LOL on me thinking Bennett is ready comment. People know how I feel about him as well.

Exactly, we don't know ... that means you don't know either. Very well could return strong. He might be older, but his work ethic is very high and he will come back strong.

By the way, I do remove loyalties. Care to give him credit that once he got hurt, Sid's line was a mess and he really didn't look like the same player? Give the dude credit. He was/is a very productive player with Sid and Kunitz.
- Oneonta Penguin

i like bennett. however, given the chance between dupuis and bennett to start the year on line one, i dont know how you dont go dupuis. unless it is glaringly apparent he isnt physically up to it, which is something you can likely tell before the games start.

LOL on me thinking Bennett is ready comment. People know how I feel about him as well.

Exactly, we don't know ... that means you don't know either. Very well could return strong. He might be older, but his work ethic is very high and he will come back strong.

By the way, I do remove loyalties. Care to give him credit that once he got hurt, Sid's line was a mess and he really didn't look like the same player? Give the dude credit. He was/is a very productive player with Sid and Kunitz.
- Oneonta Penguin

Why does that even matter if I give him credit? The Guy is 34 and coming off of a bad knee injury, this team can't take a chance on him returning to 100%. They need to fill the role as if he won't be back to 100%. If does return healthy, then you have a great third line with Duper on it. If he doesn't and we think he is going to and not fill his role we are back here in May female doging about this team not doing enough.

It's time to give the young guys their shots. Despres needs to be a regular in the lineup. If he's not, then you need to trade him and same with bortuzzo. dumoulin and Harrington need to get some time in the nhl as well. There's absolutely no reason to keep those guys down there for another season, especially with the positive remarks I've heard about them. I really think if they can dump scuds, they should try to sign Niskanen at around 5-5.5 mil.
- drummer829

i think scuds is going to be stuck here unfortunately. and if nisky was going to sign for 5 a year, id have hoped hed already be locked up. id take him for 5 no questions asked.

Why does that even matter if I give him credit? The Guy is 34 and coming off of a bad knee injury, this team can't take a chance on him returning to 100%. They need to fill the role as if he won't be back to 100%. If does return healthy, then you have a great third line with Duper on it. If he doesn't and we think he is going to and not fill his role we are back here in May female doging about this team not doing enough.
- usethe1-2-2

i just think it is easier to acquire a guy to play on the third line and hopefully slot dupuis on the first than it is to acquire a guy to play on the first and slot dupuis down. dupuis would be a perfect third liner, but i dont know if thats feasible.

Why does that even matter if I give him credit? The Guy is 34 and coming off of a bad knee injury, this team can't take a chance on him returning to 100%. They need to fill the role as if he won't be back to 100%. If does return healthy, then you have a great third line with Duper on it. If he doesn't and we think he is going to and not fill his role we are back here in May female doging about this team not doing enough.
- usethe1-2-2

You, like others, don't see the benefit of Pascal Dupuis. It's that simple. We have been saying we need a RW for Sid for years, but yet, all Dupuis does is step in and produces. No other player on this roster can do what he does. If he is healthy, he deserves the spot moreso than Bennett. Unless there is a relevant winger coming in via trade or free agency.

You, like others, don't see the benefit of Pascal Dupuis. It's that simple. We have been saying we need a RW for Sid for years, but yet, all Dupuis does is step in and produces. No other player on this roster can do what he does. If he is healthy, he deserves the spot moreso than Bennett. Unless there is a relevant winger coming in via trade or free agency.
- Oneonta Penguin

a stud winger for crosby would be a luxury, but it is not necessarily a need provided dupuis can be healthy. how healthy he is remains to be seen.

i am all for improving the team, however possible. however, i also try to live within reason. theyre not going to pull off a bobby ryan type for crosby. if they can get someone to ride shotgun with crosby, then fine, id love to hear realistic names. but if not, i would not be opposed to having dupuis on that line again. then allot money towards ensuring depth down low. goc is a must for the fourth line. if you can get kulemin on a very cheap deal for the third line, i would do a cartwheel.

You, like others, don't see the benefit of Pascal Dupuis. It's that simple. We have been saying we need a RW for Sid for years, but yet, all Dupuis does is step in and produces. No other player on this roster can do what he does. If he is healthy, he deserves the spot moreso than Bennett. Unless there is a relevant winger coming in via trade or free agency.
- Oneonta Penguin

Pascal Dupuis is 34 and coming off of a serious knee injury. To assume he will return as the same player is a huge risk that should not be taken. You have to have a back up plan and that is trade/free agency. I know who Pascal Dupuis is and what he brings, but if you want to assume he returns to the player he was before, then you are putting yourself in a position to fail.

Kesler isn't going anywhere with a new Vancouver GM? I disagree.

But ... people are so hellbent about trading a 26-year old 30-40 goal scorer and are pinning their hopes on another young one that hasn't done jack crap in the NHL as of yet.
- Oneonta Penguin

Should have been more specific. He's not coming to Pittsburgh with a new GM here.

I'm not for just giving Neal away, but if a deal makes sense, I'm not opposed to trading him either. It's been 3 post seasons now where his game hasn't translated to playoff hockey.

This team needs players that go to the net. They basically have one wing that is willing to mix it up in front of the net and he's 34. I think we saw Kuni's age catch up with him this spring. Him and Sid both looked gassed.

Pascal Dupuis is 34 and coming off of a serious knee injury. To assume he will return as the same player is a huge risk that should not be taken. You have to have a back up plan and that is trade/free agency. I know who Pascal Dupuis is and what he brings, but if you want to assume he returns to the player he was before, then you are putting yourself in a position to fail.
- usethe1-2-2

i think it would have to be trade, which is troublesome. i cant think of one viable option via free agency that would be realistic and yet palatable.

Should have been more specific. He's not coming to Pittsburgh with a new GM here.

I'm not for just giving Neal away, but if a deal makes sense, I'm not opposed to trading him either. It's been 3 post seasons now where his game hasn't translated to playoff hockey.

This team needs players that go to the net. They basically have one wing that is willing to mix it up in front of the net and he's 34. I think we saw Kuni's age catch up with him this spring. Him and Sid both looked gassed.
- madmike71

i would move serious assets to acquire simmonds. i think he would single handedly result in a giant spike on the PP efficiency. and one of the leagues best deals to boot. now THAT is a pipedream.

I always thought the oilers would be a good trading partner for Letang. They could use a puck moving Dman and maybe get a young gun like Eberly and a pick coming back. Plus it might give them flashbacks of Paul Coffey.

And yes the timing does seem mighty suspicious on Letangs injuries.

Should have been more specific. He's not coming to Pittsburgh with a new GM here.

I'm not for just giving Neal away, but if a deal makes sense, I'm not opposed to trading him either. It's been 3 post seasons now where his game hasn't translated to playoff hockey.

This team needs players that go to the net. They basically have one wing that is willing to mix it up in front of the net and he's 34. I think we saw Kuni's age catch up with him this spring. Him and Sid both looked gassed.
- madmike71

Neal is a defensive liability who takes a lot of stupid penalties. You can't start him in the defensive zone. He has a goals per game of .39 in the regular season and .28 in the playoffs. He isn't worth it. You need better two way play from the wingers of Crosby and Malkin. A one trick pony hasn't worked so it is time to move while he has value.

Neal is a defensive liability who takes a lot of stupid penalties. You can't start him in the defensive zone. He has a goals per game of .39 in the regular season and .28 in the playoffs. He isn't worth it. You need better two way play from the wingers of Crosby and Malkin. A one trick pony hasn't worked so it is time to move while he has value.
- usethe1-2-2

thats fine. he isnt a sacred cow in my eyes. but the deal has to make sense. you dont just move him for eh (frank) it this one time he took a penalty in the offensive zone, so a pair of third rounders will do.

i would move serious assets to acquire simmonds. i think he would single handedly result in a giant spike on the PP efficiency. and one of the leagues best deals to boot. now THAT is a pipedream.
- stayinthefnnet

Ditto. He's one guy that showed up for Philly in the playoffs, he's not going anywhere.

Wow, looks like the league wants New York in the finals. That was a HORRIBLE call.

Pascal Dupuis is 34 and coming off of a serious knee injury. To assume he will return as the same player is a huge risk that should not be taken. You have to have a back up plan and that is trade/free agency. I know who Pascal Dupuis is and what he brings, but if you want to assume he returns to the player he was before, then you are putting yourself in a position to fail.
- usethe1-2-2

I have more faith in Duper returning to form than I do Letang and Bennett remaining healthy and playing to their capabilities. Maybe we should have backup plans for both of these guys too.

It's time to give the young guys their shots. Despres needs to be a regular in the lineup. If he's not, then you need to trade him and same with bortuzzo. dumoulin and Harrington need to get some time in the nhl as well. There's absolutely no reason to keep those guys down there for another season, especially with the positive remarks I've heard about them. I really think if they can dump scuds, they should try to sign Niskanen at around 5-5.5 mil.
- drummer829

I agree with this, but I am not sure I can stomach Nisky at 5 mil a year, and I have a pretty big stomach. I think if you are giving a guy 5 mil a year, he needs to be a top pairing guy, and I dont thinks that is Nisky. If you can get him under 5, I am sold. Him and Maatta would be a great #2, that leaves Despres/? as the 3rd. These guys must get a chance to play, let them learn on the fly. There is enough talent on the team, that they can make up for the mistakes you will get from the young guys. They are going to happen, you just have to accept it as the learning process.

i think it would have to be trade, which is troublesome. i cant think of one viable option via free agency that would be realistic and yet palatable.
- stayinthefnnet

There are a few decent players entering UFA status. Vrbata and Michalek are good goal scorers. Moulson is out there as well. Trade isn't a bad option either.

Ditto. He's one guy that showed up for Philly in the playoffs, he's not going anywhere.

Wow, looks like the league wants New York in the finals. That was a HORRIBLE call.
- madmike71

A horrible horrible call....one I bet the ref would take back if he could. I hate that refs arent held accountable at all, it baffles me how they get a free pass.

Neal is a defensive liability who takes a lot of stupid penalties. You can't start him in the defensive zone. He has a goals per game of .39 in the regular season and .28 in the playoffs. He isn't worth it. You need better two way play from the wingers of Crosby and Malkin. A one trick pony hasn't worked so it is time to move while he has value.
- usethe1-2-2

You don't give him away. Like him or not, he is a 26-year old forward that 1). Can play good hockey with Malkin; 2). is one of the guys that makes our power play the best in the business in the regular season (he is one of the best power play specialists in the league); 3. has a cap hit of $5 million. That is cheap for guys that score 35-40 goals per year.

He has flaws, sure. However, you don't give him away for picks. That is poor asset management. You get a top six forward in return. If you can't, you keep him.

Don't look now, but what is Sid's goals against average in the play-offs? Basing your comments on play-off results ... maybe you should look no further than Crosby. Are we trading him now?

I always thought the oilers would be a good trading partner for Letang. They could use a puck moving Dman and maybe get a young gun like Eberly and a pick coming back. Plus it might give them flashbacks of Paul Coffey.

And yes the timing does seem mighty suspicious on Letangs injuries.
- all-pgh

Edmonton wouldn't have to add a pick to that. Done deal.

There are a few decent players entering UFA status. Vrbata and Michalek are good goal scorers. Moulson is out there as well. Trade isn't a bad option either.
- usethe1-2-2

I like some of those guys but they'll be expensive and they're on the wrong side of 30. If I'm the Pens, I dangle Pouliot out there and ask for a like kind forward. I think they could have gotten a nice return for Despres had Dan not completely ruin the kid here.

A horrible horrible call....one I bet the ref would take back if he could. I hate that refs arent held accountable at all, it baffles me how they get a free pass.
- Thorny

The Rags are the luckiest team in the NHL. They draw Pittsburgh in the second round, a team that didn't seem to care enough t show up in Game 5 and 6 to close out the series and now play Montreal without Carey Price and a rookie tender in net.

I like some of those guys but they'll be expensive and they're on the wrong side of 30. If I'm the Pens, I dangle Pouliot out there and ask for a like kind forward. I think they could have gotten a nice return for Despres had Dan not completely ruin the kid here.
- madmike71

I think its a mistake to dangle Pouliot out there. Our farm system is devoid of talent. We truly have two stud prospects that could make a move toward an NHL roster spot - Harrington and Pouliot in the coming year. We have questions on defense with Orpik, Niskanen and probably Engelland gone; Letang's continue fragility issues. Pouliot is Letang's replacement when he gets another injury ... we know that is only the matter of time.

You don't give him away. Like him or not, he is a 26-year old forward that 1). Can play good hockey with Malkin; 2). is one of the guys that makes our power play the best in the business in the regular season (he is one of the best power play specialists in the league); 3. has a cap hit of $5 million. That is cheap for guys that score 35-40 goals per year.

He has flaws, sure. However, you don't give him away for picks. That is poor asset management. You get a top six forward in return. If you can't, you keep him.

Don't look now, but what is Sid's goals against average in the play-offs? Basing your comments on play-off results ... maybe you should look no further than Crosby. Are we trading him now?
- Oneonta Penguin

Crosby produces at a rate of .43 GPG in the playoffs compared to .49 in the regular season. Crosby also takes faceoffs, plays in the defensive zone and doesn't take as many bad penalties.
He isn't a one trick pony that needs others too produce. Crosby underachieved for the first time and you compare him to a consistent underachiever? So far you have shown me nothing. Try again.

You don't give him away. Like him or not, he is a 26-year old forward that 1). Can play good hockey with Malkin; 2). is one of the guys that makes our power play the best in the business in the regular season (he is one of the best power play specialists in the league); 3. has a cap hit of $5 million. That is cheap for guys that score 35-40 goals per year.

He has flaws, sure. However, you don't give him away for picks. That is poor asset management. You get a top six forward in return. If you can't, you keep him.

Don't look now, but what is Sid's goals against average in the play-offs? Basing your comments on play-off results ... maybe you should look no further than Crosby. Are we trading him now?
- Oneonta Penguin

I understand what you are saying and I agree, if Neal goes...a top 6 winger comes back and hopefully a 3rd line guy too or a 5th type dman. My problem with Neal is this, if he isnt scoring...he is useless. I mean, you can put Adams out there and it has the same results. He doesn't back check very well, he isnt the best on the defensive zone, he isnt very fast, doesnt create for himself. I understand he has a great cap hit and is only 26, but I expect more from him and he just doesnt bring it. He is a headcase and cheap...takes horrible offensive penalties. Like I said, if you can get a top 6 guy back in a trade for him, you do it. You don't move him for picks or a 3rd line guy.