Ryan Wilson: What happens if the Penguins aren't a cap team? What should happen? What happens if the Penguins aren't a cap team? What should happen?

trade for Gudbranson. Keep Johnson.

No one seems to be taking into account the losses of revenue. Forget about a "Flat cap", so many teams won't be near the cap # they were this year.

COVID losses are devastating for small to mid market teams.

I wonder if someone like Gallant would come in as an assistant coach, knowing that he's the head coach in waiting (just like Sully was himself).

I am guessing there is no way the players would have ever agreed to this in the CBA but too bad there wasn't a way to give them variable salaries instead of fixed ones. For example, player A gets 5% of the total cap for 5 years, whatever the cap may happen to be that year. That would handle crisis situations like Covid-19 better, at least for small market owners who are less willing to burn millions. Oh well.

I wonder if the Pens could package their first round pick, the rights to Murray, and JJ (perhaps with $1M retained) for a solid top four defenseman? It would have to be a team willing to take a chance on rehabilitating Murray.

Giving up and losing faith are two different things. I'm definitely not giving up, but I am losing faith a little. I'm losing faith that they can reach down for that hunger and desire. Upgrading/changing some of the secondary players can definitely help, but if Sid, Geno and Letang can't elevate their games when the going gets tough then it doesn't make much of a difference.

I know Sid gets a pass this year because he played well, but I honestly don't think even he elevated his game to the necessary level. If Sid and Geno can't turn up the intensity when the Pens need the window is gone.
- Rinosaur

This is a good point. I definitely have lost some faith, but I want to give them one more shot. In Sid's case, agree he was just ok, but we know he was hurt. Letang was actually improved from last year when he kept skating or passing into the trap. But we need those guys and Malkin and Guentzel to be great.

This was a really good blog.

Keeping Bjugstad. Bold choice and I don't think I have the stomach for it, but it could work. I agree he's better than the 3C options out there so if not McCann then maybe they should bring back Bjugstad. Again I wouldn't, but it could work.

Agree the idea that Marino replaces Letang is far fetched. He's good, he's not that good. And then who replaces Marino? One of the things I loved most about this roster was having those guys on 2 different pairs.

It's probably smart to move Hornqvist if you can. The PP would suffer though immensely. And while his play driving is down, he did score 14 goals and 25 points at 5v5 without much tine with Malkin or Crosby, so it's not like he was useless there. They really do need to find a younger guy to do his job.

Like I said before, hard to envision a scenario where trading Letang makes us better... especially with Schultz as good as gone.

Sure there are a handful of very unlikely, complicated scenarios that might make the Pens a better team overall. (trade Letang, sign Pietrangelo) (trade letang for Petry and Domi) ....That stuff just seems like fantasy land though. And I still question if we're better after all that.

random observations:

it's almost comical that the Oilers had both Petry and Marino while seemingly always searching for top 4 RHD lol

I'm so glad we didnt spend a bunch of assets for Tatar. ole' Feds here sure made him sound like god, but he was so awful, so soft, and so unnoticeable in that series.

trade for Gudbranson. Keep Johnson.
- Blackstrom2

I actually think Gudbranson was serviceable with the Pens when they weren't forcing him to play the left side. I'd rather be overpaying for Gudbranson to play the 3rd pair than JJ.

This is a good point. I definitely have lost some faith, but I want to give them one more shot. In Sid's case, agree he was just ok, but we know he was hurt. Letang was actually improved from last year when he kept skating or passing into the trap. But we need those guys and Malkin and Guentzel to be great.
- Tojo.

Not to beat a dead horse, but having Sheary (and Guentzel both at the same time) on your line means playing with one hand tied behind your back. Crosby with zero cycle and one-and-done in the offensive zone is never going to be effective. Then we learn that the Habs focused all of their defensive effort on Malkin's line because they didn't need to worry about the top line. I also thought Letang was good enough and not a problem, although he's definitely slowing down like the rest of them. Both Malkin and Letang could have and should have done better, but I also think the Pens got outcoached (yet again).

Like I said before, hard to envision a scenario where trading Letang makes us better... especially with Schultz as good as gone.

Sure there are a handful of very unlikely, complicated scenarios that might make the Pens a better team overall. (trade Letang, sign Pietrangelo) (trade letang for Petry and Domi) ....That stuff just seems like fantasy land though. And I still question if we're better after all that.
- YouMeAndDupuis9

Petry is so underrated.

This was a really good blog.

Keeping Bjugstad. Bold choice and I don't think I have the stomach for it, but it could work. I agree he's better than the 3C options out there so if not McCann then maybe they should bring back Bjugstad. Again I wouldn't, but it could work.

Agree the idea that Marino replaces Letang is far fetched. He's good, he's not that good. And then who replaces Marino? One of the things I loved most about this roster was having those guys on 2 different pairs.

It's probably smart to move Hornqvist if you can. The PP would suffer though immensely. And while his play driving is down, he did score 14 goals and 25 points at 5v5 without much tine with Malkin or Crosby, so it's not like he was useless there. They really do need to find a younger guy to do his job.
- Tojo.

I agree - good blog.

I don't think Bjug is a very good center and I agree, I no longer have the stomach to deal with his constant injuries. He is completely unreliable (through no fault of his own). I would hope that the Pens would build a roster with the playoffs as their primary objective. Any players who either suck in the playoffs or can't be relied upon to be there when the playoffs come around shouldn't be on the team. It's all about the playoffs. Same goes for the coach.

Agree about Letang/Marino.

People are quick to dump Horny but he is literally the only net-front presence on the entire team and he was built for the playoffs. And, as you mention, is key to the PP. I'm sure a good coach would figure out a way to utilize him properly to maximize his value at 5v5. Rust at 1RW and Horny at 2RW sure seems like it should have at least been tried.

Petry is so underrated.
- j.boyd919

I agree. I think he would be a 1RD on a lot of teams. The Habs top 3 D are outstanding.

Not to beat a dead horse, but having Sheary (and Guentzel both at the same time) on your line means playing with one hand tied behind your back. Crosby with zero cycle and one-and-done in the offensive zone is never going to be effective. Then we learn that the Habs focused all of their defensive effort on Malkin's line because they didn't need to worry about the top line. I also thought Letang was good enough and not a problem, although he's definitely slowing down like the rest of them. Both Malkin and Letang could have and should have done better, but I also think the Pens got outcoached (yet again).
- Hockey66

You sure you haven't killed that horse yet?

I actually think Gudbranson was serviceable with the Pens when they weren't forcing him to play the left side. I'd rather be overpaying for Gudbranson to play the 3rd pair than JJ.
- Rinosaur

Agree. Needs the right partner to, but I thought he'd play well with Riikola or POJ. Had a nice year in Anaheim.

EDIT although Ruhwedel may do a similar job minus the toughness factor which probably isn't worth the extra 3.3M.

Like I said before, hard to envision a scenario where trading Letang makes us better... especially with Schultz as good as gone.

Sure there are a handful of very unlikely, complicated scenarios that might make the Pens a better team overall. (trade Letang, sign Pietrangelo) (trade letang for Petry and Domi) ....That stuff just seems like fantasy land though. And I still question if we're better after all that.
- YouMeAndDupuis9

Agree and Schultz doesn't even factor in except maybe the PP.

Petry is so underrated.
- j.boyd919

The main thing that keeps me from saying the Habs have a bright future is good luck replacing Weber and Petry on the right side.

This is a good point. I definitely have lost some faith, but I want to give them one more shot. In Sid's case, agree he was just ok, but we know he was hurt. Letang was actually improved from last year when he kept skating or passing into the trap. But we need those guys and Malkin and Guentzel to be great.
- Tojo.

I thought Letang was the worst of him, Sid and Geno. His passing was crap, so many errant ones, and his speed was definitely down a few notches. He led the team with 9 giveaways (next closest was 5) along with 0 goals and 0 apples.

This should not be mistaken for me thinking Tanger should be traded... I just think he wasnt very good at all and hardly anyone is talking about it.

You sure you haven't killed that horse yet?
- Tojo.

But people keeping bringing up how the big 3 need to elevate their games. Well, I think Sheary on the top line had a ripple effect on the rest of the team. The Habs completely exploited this weakness and said as much. Then you have an unnamed players (probably Malkin) coming out and specifically criticizing the Kahun move. What do you suppose that was in reference to? Only the Pens would play Sheary on the top line in the playoffs. That should tell you something.

You sure you haven't killed that horse yet?
- Tojo.

Hahaha

But people keeping bringing up how the big 3 need to elevate their games. Well, I think Sheary on the top line had a ripple effect on the rest of the team. The Habs completely exploited this weakness and said as much. Then you have an unnamed players (probably Malkin) coming out and specifically criticizing the Kahun move. What do you suppose that was in reference to? Only the Pens would play Sheary on the top line in the playoffs. That should tell you something.
- Hockey66

No way Sheary had a ripple effect on the team like you say. If anything he helped depth down through he lines. He brought alot of hustle and effort which in turn brought the chances. If he buried that penalty shot in game 1 there's a good chance Pens win that game and perhaps series. Having said all of this I'd be totally fine with him not being a Penguin next season.

It sounds kind of stupid to me that ownership will give Rutherford more money during the season if we are in a good position... we have no 1st round pick next year. We had better well make sure we are a playoff team next year. Why not sign the UFAs now instead of waiting and then having to give up assets? I get it saves money, but it makes our situation worse in a lot of ways.

I agree with Ryan about most of this article. I'd clear out Horny & Johnson as the 2 main cap casualities. If you can find someone better than Bjugstad, fine. But if you clear out Horny/Johnson, that gives you some good money to play with.

I think people undervalue Murray's trade value. Goalies are hard to value, all it takes is one GM willing to pay a big price.

No way Sheary had a ripple effect on the team like you say. If anything he helped depth down through he lines. He brought alot of hustle and effort which in turn brought the chances. If he buried that penalty shot in game 1 there's a good chance Pens win that game and perhaps series. Having said all of this I'd be totally fine with him not being a Penguin next season.
- MattStrat

Well, I disagree, and I don't think he created as many chances as you think he did. Hustle and effort don't matter much if you physically can't win puck or board battles. Ever. Or actually score in the playoffs or be a threat to score in the playoffs.

It sounds kind of stupid to me that ownership will give Rutherford more money during the season if we are in a good position... we have no 1st round pick next year. We had better well make sure we are a playoff team next year. Why not sign the UFAs now instead of waiting and then having to give up assets? I get it saves money, but it makes our situation worse in a lot of ways.

I agree with Ryan about most of this article. I'd clear out Horny & Johnson as the 2 main cap casualities. If you can find someone better than Bjugstad, fine. But if you clear out Horny/Johnson, that gives you some good money to play with.

I think people undervalue Murray's trade value. Goalies are hard to value, all it takes is one GM willing to pay a big price.
- SuperHenderson13

Totally agree with your first paragraph.

As for Horny vs. Bjug, there is only $1.2M difference between them. One is a playoff stud and the other is a playoff no-show, either through poor play or injury.

You might be right about Murray. I don't think we'll get more than a third for him, but maybe one team will value him a lot more than others. I could see it happening.