Ryan Wilson: Penguins and Wayne Simmonds Penguins and Wayne Simmonds

Its almost good that Rutherford doesnt have cap space becuase he would absolutely give a 5 year deal to Simmonds and it'd be worse than johnson's.

Horny > Simmonds.

F Simmonds.


I just mentioned it in the last blog....the Hawks are retooling their D well, like the Pens should of done. Its not the Pens forwards that need a shake up. Hawks get de Hann and Maatta and I wish the Pens had both over JJ and Gud.

Horny > Simmonds.

F Simmonds.


I just mentioned it in the last blog....the Hawks are retooling their D well, like the Pens should of done. Its not the Pens forwards that need a shake up. Hawks get de Hann and Maatta and I wish the Pens had both over JJ and Gud.
- MattStrat

I wouldn't say F Simmonds, he's actually a very respectable and respected player. He's just shot at this point.

Its almost good that Rutherford doesnt have cap space becuase he would absolutely give a 5 year deal to Simmonds and it'd be worse than johnson's.
- SuperHenderson13

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.

I wouldn't say F Simmonds, he's actually a very respectable and respected player. He's just shot at this point.
- jmatchett383

I meant F signing him/idea of him...not F him as a human being haha

"Look at the kinds of players the Penguins drafted this past weekend"

Huh? Because both said they want to work on their skating they're now Wayne Simmonds? I'd say almost every draft pick is gonna need to work on their skating to make it in the NHL.

Horny > Simmonds.

F Simmonds.


I just mentioned it in the last blog....the Hawks are retooling their D well, like the Pens should of done. Its not the Pens forwards that need a shake up. Hawks get de Hann and Maatta and I wish the Pens had both over JJ and Gud.
- MattStrat

Hornie was having a pretty good season until that concussion. I think it's ludicrous to explore a player like Simmonds. These kind of rumors at this time of year are pretty meaningless IMO. His agent is charged with getting teams interested in his client. They're looking at teams where there may be a fit and where Wayne Simmonds would like to play. I'm sure his agent has called multiple teams. Who made the call is what I'd ask. If the Pens are only "lukewarm", I don't think Rutherford was the guy initiating the contact.

I'm taking comfort in Rutherfords most recent moves. McCann, Bjug, Kahun and his pursuit of Zucker. None of those guys remotely resemble Wayne Simonds.

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

If that's your position, you're entitled to it. However, if you trading guys like Kessel/Malkin/Letang, the short-term returns will not improve the team. So, essentially, you're conceding any additional Cups during Crosby's final years of being an elite player.

Now, if you're of the opinion that the Pens are in a position where they can't win in the next 3-4 years whether or not they keeps those players and you are already looking towards the future, then trading them while they still have gas left in the tank is fine, just don't be shocked if the returns don't blow you away.

Lastly, if we're taking this rebuilding approach...should Penguins management go to Crosby, tell him that they're rebuilding, and ask him if he would liked to be moved to a team closer to contention as a thanks for all that he's done for them?

"Look at the kinds of players the Penguins drafted this past weekend"

Huh? Because both said they want to work on their skating they're now Wayne Simmonds? I'd say almost every draft pick is gonna need to work on their skating to make it in the NHL.
- Thorny87

RW made the comment because with their two first picks they went with bigger bodied power forward types than opting for the smaller faster players that were available.

"Look at the kinds of players the Penguins drafted this past weekend"

Huh? Because both said they want to work on their skating they're now Wayne Simmonds? I'd say almost every draft pick is gonna need to work on their skating to make it in the NHL.
- Thorny87

Agreed. I thought the Pens had a fine draft. Nothing wrong with acquiring a couple high-upside power forwards with some skill and scoring touch.

Read a few reports that JR is still aggressively going after Zucker. Not sure how it could work without Phil in the deal, but I would welcome a Zuck for Horny/Jarry type trade. Pens may need to add even further to it, but yea.

If that's your position, you're entitled to it. However, if you trading guys like Kessel/Malkin/Letang, the short-term returns will not improve the team. So, essentially, you're conceding any additional Cups during Crosby's final years of being an elite player.

Now, if you're of the opinion that the Pens are in a position where they can't win in the next 3-4 years whether or not they keeps those players and you are already looking towards the future, then trading them while they still have gas left in the tank is fine, just don't be shocked if the returns don't blow you away.

Lastly, if we're taking this rebuilding approach...should Penguins management go to Crosby, tell him that they're rebuilding, and ask him if he would liked to be moved to a team closer to contention as a thanks for all that he's done for them?
- jmatchett383

Nah, I think Sid is the next owner of the franchise, down the road a ways.

I've never demanded those guys be traded, but I have suggested GMJR find out what their values could be. Meaning, don't give them away. And yes, for the long term viability of the franchise versus the current window.

I thought the Pens played pretty much uninspired all season... to barely make the playoffs on the last day of the season... to be unceremoniously broomed away by the Isles. And so I ask you, what from last season gives you hope for THIS season, while fielding pretty much the exact same team? Last season gives me no hope that there's another Cup in this group.

Agreed. I thought the Pens had a fine draft. Nothing wrong with acquiring a couple high-upside power forwards with some skill and scoring touch.

Read a few reports that JR is still aggressively going after Zucker. Not sure how it could work without Phil in the deal, but I would welcome a Zuck for Horny/Jarry type trade. Pens may need to add even further to it, but yea.
- MikeyKay

I read a while back that MIN's GM loves Hornqvist. Hornqvist is probably the hardest player to move since he has a full NTC, but I'd rank his contract as the #2 must-move contract under JJ. If there was a way to swing a Horn/Zucker deal the Pens should do it in a heartbeat.

Nah, I think Sid is the next owner of the franchise, down the road a ways.

I've never demanded those guys be traded, but I have suggested GMJR find out what their values could be. Meaning, don't give them away.

I thought the Pens played pretty much uninspired all season... to barely make the playoffs on the last day of the season... to be unceremoniously broomed away by the Isles. And so I ask you, what from last season gives you hope for THIS season, while fielding pretty much the exact same team?
- Cousinskrid

I know this isn't directed at me, but I don't have a ton of hope for this roster, but that also doesn't mean things can't turn around if JR gets pressured by ownership to make certain deals.

If you were to move the major players, the only way you win is if you're planning on a rebuild. Teams will give you plenty of prospects and picks for likes of Sid, Geno or Letang, but as for getting immediate impact players in a trade? The Pens will lose out every time.

Nah, I think Sid is the next owner of the franchise, down the road a ways.

I've never demanded those guys be traded, but I have suggested GMJR find out what their values could be. Meaning, don't give them away. And yes, for the long term viability of the franchise versus the current window.

I thought the Pens played pretty much uninspired all season... to barely make the playoffs on the last day of the season... to be unceremoniously broomed away by the Isles. And so I ask you, what from last season gives you hope for THIS season, while fielding pretty much the exact same team? Last season gives me no hope that there's another Cup in this group.
- Cousinskrid

BTW, I'm not disappointed in this core group in any way shape or form. 3 CUPS is more than any one fan could ever hope for.

I read a while back that MIN's GM loves Hornqvist. Hornqvist is probably the hardest player to move since he has a full NTC, but I'd rank his contract as the #2 must-move contract under JJ. If there was a way to swing a Horn/Zucker deal the Pens should do it in a heartbeat.
- Rinosaur

Totally, hope JR can pull it off. Horn+Jarry+Rust for Zuck+(?) seems plausible. Then signing Simmonds for 2-2.5m. Not saying I am an advocate for grabbing Wayne, but it's a scenario I could see unfolding.

RW made the comment because with their two first picks they went with bigger bodied power forward types than opting for the smaller faster players that were available.
- Rinosaur

It's still hockey. IMO the Pens could use a little power in their game. You can't make a team of little speedsters that buzz around the perimeter and are only effective when they have the puck. Someones gonna have to go into the corners/front of the net.

Watching highlights of the top two draft choices they don't look like big slow bruisers.

I know this isn't directed at me, but I don't have a ton of hope for this roster, but that also doesn't mean things can't turn around if JR gets pressured by ownership to make certain deals.

If you were to move the major players, the only way you win is if you're planning on a rebuild. Teams will give you plenty of prospects and picks for likes of Sid, Geno or Letang, but as for getting immediate impact players in a trade? The Pens will lose out every time.
- Rinosaur

As we've already witnessed this offseason, there is almost always one GM willing to overpay, and so I've felt that this could easily happen with a guy like Geno or Letang.

Totally, hope JR can pull it off. Horn+Jarry+Rust for Zuck+(?) seems plausible. Then signing Simmonds for 2-2.5m. Not saying I am an advocate for grabbing Wayne, but it's a scenario I could see unfolding.
- MikeyKay

No reason to grab Simmonds. If the Pens send Horn over, I think the only thing they'd have to add is a pick or prospect, or yes, maybe Jarry (but I don't think he's enough of a sweetener).

Nah, I think Sid is the next owner of the franchise, down the road a ways.

I've never demanded those guys be traded, but I have suggested GMJR find out what their values could be. Meaning, don't give them away. And yes, for the long term viability of the franchise versus the current window.

I thought the Pens played pretty much uninspired all season... to barely make the playoffs on the last day of the season... to be unceremoniously broomed away by the Isles. And so I ask you, what from last season gives you hope for THIS season, while fielding pretty much the exact same team? Last season gives me no hope that there's another Cup in this group.
- Cousinskrid

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.

Nah, I think Sid is the next owner of the franchise, down the road a ways.

I've never demanded those guys be traded, but I have suggested GMJR find out what their values could be. Meaning, don't give them away. And yes, for the long term viability of the franchise versus the current window.

I thought the Pens played pretty much uninspired all season... to barely make the playoffs on the last day of the season... to be unceremoniously broomed away by the Isles. And so I ask you, what from last season gives you hope for THIS season, while fielding pretty much the exact same team? Last season gives me no hope that there's another Cup in this group.
- Cousinskrid

For me personally, the fact that the were top 3 in pretty much all the stats and wins in March after new pieces started to gel. Knowing that when Letang, Rust, Maatta, Dumo, Geno, ZAR all came back in the last week or so of the season from injuries they started looking really out of sync as a team and headed into the playoff pace games like this against a healthy in sync Isles team. I also have hope that they realize that they cant be spinning tires a lot of nights October to January and will start playing with more conviction in October. Thats my hopes. I already listed the things that make me weary about this season in the last blog.

As we've already witnessed this offseason, there is almost always one GM willing to overpay, and so I've felt that this could easily happen with a guy like Geno or Letang.
- Cousinskrid

There is no overpayment that makes up for not having Geno unless you're getting a younger player who's producing at his level and why would a team give that up if they already have that?

As someone eluded to, the Blackhawks are indeed retooling on the fly. Check out the moves Bowman is putting on. He’s getting great returns for his players! I took so much heat on the HB Hawks forum, I dare not return but it makes me feel good. They were a good team playing terrible hockey, just like the Blues

Someone said Hornqvist had a good season until the concussion: he actually started the year a lot on the third line playing with Brassard who wasn’t doing Horny any favors. Horny was very sporadic to start the year. I don’t think he’s useless, but his concussion history is concerning

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The #Penguins have extended qualifying offers to RFAs Marcus Pettersson, Teddy Blueger, Zach Aston-Reese, Adam Johnson and Joseph Blandisi.

My guess is Pettersson turns it down and they go to negotiations. Unless I'm mistaken, the qualifying offer is something like a 10% raise from last year?