the beginning of training camp. While nothing is official until a real signing takes place it is the closest confirmation we have had yet that the two sides are close.

Recently Puljujarvi signed a one year deal with Liiga which does include an NHL out-clause, thereby allowing the young Finn to return to Edmonton in the middle of November when training camp is currently scheduled to begin. Puljujarvi could begin the season overseas in September, get some more games in and then return to Edmonton with some game action already under his belt when camp begins.

With a flat cap, Holland needs affordable options in the ranks which can provide scoring options for his team. Under the tutelage of Dave Tippett, Puljujarvi should be put in a consistent role, something he never saw under the likes of Todd McLellan or Ken Hitchcock."

Doesn't look good for our chances unless they really like Murray. As I've said, Koskinen is a better goalie and has 2 years left at $4.5M per.

I just noticed that Maniscalco is from Perkiomenville, PA. Glad he didn't go to the Flyers.

Rutherford was on Madden today... it always amazes me how candid he is. Doesnt really dodge or hide from questions. tells you exactly how he feels. Among things of interest:

1. Saws POJ/Legare/Poulin among others, including our new defenseman we signed today, will have an opportunity to make the team.
2. He wants to get younger, even if that means burying a NHL player in the AHL if a young player does well in camp.
3. Has concerns about signing McCann to a longer term $3-3.5M deal since he was inconsistent this year.
4. Wants to retool the 3rd line, specifically at center. He could see a more defensive 3C.
5. Murray played well in the second half, but no question his consistency and confidence have been noted areas of concern the last few years. Says it will be near impossible to keep Jarry and Murray
6. Still has large confidence in Sully, called him best coach in the league. Assistant coaches are still being interviewed.

Rutherford was on Madden today... it always amazes me how candid he is. Doesnt really dodge or hide from questions. tells you exactly how he feels. Among things of interest:

1. Saws POJ/Legare/Poulin among others, including our new defenseman we signed today, will have an opportunity to make the team.
2. He wants to get younger, even if that means burying a NHL player in the AHL if a young player does well in camp.
3. Has concerns about signing McCann to a longer term $3-3.5M deal since he was inconsistent this year.
4. Wants to retool the 3rd line, specifically at center. He could see a more defensive 3C.
5. Murray played well in the second half, but no question his consistency and confidence have been noted areas of concern the last few years. Says it will be near impossible to keep Jarry and Murray
6. Still has large confidence in Sully, called him best coach in the league. Assistant coaches are still being interviewed.
- SuperHenderson13

Interesting stuff.

Rutherford was on Madden today... it always amazes me how candid he is. Doesnt really dodge or hide from questions. tells you exactly how he feels. Among things of interest:

1. Saws POJ/Legare/Poulin among others, including our new defenseman we signed today, will have an opportunity to make the team.
2. He wants to get younger, even if that means burying a NHL player in the AHL if a young player does well in camp.
3. Has concerns about signing McCann to a longer term $3-3.5M deal since he was inconsistent this year.
4. Wants to retool the 3rd line, specifically at center. He could see a more defensive 3C.
5. Murray played well in the second half, but no question his consistency and confidence have been noted areas of concern the last few years. Says it will be near impossible to keep Jarry and Murray
6. Still has large confidence in Sully, called him best coach in the league. Assistant coaches are still being interviewed.
- SuperHenderson13

Hmmm...I wonder who he is considering burying. Seriously.

I'm going to assume that his comments about McCann are just for the purpose of publicly negotiating his new contract (which seems like a bad thing to do). The irony of that statement in light of the contracts to JJ and Tanev is off-the-charts.

Like that he is focused on a 3C and a defensive one at that.

He seems to be trying to lower Murray's trade value unnecessarily.

Really over-the-top about Sully. I don't think any coach who goes 1-7 against lower seeded teams in the playoffs two years in a row with a largely healthy lineup can be considered the best coach in the league or even close to it.

Rutherford was on Madden today... it always amazes me how candid he is. Doesnt really dodge or hide from questions. tells you exactly how he feels. Among things of interest:

1. Saws POJ/Legare/Poulin among others, including our new defenseman we signed today, will have an opportunity to make the team.
2. He wants to get younger, even if that means burying a NHL player in the AHL if a young player does well in camp.
3. Has concerns about signing McCann to a longer term $3-3.5M deal since he was inconsistent this year.
4. Wants to retool the 3rd line, specifically at center. He could see a more defensive 3C.
5. Murray played well in the second half, but no question his consistency and confidence have been noted areas of concern the last few years. Says it will be near impossible to keep Jarry and Murray
6. Still has large confidence in Sully, called him best coach in the league. Assistant coaches are still being interviewed.
- SuperHenderson13

With our 4th line eating shut down minutes, I really think our 3rd line needs to be offensive in focus. If we go with a traditional 3rd line, and then also have a shut down 4th line that doesn't score at all, we're going to have a real problem putting up tangible offense.

Hmmm...I wonder who he is considering burying. Seriously.

I'm going to assume that his comments about McCann are just for the purpose of publicly negotiating his new contract (which seems like a bad thing to do). The irony of that statement in light of the contracts to JJ and Tanev is off-the-charts.

Like that he is focused on a 3C and a defensive one at that.

He seems to be trying to lower Murray's trade value unnecessarily.

Really over-the-top about Sully. I don't think any coach who goes 1-7 against lower seeded teams in the playoffs two years in a row with a largely healthy lineup can be considered the best coach in the league or even close to it.
- Hockey66

My guess is it would be Bjugstad if he doesn't move him. Who =else has salary that would be worth burying that wouldn't get claimed off waivers (Simon wouldn't make it down) besides JJ, who we know won't be buried.

With our 4th line eating shut down minutes, I really think our 3rd line needs to be offensive in focus. If we go with a traditional 3rd line, and then also have a shut down 4th line that doesn't score at all, we're going to have a real problem putting up tangible offense.
- Victoro311

That's a good point. I just like it when we target a forward who can play defense. Hopefully he can do both reasonably well.

My guess is it would be Bjugstad if he doesn't move him. Who =else has salary that would be worth burying that wouldn't get claimed off waivers (Simon wouldn't make it down) besides JJ, who we know won't be buried.
- Victoro311

That was my thought, too. Probably just a matter of time before Bjug goes on LTIR anyway (sadly). Hopefully we can trade him for literally anything besides a bad contract.

The most encouraging thing I heard from JR in that interview was "if one of the younger guys comes to camp and out-performs one of the vets, he has no problem burying a vet in the minors". So who are we talking about here? Not gonna be any of the top 6. Not gonna be Hornie. Not gonna be Tanev. Literally talking about only a few options.... JJ, ZAR, Bleugs. Will Bjug even be here. (wish Madden brought his name up).

It's interesting... JR talks about bringing in younger players, but most of the roster is already set. Other than JJ, the other possible changes are all pretty young. Not sure how he's gonna navigate this summer.

The most interesting comment was on McCaan. Doesn't seem anxious to give him a contract.

Not sure I like the idea of a more defensive 3C. I think the 3C should be competent. Good on FO and PK, but I don't want a plug there either.

A more defensive-minded 3C doesn't necessarily mean more defensive-minded third line. It all depends on the dynamic of the entire line.

The most encouraging thing I heard from JR in that interview was "if one of the younger guys comes to camp and out-performs one of the vets, he has no problem burying a vet in the minors". So who are we talking about here? Not gonna be any of the top 6. Not gonna be Hornie. Not gonna be Tanev. Literally talking about only a few options.... JJ, ZAR, Bleugs. Will Bjug even be here. (wish Madden brought his name up).

It's interesting... JR talks about bringing in younger players, but most of the roster is already set. Other than JJ, the other possible changes are all pretty young. Not sure how he's gonna navigate this summer.

The most interesting comment was on McCaan. Doesn't seem anxious to give him a contract.

Not sure I like the idea of a more defensive 3C. I think the 3C should be competent. Good on FO and PK, but I don't want a plug there either.
- madmike71

My thoughts, pretty much. Is Blueger considered a vet? Last year was his first year as a starter and the season was cut short. And it's not like we have a bunch of centers to take his place. ZAR is already out for a good chunk of the year and is a 13th-ish forward anyway. JJ is a pipe dream. Has to be Bjug but what a strange statement to make, unless he is trying to "send a message," but that seems dumb, too.

I could see McCann being traded and I can also see us regretting that decision. But he is just about our only tradeable roster player asset.

I'd take Bonino 2.0 as the 3C (I'm sure everyone would). Not necessarily Bonino himself, but a similar player.

That was my thought, too. Probably just a matter of time before Bjug goes on LTIR anyway (sadly). Hopefully we can trade him for literally anything besides a bad contract.
- Hockey66

I actually see Bjugstad as a piece to a bigger trade. Could definitely see a non playoff team like Detroit taking him and trying to flip him at the deadline as a rental.

Current value is likely a 4th rounder but if he has a solid season and is healthy at the deadline he could be worth a 2nd and a mid level prospect.

I think an interesting guy for the 3C spot would be Henrique. Really good two way game, probably a 2c on most teams. A bit of a high cap hit at $5.9m for a 3rd liner but would be their best player at that spot since Staal, maybe better.

I think an interesting guy for the 3C spot would be Henrique. Really good two way game, probably a 2c on most teams. A bit of a high cap hit at $5.9m for a 3rd liner but would be their best player at that spot since Staal, maybe better.
- MacPatty

I really like Henrique. He would be great.

I actually see Bjugstad as a piece to a bigger trade. Could definitely see a non playoff team like Detroit taking him and trying to flip him at the deadline as a rental.

Current value is likely a 4th rounder but if he has a solid season and is healthy at the deadline he could be worth a 2nd and a mid level prospect.
- MacPatty

Well, we disagree on current value, but I could see, as you say, a team like Detroit acquiring him in the hopes of getting a cheap (in terms of cost to acquire) flippable asset at the deadline.

I think an interesting guy for the 3C spot would be Henrique. Really good two way game, probably a 2c on most teams. A bit of a high cap hit at $5.9m for a 3rd liner but would be their best player at that spot since Staal, maybe better.
- MacPatty

Ehhh...I think you might be overrating the current version of Henrique a bit. His peak was probably 3 years ago. That's a lot of coin for a lot of years for a guy who will turn 31 this season. I could see a rebuilding team like ANA wanting to move him, though, and I would still be totally on board with acquiring him. He's never injured so that's a good thing. Would probably cost #15.

Well, we disagree on current value, but I could see, as you say, a team like Detroit acquiring him in the hopes of getting a cheap (in terms of cost to acquire) flippable asset at the deadline.
- Hockey66

Waste of cap space. No thanks.

The most encouraging thing I heard from JR in that interview was "if one of the younger guys comes to camp and out-performs one of the vets, he has no problem burying a vet in the minors". So who are we talking about here? Not gonna be any of the top 6. Not gonna be Hornie. Not gonna be Tanev. Literally talking about only a few options.... JJ, ZAR, Bleugs. Will Bjug even be here. (wish Madden brought his name up).

It's interesting... JR talks about bringing in younger players, but most of the roster is already set. Other than JJ, the other possible changes are all pretty young. Not sure how he's gonna navigate this summer.

The most interesting comment was on McCaan. Doesn't seem anxious to give him a contract.

Not sure I like the idea of a more defensive 3C. I think the 3C should be competent. Good on FO and PK, but I don't want a plug there either.
- madmike71

I think some of this was rattling cages so not sure there are specific targets so much as GMJR feels some guys have gotten complacent. Bjugstad and Simon are the ones I feel would be most in danger since both were considered healthy scratches before the playoffs had they not been hurt.

I think ZAR's spot was safe to start the season, but if his linemates find chemistry elsewhere he might lose his role. Regardless of what they do with McCann, maybe just finding a good 2 way wing with more offense to play with Blueger and Tanev could make them the 3rd line. Maybe that could even be McCann. Maybe that's Poulin or Hornqvist.

Ehhh...I think you might be overrating the current version of Henrique a bit. His peak was probably 3 years ago. That's a lot of coin for a lot of years for a guy who will turn 31 this season. I could see a rebuilding team like ANA wanting to move him, though, and I would still be totally on board with acquiring him. He's never injured so that's a good thing. Would probably cost #15.
- Hockey66

Yeah, I might be but for the right price I'm in on it. Don't think I'd want the 1st involved unless JJ is going in the trade. I just think there is going to be someone really great available at 15.

I think taking on the contract should discount the ask as there is quite a bit of risk in the deal. McCann and Poulin I would look for. That extra 3-4M cap space has to be worth something. I think there will be a bunch of guys available at 15 with a higher ceiling than Poulin (not that I don't really like him).

I actually see Bjugstad as a piece to a bigger trade. Could definitely see a non playoff team like Detroit taking him and trying to flip him at the deadline as a rental.

Current value is likely a 4th rounder but if he has a solid season and is healthy at the deadline he could be worth a 2nd and a mid level prospect.
- MacPatty

Bjugstad will hopefully get us a pick haha. It just sucks he's injured all the time, I really wouldn't mind him as our 3c.

Yeah, I might be but for the right price I'm in on it. Don't think I'd want the 1st involved unless JJ is going in the trade. I just think there is going to be someone really great available at 15.

I think taking on the contract should discount the ask as there is quite a bit of risk in the deal. McCann and Poulin I would look for. That extra 3-4M cap space has to be worth something. I think there will be a bunch of guys available at 15 with a higher ceiling than Poulin (not that I don't really like him).
- MacPatty

Honestly we should just be trying to move Bjugstad out for a pick, Murray out for a pick/prospect, and throw JJ into any trade proposal to try and when it doesn't work bury his ass on the baby Pens.

Yeah, I might be but for the right price I'm in on it. Don't think I'd want the 1st involved unless JJ is going in the trade. I just think there is going to be someone really great available at 15.

I think taking on the contract should discount the ask as there is quite a bit of risk in the deal. McCann and Poulin I would look for. That extra 3-4M cap space has to be worth something. I think there will be a bunch of guys available at 15 with a higher ceiling than Poulin (not that I don't really like him).
- MacPatty

I agree with that. 15 overall gets us a higher level prospect than all the 1sts we've traded away and should only be moved if a truly impactful opportunity is available.

I’m perfectly fine with McCann on the 3rd line. But give him consistent line mates who can at least skate. Or if ZAR is going to be gone for a while, throw him with Blueger and Tanev.