As far as Kulemin, he's been extremely important for us and has earned every bit of his salary. He's been, IMO, far more important than grabovski although grabovski hasn't had a good year with the two major concussions he's suffered. Kulemin is the hardest working player we have at both ends of the ice and would be missed in a big way if he was hurt
- Isles_since_6

please dont kick us while were down

There are literally no good UFAs/RFAs this summer with an exception. The Penguins aren't signing Derek Stepan to an offer sheet nor are the Rangers trading him to Pittsburgh.
- Johnny Wrath

Offersheet Saad for $4.5 - $5M. It would cost us a 1st and a 3rd. but at least its a long term sure thing and we lay the pipe to Chicago if they're forced to pay him that much.

As far as Kulemin, he's been extremely important for us and has earned every bit of his salary. He's been, IMO, far more important than grabovski although grabovski hasn't had a good year with the two major concussions he's suffered. Kulemin is the hardest working player we have at both ends of the ice and would be missed in a big way if he was hurt
- Isles_since_6

Pitts salary structure can't afford to have a another 15 goal scorer making ~$4 million. Don't get me wrong I love the way he plays but that deal was to steep for us.

Offersheet Saad for $4.5 - $5M. It would cost us a 1st and a 3rd. but at least its a long term sure thing and we lay the pipe to Chicago if they're forced to pay him that much.
- YouMeAndDupuis9

That idea I like but we'd have to require our 1st from Edmonton some how.

Offersheet Saad for $4.5 - $5M. It would cost us a 1st and a 3rd. but at least its a long term sure thing and we lay the pipe to Chicago if they're forced to pay him that much.
- YouMeAndDupuis9

I would really prefer the 1st and the 3rd rounder considering the bubble playoff nature of the Penguins.

Pitts salary structure can't afford to have a another 15 goal scorer making ~$4 million. Don't get me wrong I love the way he plays but that deal was to steep for us.
- willi

Oh I agree, it's a steep price but we still have a lot of cap space with almost everyone set for next year, couple RFAs in Nelson and Lee and I expect visnovsky to walk and be replaced by pulock. Still room to add another big player if one becomes available.

I think next season the pens go back to leading the division but I hope we're there with you and the rangers. Getting Maatta back will be huge

Big believer in peak performance theory for hockey teams. Top players (forwards) peak out at age 26-27. More important, once top performance has been accomplished the player will begin to see a constant progressive decline in their performance.

Pens best players have clearly peaked. The decline will be constant and relentless as we go forward. The fallacy that people want to believe is that you can somehow effectively rebuild around an asset pool that is in clear decline.

Pens are at risk of missing playoffs and not having a 1st round pick. This is not good asset management.
- spatso

It would take stones of glory to do it but its fun to think if the pens moved crosby, malkin, and letang for 1sts, and a lot of them, how they could turn back the clock 9 years and immediately be on the rise again.

I'm getting out awfully damn tired of outshooting/out chancing teams and losing.

Yesterday did give me some hope thought. Unlike Boston in 2013 and NYR somewhat last year, the Pens had a lot of traffic in front yesterday, and went to the net a lot, with and wi and the puck.

A lot of pucks went at Mason's feet, and there was a lot of jamming at the puck.

Ugly hockey, but that is how playoff goals are scored.
- rival22

Pens need scoring chances not just shots. They huck the puck at the net from everywhere... half of what makes it to the net a stick laying across the goal line would keep out.

Oh I agree, it's a steep price but we still have a lot of cap space with almost everyone set for next year, couple RFAs in Nelson and Lee and I expect visnovsky to walk and be replaced by pulock. Still room to add another big player if one becomes available.

I think next season the pens go back to leading the division but I hope we're there with you and the rangers. Getting Maatta back will be huge
- Isles_since_6

I'd throw CBJ right up there to. They need a little help on the back end and to stay healthy but I like the mix of player they have there.

If letang isn't coming back I would rather not make the playoffs. No need to drag this thing out.

It would take stones of glory to do it but its fun to think if the pens moved crosby, malkin, and letang for 1sts, and a lot of them, how they could turn back the clock 9 years and immediately be on the rise again.
- brienstel

Where is Mike Keenan?

As far as Kulemin, he's been extremely important for us and has earned every bit of his salary. He's been, IMO, far more important than grabovski although grabovski hasn't had a good year with the two major concussions he's suffered. Kulemin is the hardest working player we have at both ends of the ice and would be missed in a big way if he was hurt
- Isles_since_6

Kule and Malkin play together internationally and are good buddies. Was hoping they brought him the Pitts.

Where is Mike Keenan?
- Johnny Wrath

He's busy, but you can have Mike Milbury. He'll even do the coach/GM bundle if you ask nicely.

I still don't know if he was trying to put it in, or just blast it at the end as a "whatever, (frank) you guys" move.
- Guile

Personally, I loved that move. Its was funny and appropriate given the Pens current situation and fans frustration. Whatever about the code and respect, it was a nothing move in a nothing game (at that point).

He's busy, but you can have Mike Milbury. He'll even do the coach/GM bundle if you ask nicely.
- BulliesPhan87

I wouldn't wish that on anyone.

He's busy, but you can have Mike Milbury. He'll even do the coach/GM bundle if you ask nicely.
- BulliesPhan87

Day one, Pens sign Drake Berehowsky for 5 years as head coach.

I'd throw CBJ right up there to. They need a little help on the back end and to stay healthy but I like the mix of player they have there.
- willi

Yes and no, I could see them in the mix for a wildcard but I don't think they'll be a divisional seed. I think they have a decent group of players but I just don't see them top three in the division, maybe not even top four.

please dont kick us while were down
- YouMeAndDupuis9

No intent to, the isles have been sliding too

I wouldn't wish that on anyone.
- Isles_since_6

well right now he's inflicted on everyone via national telecast. consider it Pittsburgh taking one for the team

That idea I like but we'd have to require our 1st from Edmonton some how.
- willi

i thought it would be 2016 picks. I could be wrong.

I would really prefer the 1st and the 3rd rounder considering the bubble playoff nature of the Penguins.
- Johnny Wrath

fair enough. but this is the bed we made and we cannot afford to miss on a pick nor wait for their services....I would consider it.

So does the last wild card play the first seed? Or is there a drawing for the wild cards? What are the chances of playing the Rangers? I fully expect us to make the playoffs after that I am just going to stay optimistic and have a reason to be drunk every other night and on off days. I would rather jump right into it against the Rangers. Rangers are probably going to be way to confident and I would love to see Lundqvist deal with Hornqvist fresh off an injury. If we would end up winning it would be something to be proud of and be an emotional boost to this zombie of a team.

i thought it would be 2016 picks. I could be wrong.
- YouMeAndDupuis9

You're probably right because you can't sign him to a offer sheet til July and the draft is in June

So does the last wild card play the first seed? Or is there a drawing for the wild cards? What are the chances of playing the Rangers? I fully expect us to make the playoffs after that I am just going to stay optimistic and have a reason to be drunk every other night and on off days. I would rather jump right into it against the Rangers. Rangers are probably going to be way to confident and I would love to see Lundqvist deal with Hornqvist fresh off an injury. If we would end up winning it would be something to be proud of and be an emotional boost to this zombie of a team.
- Grinder47

#1 wild card team plays the lesser of the two division winners.
#2 wild card team plays the conference winner.

so as of now, we'd play Montreal.

interesting stuff from TIOPS (I know, i know... just thought it was interesting)

according to TIOPS, Johnston's time here is done unless they make a serious run, Rutherford is a 50/50 shot.

interesting, i'm not sure i believe it, but i'll just pose the question.

According to earlier stories in the season, Babcock is more concerned about his position with a new team more so than the money. he basically wants more of a front office role along with the coaching duties.

so my question, lets assume we fire johnston and rutherford. would you be willing to give babcock a lot more influence over team decisions in addition to coaching?