I am starting to go a little crazy with the lack of hockey and what not. At least we are getting close to football coming back which will help a little.
- PensFan1103

To this point, the Pens have found a way to make news virtually everyday in the offseason. But it does look like we've reached the dog days.

There is the Sutter and Spaling negotiations that I expect to be completed any day now. Sutter could be traded if he still wants too much money. And I guess there is always a chance of another trade at some point. But I think that is far-fetched at this point. And given the lack of cap space, they are probably done with free agency as well.

To this point, the Pens have found a way to make news virtually everyday in the offseason. But it does look like we've reached the dog days.

There is the Sutter and Spaling negotiations that I expect to be completed any day now. Sutter could be traded if he still wants too much money. And I guess there is always a chance of another trade at some point. But I think that is far-fetched at this point. And given the lack of cap space, they are probably done with free agency as well.
- YouMeAndDupuis9

Yeah, it is going to be a long month and a half wait for training camp. Especially when you realize that is has been roughly a month and a week since the finals ended, and that seems like forever ago.

You'd think a country like Canada that prides itself on its love for hockey wouldn't need some cheap rule to prop up their junior programs so fans show up. It is an absurd agreement and should have ended by now.

They are also hypocrites.

I wrote this last year about the agreement.

http://hockeyhurts.com/ry...the-chl-s-double-standard
- Ryan_Wilson

Good stuff, totally agree. I wasn't aware of it until it became a factor for the Flyers and Scott Laughton. He probably should've been playing against AHL competition, but the transfer agreement made that impossible. Fortunately, it seems like he's coming along fine, but the rule is still dumb.

The goaltender rule is even more of a farce. Depending on stupid rules like this won't help Canada maintain their hockey superiority, especially in the long run.

Guess the question is do we have any prospects that could come up and play equal to or better then Booth, Mueller, or Penner? I think we still are short 1 forward correct?

Yeah, it is going to be a long month and a half wait for training camp. Especially when you realize that is has been roughly a month and a week since the finals ended, and that seems like forever ago.
- PensFan1103

I was already depressed....thanks for that.

Here is an interesting way of viewing the roster (assuming we re-sign remaining RFA's):

Kunitz-Crosby-Dupuis
Bennett-Malkin-Hornqvist
Spaling-Sutter-Downie
Comeau-Goc Adams

Letang-Martin
Maatta-Ehrhoff
Scuderi-Bortuzzo
Despres

Broken down into ideal positions:

1st W - 1st C - 3rd W
2nd/3rd W - 1st C - 2nd W
3rd/4th C/W - 3rd C - 3rd W
3rd/4th W - 3rd/4th C - Scratch

1st D - 1st D
2nd D - 2nd D
3rd D/scratch - 3rd D/scratch


So top 6 winger definitely looks like a glaring hole and still remains a need, IMO. With the excellent top 6 defense and depth coming from the prospect pool....I feel the addition of a top 6 wing is relatively easy to attain and not optional. I know we can take a wait and see approach but I'd rather address it now.

I hope the kid makes the team. He just might be that top 6 winger we've been searching for...Either way, can't wait til Oct.

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