From the last blog:

I agree - I don't think Johansson is anything special but I think he would be fine as a 3C. Maybe Maatta is too much. They got him for a high 2nd and high 3rd round draft pick. Presumably that was the best offer that Washington had for him. Maybe that means the Pens could get him for a low 1st and a low 2nd. Sheary is the only other option I can think of that the Devils would want and then we wouldn't have to worry about Johansson's cap hit.
He annoys me, though, with his diving and faking injuries, so I hope we don't get him. Just a thought that would work for both teams.
- T-Train

Wonder if Shero would be interested in taking a shot at Pouliot instead of the 2nd. He is the guy who reached to draft hin and they're in position to give him playing time. Pens would lose their 1st and Pouliot but could try to recoup a pick by the salary dump they'd have to make afterwards. Bonus is if they found another center at some point Johansson could fill the hole on Malkin's LW.

Wonder if Shero would be interested in taking a shot at Pouliot instead of the 2nd. He is the guy who reached to draft hin and they're in position to give him playing time. Pens would lose their 1st and Pouliot but could try to recoup a pick by the salary dump they'd have to make afterwards. Bonus is if they found another center at some point Johansson could fill the hole on Malkin's LW.
- Tojo.

You know, it's funny, I tend to forget about Pouliot, both as a potential Pens dman and a so-called "prospect" in a trade. But yeah, he could fit the bill. The Pens would still need to clear some salary if they intend to re-sign Sheary.

I do like the idea of a center who can also fill in on LW which is why I liked the idea of Jussi as 4C. We could definitely use a LW on Malkin's line. Too bad Johansson isn't any better at faceoffs than Malkin.

"If they happen to call," Bartlett said, "I’m sure we’d answer the phone."

I translate that as "Make a competitive offer and there's a good chance we'll accept".

Come on Ryan, you're better than this.

Bartlett could and probably would say that about every team. It's quite a stretch to go from "we'd answer the phone" to "there's a good chance we'll accept."

He'll be getting "competitive offers" from many teams, one of which will likely be the Chicago Blackhawks. He's from Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, just a couple hours away from Chicago. If he can work his way up into the top 4 in Chicago he'd likely have Keith or Seabrook as a D-partner. Not many young defensemen in the Chicago system for him to have to leapfrog.

Just one possibility among many. Playing for a constant contender like Pittsburgh is probably appealing, too, but it's laughable to read too much into the "we'd answer the phone" quote.
- Coburns_Nose

That line alone isn't what has pens fans hopeful. His agent represents 4 current penguins, he said making the team immediately isn't a big concern - he's looking to build a career , and that he wants a team with a proven track record developing college players. I think there's better than a 50% chance he signs with the Pens.

I don't think being from Wisconsin helps the Hawks. Most people from there hate the Chicago sports teams because of the packers vs bears rivalry and cubs fans taking over Miller park.

Just read a little piece on Scaramucci - I don't follow US politics very much, is this guy good for the people or a toss pot??

Seems like a very determined individual that doesn't let anything sidetrack success?
- Aussiepenguin

He is a fast talking salesman, albeit a good one. He is selling his company for $85M to a Chinese company.

My advise would be the same as Trump, watch what he does not what he says.

Conor Sheary 3 yrs $9 Mil

PIT and Conor Sheary reach a three-year, $9M deal

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) July 30, 2017

Conor Sheary 3 yrs $9 Mil

PIT and Conor Sheary reach a three-year, $9M deal

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) July 30, 2017

- tpcg402

Conor Sheary 3 yrs $9 Mil

PIT and Conor Sheary reach a three-year, $9M deal

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) July 30, 2017

- tpcg402

a fair contract, good job Jim

not bad, 3 mil for the next 3 years. I will take it. about 3 mil left in cap space, have to figure someone is going out the door soon. Have to save that 1 mil for Cullen.