Sometimes I feel like this place is full of the type of Steeler fans that think Ben throws the ball too much and they should stick to a running offense. Even though the rest of the NFL has moved on.
- sammy87

Funny...the Steelers did draft running backs recently...because it seemed they threw to much to win...they were too predictable...couldn't run when they needed to.

Did you happen to notice that team from Seattle...killer defense...balanced offensive attack?

But back to your point as it pertains to the Penguins.

Buying a scoring winger for Crosby now...money wise...to me...is not smart unless you get a great deal.

We have seen Crosby not mesh with guys that well...so...unless they know Dupuis is not recovering well...or really have a big change in mind with lines...why not wait and see...and fix the other things that are obviously broken on the team?

Goalie...maybe something can be done there to either improve or drop salary and get a similar type player.

Defense...clearly if Martin is not a strong candidate for re-signing...then move him.

Other than that...fix the 3rd and 4th lines (which moving Martin could help).

Of all the potential free agent signings...I'm not entirely sold on any of those guys making the difference their salary will command.

I guess you could argue someone like Kulemin might work in replacement of Jokinen...but seriously...his offensive number are 3rd line over the past 3 seasons.

Gagner for purcell. .. wow... seems low.for sammy

Gagner for purcell. .. wow... seems low.for sammy
- nh4442

Especially after how the oilers mentioned him as one of their top assets last off season.

Martin is better then erhoff ... If they move him it needs to be a quality return ... Otherwise play out the year and let him walk
- Brianandr1

You can't continue to let good players walk away for nothing. The Niskanen thing was what it was because of the lower cap and the injury situations last year. The Penguins can get out in front of this Martin situation and still not miss a beat.

I love Martin but if he is going to test the market you have to manage the asset appropriately, in this case it means you move him early. I really didn't think that this was a realistic scenario but apparently he and his agent are not happy with the direction of the team per Josh Yohe on the radio today.

This should be a no-brainer. If you can acquire a similar D for similar price and shop Martin a year before his contract expire you should just let him go. Anything we get in return is a plus. Picks, bottom 6 players, whatever.

If we trade Martin and sign Ehrhoff we will have 3 years of a good defenseman against just one with Martin. And we will get a pick or a player in return.

Again, no-brainer...

This should be a no-brainer. If you can acquire a similar D for similar price and shop Martin a year before his contract expire you should just let him go. Anything we get in return is a plus. Picks, bottom 6 players, whatever.

If we trade Martin and sign Ehrhoff we will have 3 years of a good defenseman against just one with Martin. And we will get a pick or a player in return.

Again, no-brainer...
- Conse

Agree a no-brainer...if he wants to come here without us having to overpay for him.

You can't continue to let good players walk away for nothing. The Niskanen thing was what it was because of the lower cap and the injury situations last year. The Penguins can get out in front of this Martin situation and still not miss a beat.

I love Martin but if he is going to test the market you have to manage the asset appropriately, in this case it means you move him early. I really didn't think that this was a realistic scenario but apparently he and his agent are not happy with the direction of the team per Josh Yohe on the radio today.
- Ryan_Wilson

I've got to be honest, that statement kind of bothered me. He doesn't like the direction of the team? I guess he thinks the previous direction of consistent post-season flame-outs is ideal.

I'd be looking hard for a trade after hearing that bunch a BS.

I've got to be honest, that statement kind of bothered me. He doesn't like the direction of the team. I guess he thinks the previous direction of consistent post-season flame-outs is ideal.

I'd be looking hard for a trade after hearing that bunch a BS.
- madmike71

I'd rather he be honest and upfront than lead the team on.

Letang didn't have a bad playoff run. If you ask me Nisk, Maata, and Scuds struggled the most back there when it came to the post season. Crosby had a bad year because he was playing with Kunitz and a random while the other team was shutting him down. Once Crosby was shut down, those two couldnt do anything. I do agree about Bennett though...He has a durable as a glass vase.
- Magicmanmalkin

Crosby, bad year? 17 points a head of the next dude. Yeah, pretty terrible.

Funny...the Steelers did draft running backs recently...because it seemed they threw to much to win...they were too predictable...couldn't run when they needed to.

Did you happen to notice that team from Seattle...killer defense...balanced offensive attack?

But back to your point as it pertains to the Penguins.

Buying a scoring winger for Crosby now...money wise...to me...is not smart unless you get a great deal.

We have seen Crosby not mesh with guys that well...so...unless they know Dupuis is not recovering well...or really have a big change in mind with lines...why not wait and see...and fix the other things that are obviously broken on the team?

Goalie...maybe something can be done there to either improve or drop salary and get a similar type player.

Defense...clearly if Martin is not a strong candidate for re-signing...then move him.

Other than that...fix the 3rd and 4th lines (which moving Martin could help).

Of all the potential free agent signings...I'm not entirely sold on any of those guys making the difference their salary will command.

I guess you could argue someone like Kumelin might work in replacement of Jokinen...but seriously...his offensive number are 3rd line over the past 3 seasons.
- icedog97

And the Sea Hawks won on a team loaded with ELC's and a great coach. It will be interesting to see how they develop. But anyone that has lived in the Burgh knows theres a large # of Yinzers that want the Steelers to be a run only team because that worked back in the 70's so they should just keep doing it. Nevermind that the Seahawks, Broncos, Patriots, Giants, Saints, are all heavy pass teams. I feel the same here with well Dupes had a good year 2 seasons ago, he earned it. Well Gibbons had 1 good game, he deserves it. This is a very average team that has benefitted from regular season teams, but come playoffs the formula has not worked. They can get shut down pretty easily. The new GM needs to plan for the future drop Dupes back now, Kunitz in a yr or 2. By then Crosby will be hovering 30 and the rest of the roster will need to get younger.

I'd rather he be honest and upfront than lead the team on.
- Ryan_Wilson

Which team is the best for a trade? Edm? Cal? Min?

Which team is the best for a trade? Edm? Cal? Min?
- nh4442

He has a limited no trade clause so it might take a few potential teams off the radar. Minnesota is most likely a team he would be good with considering he is from there and played college there.

Red Wings would most definitely be interested and I believe they are a team that did in fact contact the Penguins about him.

I've got to be honest, that statement kind of bothered me. He doesn't like the direction of the team? I guess he thinks the previous direction of consistent post-season flame-outs is ideal.

I'd be looking hard for a trade after hearing that bunch a BS.
- madmike71

Martin is a very good player, and a very smart player, so you'd think he could also excel at whatever system Johnson has in place. But maybe he really liked Bylsma's and Reardon's defensive system?

He has a limited no trade clause so it might take a few potential teams off the radar. Minnesota is most likely a team he would be good with considering he is from there and played college there.

Red Wings would most definitely be interested and I believe they are a team that did in fact contact the Penguins about him.
- Ryan_Wilson

I was thinking minny too. Would you go after a prospect or pick? Or could martin pull both?

I was thinking minny too. Would you go after a prospect or pick? Or could martin pull both?
- nh4442

Kuemper...

I'd rather he be honest and upfront than lead the team on.
- Ryan_Wilson

True, but I believe a conversation like that should be kept private. I doubt that little tid-bit came from a Pens source.

I like the guy, but he hasn't exactly been an "Iron Man" for this team.

I've got to be honest, that statement kind of bothered me. He doesn't like the direction of the team? I guess he thinks the previous direction of consistent post-season flame-outs is ideal.

I'd be looking hard for a trade after hearing that bunch a BS.
- madmike71

If you've seen the NHL behind the scenes show... cant remember the exact title... but it profiled Neal on one episode....Martin and his family basically feed the guy everyday cause they're neighbours.... somehow I think he is pissed about Neal. They were obviously friends to some degree.

True, but I believe a conversation like that should be kept private. I doubt that little tid-bit came from a Pens source.

I like the guy, but he hasn't exactly been an "Iron Man" for this team.
- madmike71

He's been their far and away best defenseman. I have literally no complaints about him and I'm disappointed that he probably won't be extended.

Crosby, bad year? 17 points a head of the next dude. Yeah, pretty terrible.
- pensfan024

Playoffs...

He's been their far and away best defenseman. I have literally no complaints about him and I'm disappointed that he probably won't be extended.
- Ryan_Wilson

I agree, he's been their best D....when he plays. Guy is pretty fragile. Regardless, like I said before, keep your feelings private. Letting the world know that you're a little disgruntled effects your employer in multiple ways.

If you've seen the NHL behind the scenes show... cant remember the exact title... but it profiled Neal on one episode....Martin and his family basically feed the guy everyday cause they're neighbours.... somehow I think he is pissed about Neal. They were obviously friends to some degree.
- nelson911

Who knows, Martin and Neal could have been bros and were alienated by Sid and the older group, maybe they had an attitude problem. To me 87 seems like he's all business and doesn't like to joke around. Same with 58, dude works pretty dam hard.

So McKenzie is now reporting that Gagner isn't likely to stay with Tampa Bay at they are looking to move him. He also reported that PHX is a possible destination. What a weird situation.

Letang didn't have a bad playoff run. If you ask me Nisk, Maata, and Scuds struggled the most back there when it came to the post season. Crosby had a bad year because he was playing with Kunitz and a random while the other team was shutting him down. Once Crosby was shut down, those two couldnt do anything. I do agree about Bennett though...He has a durable as a glass vase.
- Magicmanmalkin

Letang only played great one game ... I think it was the game he scored an empty netter at the end. It was the only game I saw as a positive. He wasn't good for the majority of the play-off season. He sucked last year and was dreadful in that Philly series the previous year. Why give him a free pass. God forbid, why are we giving Crosby a pass as well. He sucked on the power play when paired with Malkin, Neal, Kunitz too. It wasn't just 5 on 5 with Kunitz and random winger, but the entire series.

Niskanen had a MUCH better play-off season than Letang. Maatta was tired. It was pretty evident. He had never played that much hockey. Scuderi sucked the entire season.

Kuemper...
- kgrpitt

He is the goalie of the future in Minnesota. He is probably going to see alot of time between the pipes there this year with the uncertainty of Harding and Backstrom was injured and is getting up there in age (36). Bryz, I don't think sticks.

I don't see Kuemper coming for Martin at all.

I could see something like Justin Fontaine type come along with a pick.

So McKenzie is now reporting that Gagner isn't likely to stay with Tampa Bay at they are looking to move him. He also reported that PHX is a possible destination. What a weird situation.
- usethe1-2-2

It's done gags is in Arizona now