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Jets are stuck on the runway + Shipachyov

October 26, 2017, 4:18 PM ET [118 Comments]
Ryan Wilson
Pittsburgh Penguins Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
If Connor McDavid wasn't enough of a handful here comes Mark Scheifele, Patrik Laine, Blake Wheeler, Nikolaj Ehlers, Dustin Byfuglien, and Jacob Trouba. Pittsburgh fans haven't been shortchanged on the star power at the rink this week.

The Winnipeg Jets are probably one of the more enjoyable teams to watch because of the talent on the roster. How they are coached leaves something to be desired. They have been looking to take off the last few years but find themselves stuck on the runway year after year.

This is not a roster that should have a 46.2% of the shot attempts through seven games. They are the 30th ranked team in this regard. Their xGF% is even worse at 45.6%. They have too much talent and Paul Maurice has been given long enough. I think his job should be in serious jeopardy. Is it? Who knows.

Pittsburgh heads into this game without Justin Schultz who has been placed on injured reserve. He has a concussion. Zach Trottman and Frank Corrado have been called up. It is likely that Trottman gets the nod tonight with Schultz and Matt Hunwick unavailable.

Here's a look at how Pittsburgh has been at even-strength this year




Trading high quality chances. Makes for an entertaining product.

So Vadim Shipachyov is seeking a trade after being sent down to the AHL again. I don't think that the Penguins are going to get in on that action because they just traded for Riley Sheahan and they don't have a lot of cap space. I'd entertain a trade for Shipachyov for Carl Hagelin swap, but there isn't really a match right now.

Pittsburgh isn't going to be a good defensive team. I can live with that. Although, you better load up with offensive players and commit to that approach. I think having Shipachyov as a third line center is one example of how you go about that..

One KHL point is worth about .74 NHL points according to Rob Vollman's calculations




Does it work? Artemi Panarin had 62 points in 54 games his last year in the KHL. According to Rob's calculations that is 75 points in a full NHL season. Panarin's first year NHL total? 77 and his second year was 74.

Shipachyov had 76 points in only 50 KHL games. His calculation comes out to an absurd 99 points in a full NHL season. That obviously isn't happening. It doesn't discredit the formula though. It speaks to the potential value Shipachyov has and why it's not the worst gamble to make. Forgive me for not putting blind trust in a Golden Knights organization. Yes, I'm aware of their amazing start, but the clock will likely strike midnight and the team will turn back into a pumpkin at some point unless they are going to do a great Leicester City impersonation.

It won't likely be the Penguins but somebody is going to get to take a risk on a player that has a sample worth taking a risk on.

Thanks for reading!
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