Where is this Franson talk coming from I haven't heard him considering Pitt or being within their salary structure. Yes Scuderi will clear some cap....but money will be spent next year with Maata and Perron. Franson prob wants a multi year deal. There is no guarantee of a cap increase. If Franson took a friendly deal, then sure he could very valuable.
- nelson911

Not sure there is really much 'talk' about Franson and Pittsburgh unless you include the site that just said the Jordan Staal rumor is not dead....

There were some tweets a while back about Pit being one of the interested teams....but mostly I think we talk about it because he's still available, fits a need, and theoretically, keeps getting cheaper...

Personally I might be inclined to to see if Lubomir Visnovsky or Zidlicky or someone is open to a minimum contract type of deal rather than give Franson a multi year deal ...

Where is this Franson talk coming from I haven't heard him considering Pitt or being within their salary structure. Yes Scuderi will clear some cap....but money will be spent next year with Maata and Perron. Franson prob wants a multi year deal. There is no guarantee of a cap increase. If Franson took a friendly deal, then sure he could very valuable.
- nelson911

Obviously it is just our speculation. I just think he would be easily the best fit. I agree that he will want multiple years and the ONLY way it would work is if he were taking a friendly deal. hopefully Maatta will be getting a major well-deserved raise, but even if Perron has a good season, I don't think he'll be getting a major one.

Personally I might be inclined to to see if Lubomir Visnovsky or Zidlicky or someone is open to a minimum contract type of deal rather than give Franson a multi year deal ...
- YouMeAndDupuis9

Yea I like the idea of Zidlicky for one year. I think Franson on anything other than a two year deal will be us wanting to trade him much like Scuderi. There will be someone younger and better to replace him.

I don't know why everyone is so down on our D, I love our d, minus scuds.. ya adding someone like franson will bolster it but I have no problem going into the season with
Letang maatta
cole Poliout
Lovejoy dumo
erixon/Scuds

that seems very balance
- nh4442

I agree with you in principal. I think Dumoulin is going to turn a few heads this year actually. I think he has preconcussion Marc Staal but a much better skater level talent. But the problem with our D is that they are all small and have not proven to be the most durable group and an injury to any of them that puts one on the shelf for a long period of time is going to put Scuderi on the ice for a long period of time(unless clendenning blows everyone away with how much he has improved in the off season.). It doesn't matter how strong our forward group is( and it's pretty f n strong) when you have a slunk like Scuds or Lovejoy losing his assignment and getting scored on twice a game. Poor Fleurys GAA will be through the roof.

Where is this Franson talk coming from I haven't heard him considering Pitt or being within their salary structure. Yes Scuderi will clear some cap....but money will be spent next year with Maata and Perron. Franson prob wants a multi year deal. There is no guarantee of a cap increase. If Franson took a friendly deal, then sure he could very valuable.
- nelson911

Not sure where it started, but I remember seeing someone link something on here saying he'd be open to a 1 year with a contender if he isn't signed soon. That would be the good part, he's gone after the season, which would be Scuderi's money off the books, and we could use that money to sign Maatta, Perron, Plot and BB if they warrant an extension. Maatta will obviously be extended.

I agree with you in principal. I think Dumoulin is going to turn a few heads this year actually. I think he has preconcussion Marc Staal but a much better skater level talent. But the problem with our D is that they are all small and have not proven to be the most durable group and an injury to any of them that puts one on the shelf for a long period of time is going to put Scuderi on the ice for a long period of time(unless clendenning blows everyone away with how much he has improved in the off season.). It doesn't matter how strong our forward group is( and it's pretty f n strong) when you have a slunk like Scuds or Lovejoy losing his assignment and getting scored on twice a game. Poor Fleurys GAA will be through the roof.
- Dcoms

I agree. Dumoulin will be very surprising this year. He looked pretty good at the end of last year... Great skater, especially for his size.

Clendening could be the dark horse here. The teams he's played for haven't been PMD teams and that's what the reports have all said he is. Maybe he gets the Cole effect due to playing in a good system for him? No expectations, but it would be a great surprise.

Also, last blog you said you ordered a Letang, DP and Dumo jersey from aliexpress, do you remember the sellers on the Letang and DP? Are they good jerseys?

Anyone have a prediction for our first game of the season.

Mines 7-6.

Anyone have a prediction for our first game of the season.

Mines 7-6.
- NoobasaurusRex

I'm thinking somewhere around 6-4, 6-5. First game of the year, 2 high flying offenses and the defenses/teams won't be 100% in sync yet. Obviously that could effect the offense too, but I just don't see us at least not being able to score 4 at the very least.

Not sure where it started, but I remember seeing someone link something on here saying he'd be open to a 1 year with a contender if he isn't signed soon. That would be the good part, he's gone after the season, which would be Scuderi's money off the books, and we could use that money to sign Maatta, Perron, Plot and BB if they warrant an extension. Maatta will obviously be extended.
- Pens_Burgh

It was in his TSN interview where he also basically said he would do it for contenders. Franson was very candid in his interview though and also said he would much prefer something long-term. He mentioned Boston as one of the 5-6 teams he was talking to.

I did. It was in his TSN interview where he also basically said he would do it for contenders. Franson was very candid in his interview though and also said he would much prefer something long-term.
- jfkst1

Gotcha. So there is a shot, as long as we can clear either Kunitz or Scuderi. I don't want to get rid of Kunitz, at least until before next draft. He's a pretty valuable piece to our depth with the ability to move up from 3rd to top line. Scuds? Not so much flexibility, other than press box to 6th Dman.

I agree. Dumoulin will be very surprising this year. He looked pretty good at the end of last year... Great skater, especially for his size.

Clendening could be the dark horse here. The teams he's played for haven't been PMD teams and that's what the reports have all said he is. Maybe he gets the Cole effect due to playing in a good system for him? No expectations, but it would be a great surprise.

Also, last blog you said you ordered a Letang, DP and Dumo jersey from aliexpress, do you remember the sellers on the Letang and DP? Are they good jerseys?
- Pens_Burgh

I'll let you know the quality of my Kessel jersey when it comes :-)

I debated Kessel vs. Maatta for a while...but at $25, I might get both haha.

Anyway to your point here...I think its a philospohical question, are big hits and net front clearing still a required ingredient. I almost look at it as a plus if a defenseman can be physical without taking himself out of the play Puck moving and two way play are more important imo.

I'll let you know the quality of my Kessel jersey when it comes :-)

I debated Kessel vs. Maatta for a while...but at $25, I might get both haha.

Anyway to your point here...I think its a philospohical question, are big hits and net front clearing still a required ingredient. I almost look at it as a plus if a defenseman can be physical without taking himself out of the play Puck moving and two way play are more important imo.
- YouMeAndDupuis9

Team system matters a lot in this too. With Johnston's system, dmen that can't skate the puck up the ice and provide close puck support are in major trouble. In Bylsma's heavily regimented system, winning one on one battles in space and having a good first vertical pass seemed more important than mobility. Other teams have their own emphasis. An example of a good dman in a bad system fit was Michalek in Bylsma's system.

Heres some boredom questions

Fehr, Bonino, Cullen.....(pretend Fehr isnt injured and all three players play a full season) who scores the most points this year?

Fehr, Bonino, Plotnikov...which one ends up getting a large chunk of top 6 minutes this year?

Bennett, Kunitz, Perron....most likely to have a bounce back year?

Anderson, Clendening, Erixon...which one is the first injury call up?
- YouMeAndDupuis9

Bonino
Plotnikov
Perron and Bennet tie
Depends on who goes down but I think Clendenning

I agree. Dumoulin will be very surprising this year. He looked pretty good at the end of last year... Great skater, especially for his size.

Clendening could be the dark horse here. The teams he's played for haven't been PMD teams and that's what the reports have all said he is. Maybe he gets the Cole effect due to playing in a good system for him? No expectations, but it would be a great surprise.

Also, last blog you said you ordered a Letang, DP and Dumo jersey from aliexpress, do you remember the sellers on the Letang and DP? Are they good jerseys?
- Pens_Burgh

Yeah they are great jerseys, you cannot tell that they didn't come from the NHL store. I have 14 Penguins jerseys and at least 1 from almost every team in the West and 5 teams in the east. I even have a McDavid jersey that I got a out a week after Edmonton won the NHL draft but way before they actually drafted him. I got a Lemieux one like the one from the snoop dog video(I hate rap but I thought he was kind of cool for wearing that) the jersey that spells out Pittsburgh going down diagonally. It's good stuff as long as you find the right vendors on there and you can't beat the price.

I'll let you know the quality of my Kessel jersey when it comes :-)

I debated Kessel vs. Maatta for a while...but at $25, I might get both haha.

Anyway to your point here...I think its a philospohical question, are big hits and net front clearing still a required ingredient. I almost look at it as a plus if a defenseman can be physical without taking himself out of the play Puck moving and two way play are more important imo.
- YouMeAndDupuis9

I have a Maatta one too. The personalized ones are great to. I got 2 of those for me and 1 for my nephew, 1 for my dad, and 1 for my niece.

I agree. Dumoulin will be very surprising this year. He looked pretty good at the end of last year... Great skater, especially for his size.

Clendening could be the dark horse here. The teams he's played for haven't been PMD teams and that's what the reports have all said he is. Maybe he gets the Cole effect due to playing in a good system for him? No expectations, but it would be a great surprise.

Also, last blog you said you ordered a Letang, DP and Dumo jersey from aliexpress, do you remember the sellers on the Letang and DP? Are they good jerseys?
- Pens_Burgh

These are my penguins ones https://m.facebook.com/ph...72507.544662834&source=44

Heres some boredom questions

Fehr, Bonino, Cullen.....(pretend Fehr isnt injured and all three players play a full season) who scores the most points this year?

Fehr, Bonino, Plotnikov...which one ends up getting a large chunk of top 6 minutes this year?

Bennett, Kunitz, Perron....most likely to have a bounce back year?

Anderson, Clendening, Erixon...which one is the first injury call up?
- YouMeAndDupuis9

Bonino with Fehr injured or not. I think Bonino is going to be deployed for tertiary scoring where as Fehr will get shut down duties. I have the feeling they won't play the same line. Bonino will score more often but Fehr will be more pivotal to our success.

Plotnikov. I really, really like him as a prospect. I love his game and he has a great shot compared to players that normally play his style. Skating is a Q, but his game doesn't require him to be a super phenomenal skater.

Bennett. No matter what line he's on he'll be with a center that's better at facilitating offense than Sutter. Perron's gonna bounce back, but Bennett will prove he's an NHL talent.

Anyone but Clendening. We're gonna do everything possible to not lose Clendening. He's the best prospect out of the three so unless someone goes out for the season, we won't call him up. We'll save him until Lovejoy and Scuderi are done blocking him.

These are my penguins ones https://m.facebook.com/ph...72507.544662834&source=44
- Dcoms

poop dude, impressive. I was thinking I'm getting to the point I should just start displaying them rather than wearing them.

All I can say he came cheap. He is a little over the hill but at that price and his ability to play basically anywhere it is an okay signing.

Yea I like the idea of Zidlicky for one year. I think Franson on anything other than a two year deal will be us wanting to trade him much like Scuderi. There will be someone younger and better to replace him.
- nelson911

First Cullen and now talk of Zidlicky, turning the Pens into an old folks home!

An organization should not be held accountable for an employee's troubles, unless it directly correlates.
- Topshelf Mountain

An organisation has the responsibility to educate it's employees & have a socially acceptable standard to be adhered to or have their employment terminated.

If the Hawks or any team allow continued behaviour that is illegal or socially unacceptable then the NHL should step in & protect it's own image.

Was just about to say that. His f'ing no trade clause really sucks. I can't see him waiving to go to NJ or FLA even if we get the team to agree on a trade. The only possible way is a sit down with HCMJ and GMJR saying he will be in the pressbox every night if he doesnt accept a trade.

I acutally read somewhere that we can send him to the AHL and save like $900k. If that could get us a Zidlicky or someone, I'd consider that. Not sure how accurate that AHL thing is though..

I'm still not 100% sold on Franson. He's the right size and handedness but can he really be a solid number 4 or top pair guy in case of injuries? Better than Scuderi, yes, but good enough defensively? I dont know...
- YouMeAndDupuis9

Pretty sure he has a limited trade clause & a no movement clause - no going to WBS.

Yup. Rangers, Pitt, NYI will all be heavyweights and then there are the BJs who killed last season after they got healthy, the Caps who just seem playoff bound, and the Flyers who, while far from a lock, are a team that I can see make the playoff too.
- RAGSareDANGERus

I think the Rags aren't as good as last year & will struggle. Caps, Pens & Isles, then whoever has the luck of no injuries & goalie form. The King can only do so much. CBJ D is the question & if Saad can perform without the help he had with the Hawks.

Depending how our D goes we may join/replace you in the bubble.

Heres some boredom questions

Fehr, Bonino, Cullen.....(pretend Fehr isnt injured and all three players play a full season) who scores the most points this year?

Fehr, Bonino, Plotnikov...which one ends up getting a large chunk of top 6 minutes this year?

Bennett, Kunitz, Perron....most likely to have a bounce back year?

Anderson, Clendening, Erixon...which one is the first injury call up?
- YouMeAndDupuis9

Fehr.

Plot - the other 2 won't get a look unless there are serious injuries.

Kunitz will be the King.

Pretty sure Clendening & Erixon have to clear waivers (going down), if they come up & get dropped back down - so if they come up they stay up (so neither of those 2 unless Erixon becomes expendable). I truly believe there will be a small trade with 1 or more of these guys - who still needs D?

Bonino with Fehr injured or not. I think Bonino is going to be deployed for tertiary scoring where as Fehr will get shut down duties. I have the feeling they won't play the same line. Bonino will score more often but Fehr will be more pivotal to our success.

Plotnikov. I really, really like him as a prospect. I love his game and he has a great shot compared to players that normally play his style. Skating is a Q, but his game doesn't require him to be a super phenomenal skater.

Bennett. No matter what line he's on he'll be with a center that's better at facilitating offense than Sutter. Perron's gonna bounce back, but Bennett will prove he's an NHL talent.

Anyone but Clendening. We're gonna do everything possible to not lose Clendening. He's the best prospect out of the three so unless someone goes out for the season, we won't call him up. We'll save him until Lovejoy and Scuderi are done blocking him.
- Victoro311

Unfortunately I think they will have to put all 3 of those guys on waivers at the beginning of the season to be able to send them to the minors. It would really suck to lose Clendenning that way when he was a former 1st round pick(?).