Considering we backed ourselves into a corner by either trading all of our 1sts or using them on more D guys, I had a boom or bust mentality going into the draft. Ho-Sang was my boy.
- Victoro311

Well, can't argue a mentality, its the same as arguing an opinion.

With him I feel it could go that way, or it could turn into another e. Kane fiasco. I'm super happy with Kapanen, especially with many people saying how he has stood out at the prospect camp
- drummer829

What E. Kane fiasco? That he's unappreciated by the fan base and is sick of being in a losing environment when he knows he's a top caliber talent and should be helping a contending team? And that he's a kid who has achieved his life dream, so he wants to go out and celebrate his life every once in a while and have a good time?

None of that, except for the last part which is totally normal, would happen in Pittsburgh.

Spaling is a hitter as well, plays an aggressive game. I think Spaling-Sutter-Downie line would be pretty awesome... Maybe have a little scoring touch, not too much though.

I still like the chances that Downie plays on the first line. I think he would make some room for Sid and Kunitz. Let's be realistic, Sid doesn't need a winger, he is good enough with just Kunitz, but he does need someone there to keep people off his back so he can skate and play unmolested.

I think this lineup has definite potential. It has all the right pieces on paper. Now, if HCMJ's style is easy to learn, the youngsters might be able to make the transition easier. We will see.

How many forwards are in WBS that are NHL ready? Who do we call up in case of injury?
- toad268

100% Bubba. That's all Gretz and Kurri needed.

That was a bit interesting to note as well, the average distance being not too much shorter. But, Neal's average shot was from 10-15 feet out... while Horn had a ton right up front, a foot or two away. To me all that shows it Horn had more shots from the blue line that actually got on net, and spiked up his average a bit since he had less total shots.
- Guile

I think the more important thing to note from that chart was that Hornqvist had 19 goals on tip-ins. That's a TON of tip-ins. Did we even have 19 tip-ins all last season? seems like an element we've been missing.

I think the more important thing to note from that chart was that Hornqvist had 19 goals on tip-ins. That's a TON of tip-ins. Did we even have 19 tip-ins all last season? seems like an element we've been missing.
- YouMeAndDupuis9

Garbage goals again... nothing wrong with them, its something we've lacked since (knows this is gonna get me a new best friend ~_~) Matt Cooke and the "grinders" from those seasons left the Penguins.

Well, can't argue a mentality, its the same as arguing an opinion.
- Guile

Yeah just like I can't argue with people who wanted nothing to do with the kid. I get the argument, I just personally think its poppycock.

I'm not going to lie I was shocked at the trade and was underwhelmed by the return originally. As it sank in and I thought about it I liked it more and more. I hold Spalling in higher regards then our blogger does so I am looking forward to watching these 2 integrated into the line up. YOLO!
- dbell646

I think everyone's reaction was a little underwhelmed based on the second piece and no draft pick. Especially when we saw what Kesler got, we assumed Neal could return an even better package. I think Honqvist is a type of player we need and will have success here. That said, Spaling is the X-factor whether or not he is a really good 3rd liner or just another body. It's still a shame in my eyes that we couldn't get one of their 2nd rounders in addition though.

Yeah just like I can't argue with people who wanted nothing to do with the kid. I get the argument, I just personally think its poppycock.
- Victoro311

I was pretty locked on to us taking him and it seemed likely, until the pick before where I noticed "this guy rated 12th is still on the board".

Ho-Sang would have gotten no complaints, but when talent falls that far to us, (frank) Ho-Sang.

Neal trade... well, if Sutter resigns (sorry Bartley), I don't see them keeping Spaling at roughly 1.8-2 mil. We can get about the same talent for a winger for 1 mil, we already have! So that makes it Neal for Horn straight up, and that I don't like. It goes back to the point many of us hit on, should have gotten a 2nd or 3rd round pick instead of Spaling.
- Guile

Ho-Sang would be exciting for sure. Kapenen isn't as electrifying but he was rated very high and believe he will be a good NHL player. I think it was a good pick. He's amazingly mature for his age, that's for sure.

As a Preds Sth you are going to love this guy. Total team player. Committed to winning and will make his living in the crease getting pummeled and come up smiling.
IMHO this is the kind of player you need. And when Horny is not on the ice, Spalling will pick up where he left off going to the crease and deflecting shots. Spalling is getting better as he gets older.
- wrister

I like hearing from a Preds fan about Spaling. I don't know much about him. Sounds like he's another greasy goal type of guy?

I think everyone's reaction was a little underwhelmed based on the second piece and no draft pick. Especially when we saw what Kesler got, we assumed Neal could return an even better package. I think Honqvist is a type of player we need and will have success here. That said, Spaling is the X-factor whether or not he is a really good 3rd liner or just another body. It's still a shame in my eyes that we couldn't get one of their 2nd rounders in addition though.
- YouMeAndDupuis9

Yeah I think at the end of the day the reasons for the underwhelming reaction were

A) Hornqvist is not a dynamic goal scorer and played on a middling team with middling talent, thus his numbers didn't jump.

B) No one really knows who Nick Spalling is. You may have technically known who he is, but who can honestly say they watched the Preds enough to really know what he's going to bring to the table.

Once you think about it, though, you start to realize that Horny's playing style is going to be a phenomenal compliment to Geno, more so than Neal's was. Every maverick needs a trash man, and it's past time we got Malkin one.

When it comes to Spalling, I've gotten mixed reviews from Preds fans. Some say he's going to be a great third liner with some top 6 potential in a pinch. Others say that he's a bum. Remains to be seen I guess.

Bottom line, swapping out Neal for Horny was definitely the right move. The problem is that I can't bring myself to believe that Horny and Spaling was the best package that Neal's market value could bring back. Old Man Ruth must have really seen something in Spaling that allowed him to justify pulling the trigger on bringing Hornqvist over here.

Spaling is a hitter as well, plays an aggressive game. I think Spaling-Sutter-Downie line would be pretty awesome... Maybe have a little scoring touch, not too much though.

I still like the chances that Downie plays on the first line. I think he would make some room for Sid and Kunitz. Let's be realistic, Sid doesn't need a winger, he is good enough with just Kunitz, but he does need someone there to keep people off his back so he can skate and play unmolested.

I think this lineup has definite potential. It has all the right pieces on paper. Now, if HCMJ's style is easy to learn, the youngsters might be able to make the transition easier. We will see.

How many forwards are in WBS that are NHL ready? Who do we call up in case of injury?
- toad268

Payerl and Uher are probably the first to be called up. Even then, I'm not sure they'd jump Megna on the depth chart. Any call ups I imagine will be for bottom 6 fill-ins. I've said it a few times but if Kunitz or Hornqvist get injured, we are in big trouble.

What E. Kane fiasco? That he's unappreciated by the fan base and is sick of being in a losing environment when he knows he's a top caliber talent and should be helping a contending team? And that he's a kid who has achieved his life dream, so he wants to go out and celebrate his life every once in a while and have a good time?

None of that, except for the last part which is totally normal, would happen in Pittsburgh.
- Victoro311

Where everyone questions his character on and off the ice. Could be true or false, but the fact is that it's being dragged out and both the jets and Kane are getting negative publicity

I've seen a lot of Preds games, I'm more excited about Spaling than Hornqvist.

This shot chart is actually one of the very few interesting charts I have seen on here. At the same time I feel like it is misleading to what style of game Hornqvist plays, he is not a bulldog in front of the cage like Billy G was at one point; the best way I feel like Hornqvist can be described is as a more talented Jussi. While his goals do come from in front of the net its not due to hardnosed fight for every inch Kunitz style of net front play, its a perimeter blue paint style of picking up the trash. Which he is good at, but if people are expecting him to be overly physical and fight it out in front of the net like Billy G did that's not completely accurate.

Yeah I think at the end of the day the reasons for the underwhelming reaction were

A) Hornqvist is not a dynamic goal scorer and played on a middling team with middling talent, thus his numbers didn't jump.

B) No one really knows who Nick Spalling is. You may have technically known who he is, but who can honestly say they watched the Preds enough to really know what he's going to bring to the table.

Once you think about it, though, you start to realize that Horny's playing style is going to be a phenomenal compliment to Geno, more so than Neal's was. Every maverick needs a trash man, and it's past time we got Malkin one.

When it comes to Spalling, I've gotten mixed reviews from Preds fans. Some say he's going to be a great third liner with some top 6 potential in a pinch. Others say that he's a bum. Remains to be seen I guess.

Bottom line, swapping out Neal for Horny was definitely the right move. The problem is that I can't bring myself to believe that Horny and Spaling was the best package that Neal's market value could bring back. Old Man Ruth must have really seen something in Spaling that allowed him to justify pulling the trigger on bringing Hornqvist over here.
- Victoro311

Interesting that neith Horny or Neal are the type to create for themselves. Dont get me wrong, I like Horny and think he will thrive here. I still don't think we have a single top 6 winger that can create on his own. You can argue that we don't need that type of player since we have Sid and Geno but I always like a guy who is both a complimentary player and a guy who can create on his own.

Yeah I think at the end of the day the reasons for the underwhelming reaction were

A) Hornqvist is not a dynamic goal scorer and played on a middling team with middling talent, thus his numbers didn't jump.

B) No one really knows who Nick Spalling is. You may have technically known who he is, but who can honestly say they watched the Preds enough to really know what he's going to bring to the table.

Once you think about it, though, you start to realize that Horny's playing style is going to be a phenomenal compliment to Geno, more so than Neal's was. Every maverick needs a trash man, and it's past time we got Malkin one.

When it comes to Spalling, I've gotten mixed reviews from Preds fans. Some say he's going to be a great third liner with some top 6 potential in a pinch. Others say that he's a bum. Remains to be seen I guess.

Bottom line, swapping out Neal for Horny was definitely the right move. The problem is that I can't bring myself to believe that Horny and Spaling was the best package that Neal's market value could bring back. Old Man Ruth must have really seen something in Spaling that allowed him to justify pulling the trigger on bringing Hornqvist over here.
- Victoro311

I don't think anyone wanted Neal that much due to his apparent "locker room cancer" deal. During all the trading, I heard they went for Evander Kane, but Winnipeg didn't want Neal. I think that says something.

Interesting that neith Horny or Neal are the type to create for themselves. Dont get me wrong, I like Horny and think he will thrive here. I still don't think we have a single top 6 winger that can create on his own. You can argue that we don't need that type of player since we have Sid and Geno but I always like a guy who is both a complimentary player and a guy who can create on his own.
- YouMeAndDupuis9

It could have been Ho-Sang, but....

This shot chart is actually one of the very few interesting charts I have seen on here. At the same time I feel like it is misleading to what style of game Hornqvist plays, he is not a bulldog in front of the cage like Billy G was at one point; the best way I feel like Hornqvist can be described is as a more talented Jussi. While his goals do come from in front of the net its not due to hardnosed fight for every inch Kunitz style of net front play, its a perimeter blue paint style of picking up the trash. Which he is good at, but if people are expecting him to be overly physical and fight it out in front of the net like Billy G did that's not completely accurate.
- nbartley9

Weird that there is so many mixed reviews. I've heard Spaling is a great piece, I've heard Spaling will drag the team down. I've heard Hornqvist is the most pure net front presence since Holmstrom, now I'm hearing he plays a "soft" net front game.

I don't think anyone wanted Neal that much due to his apparent "locker room cancer" deal. During all the trading, I heard they went for Evander Kane, but Winnipeg didn't want Neal. I think that says something.
- toad268

Well, Kane has a lot more value than Neal. It would have had to be Neal + and I'm not sure we could have put that package together.

I think the PH chart also translates better for playoff scoring, something Neal struggled with due to his refusal to get to the dirty areas and his lack of focus.

The more I think about this trade, the more I like it.

Plus, Neal was a punk/p*ssy.

Weird that there is so many mixed reviews. I've heard Spaling is a great piece, I've heard Spaling will drag the team down. I've heard Hornqvist is the most pure net front presence since Holmstrom, now I'm hearing he plays a "soft" net front game.
- YouMeAndDupuis9

I have seen him play a lot, I love the Preds style of defensive hockey; Hornqvist is not a hardnosed net front guy, but he can score those goals around the paint by picking up the garbage; and that he does very very well.

I have seen him play a lot, I love the Preds style of defensive hockey; Hornqvist is not a hardnosed net front guy, but he can score those goals around the paint by picking up the garbage; and that he does very very well.
- nbartley9

What about spalling?

I'm thinking, for our RFAs

Spaling - 2 year, 4M total

Despres will get a bridge contract. 3 years, 5.25M

Sutter will get a 3 years, 9M

That will leave the Pens with a little under 600k in cap space. I still think there will be another trade this offseason, whether it's just dumping salary or looking for a big piece.
- cap1681

Despres hasn't earned that type of money yet, it would be in his best interest to sign a one year deal and maybe in Pitts as well to see what he's got.

Despres hasn't earned that type of money yet, it would be in his best interest to sign a one year deal and maybe in Pitts as well to see what he's got.
- nelson911

Gotta think Despres would want a 1-way contract by now, no?