Its a little long but for the folks that wouldnt mind having Semin on the Pens this would help your argument:

http://thehockeywriters.c...d-ignoring-the-10-percent

I still say that after all those positive things are said about him, he is still unsigned in a Nicole Richie thin free agent market. There has to be something to that.
- Gunner Staal

Wow that was like a gunner article lol

There was some nice breakdowns and charts... Very good write up..

You have to think that if Shero was interested, he'd talk to Vokoun about him. Vokoun has spoken out in the past about the team in front of him and is reportedly a serious, no-nonsense type of player.

He could get all the info on Semin first-hand from Vokoun.

If the Pens don't sign him, you can bet that Vokoun probably told Shero it's a bad idea. If they DO sign him, Vokoun probably set a lot of the rumors straight.

You have a former teammate that will either vouch for him or go against him....and if we sign him, I'll be happy, knowing that a lot of the rumors about him are probably false. If we don't sign him, well then we know the rumors are probably true.

this makes me wonder if free agency is really just dying a slow and painful death. most of the supposed big names that will be available next year will be locked up before it even comes to anything

this makes me wonder if free agency is really just dying a slow and painful death. most of the supposed big names that will be available next year will be locked up before it even comes to anything
- stayinthefnnet

Unless the new CBA really changes the game, I think this years insanity will only sway players to wait. Unless a guy is truly happy in his current environment, you'd have to think after seeing this kind of money thrown around, a lot more guys might just be willing to wait. I'll be real interested to see what Weber, Getzlaf and Perry do.

Unless the new CBA really changes the game, I think this years insanity will only sway players to wait. Unless a guy is truly happy in his current environment, you'd have to think after seeing this kind of money thrown around, a lot more guys might just be willing to wait. I'll be real interested to see what Weber, Getzlaf and Perry do.
- madmike71

Getzlaf and perry will clean up if they choose to go that route.

This is a thin market, but Semin is over looked. Trust me when I tell you that Semin will not hurt the Pens. The Capitals were just making Semin worse.
- Magicmanmalkin

I dont see it, he seems to be a problem child no matter who is coaching him. He has played under two very different coaches and it was the same problem, no enough consistent high end effort and that for me is the big factor.

Coming to Pitt is not going to change him. He thinks he is a top 6 player, well he has top 6 skill but not Stanley Cup winning heart, and right now the Pens are in the mode of trying to win.

This roster is still pretty good, it will have an acclimated Crosby for the full season, a 3rd line that knows it is now only a shutdown line. One of the most dominant lines in the last 3 years.

Plus a healthy Orpik, and a new partner for Martin. The only way Martin plays better is if the teams system tracks back a little bit and give the back 6 help in their own end. Martin got burned from bad exit passes and bad positioning because he hasn't had to play such an uptempo style of hockey. But looking at how it resulted in the playoffs, he is not alone in that problem.

Bylsma will have to taper it back a touch and find a balance to help out the back 6, that also might make MAF's job a little easier, less high quality chances and he will be ok.

Getzlaf and perry will clean up if they choose to go that route.
- Gunner Staal

The question there is where do they end up? Will cap enable some of these big money spenders to start 'over spending' again?

The cap was put in place to even up the playing field, if it keeps going up at the rate it is, those lower cap markets are still not going to be able to pay for the 'big name' UFAs, revenue sharing or not.

The question there is where do they end up? Will cap enable some of these big money spenders to start 'over spending' again?

The cap was put in place to even up the playing field, if it keeps going up at the rate it is, those lower cap markets are still not going to be able to pay for the 'big name' UFAs, revenue sharing or not.
- walshy66

There are going to be more and more teams in the red just trying to get to the floor. The new CBA will have a lot to say about all of this and I'll be surprised if the season starts on time.

Wow that was like a gunner article lol

There was some nice breakdowns and charts... Very good write up..
- nh4442

I think he actually has a background in journalism but I'll take the compliment haha. I have an Atlantic division breakdown of 2011 UFA signings up now.

Doan, is a good fit for as long as he stays healthy at 35. Question is: Will he REALLY leave Pheonix at all? He can look over option, and they will be there, but does he really leave? I'm not so sure he does. Doan and Iginla are two of these guys we always see as great options but never seem willing to part with their current teams if the idea is brought up. I have no problem with that. Doan is a great guy for all aspects of a team, love to have him. We'll see pretty soon if he really is gonna jump, or if he's buying more time
- HopintheCordoba

From what I've heardDoan wants to stay in the West close to Home in Arizona. I have heard Nucks, Hawks being front runners. But there is a good chance my sources are just as reliable as yours. ( Not reliable at all)

From what I've heardDoan wants to stay in the West close to Home in Arizona. I have heard Nucks, Hawks being front runners. But there is a good chance my sources are just as reliable as yours. ( Not reliable at all)
- vancity787

If he does indeed want to stay close to home, in Phoenix, then Vancouver is probably out of the mix. That is over 1,500 miles away, not exactly close, same with Chicago, 1,800 miles. If he is considering those two teams close, then what is another 300 miles to Pittsburgh, or 650 miles to New York. He is either going to want to be close to home narrowing it down to LA, San Jose, Anaheim, Colorado, Dallas, or just wait things out in Phoenix. Or, if he opens his options further than that, probably anywhere is fair game at that point.

If Doan decides to leave Phoenix, and the Pens don't get him I would love to see him go to St. Louis. Put him on a top line with Backes and Oshie. That would be a real tough line to play against. Granted they are all similar style players, big physical forwards, but still would be fun to watch them play.

If Semin wants a raise on $6.7 million after the season he had just had, I would let him crawl right back to the KHL. Good riddance. The most I would give him is $4.5-5 million on a 4 or 5 year term. I still think he can bounce back and be a good top 6 wing that plays on the PP and scores 30 goals, but I don't think he will get back to 40 goal form, nor do I think that he would be at all useful shorthanded. Everybody knows he is a little bit lax defensively.

If Semin wants a raise on $6.7 million after the season he had just had, I would let him crawl right back to the KHL. Good riddance. The most I would give him is $4.5-5 million on a 4 or 5 year term. I still think he can bounce back and be a good top 6 wing that plays on the PP and scores 30 goals, but I don't think he will get back to 40 goal form, nor do I think that he would be at all useful shorthanded. Everybody knows he is a little bit lax defensively.
- SteveTambellini

You should read that article that's posted above. It will open your eyes quite a bit to Semin and his actual play.

I have come to accept that Semin is who he is. A crazy talented forward that is decent defensively, but won't lay out to block shots, nor throw hits.....and that's fine! As long as he's scoring, creating offense, and not taking a ton of penalties.

I just wanna see what Sid can do with a talented offensive winger! We saw it briefly with Hossa, but that's it! Not every player in the league is going to be this well rounded Crosby, Malkin, or Toews type player.

I actually believe that with the leadership we have on this team, and the work ethic that exists, that Semin might actually work. Or at least I'm willing to give it a try.

You should read that article that's posted above. It will open your eyes quite a bit to Semin and his actual play.

I have come to accept that Semin is who he is. A crazy talented forward that is decent defensively, but won't lay out to block shots, nor throw hits.....and that's fine! As long as he's scoring, creating offense, and not taking a ton of penalties.

I just wanna see what Sid can do with a talented offensive winger! We saw it briefly with Hossa, but that's it! Not every player in the league is going to be this well rounded Crosby, Malkin, or Toews type player.

I actually believe that with the leadership we have on this team, and the work ethic that exists, that Semin might actually work. Or at least I'm willing to give it a try.
- shinoix

Crosby, Malkin, Neal, Letang and Semin as a pp unit, unstoppable! If Neal can score 40 playing with Malkin, Semin could do 50+ Seriously the guy is an elite talent and playing with Malkin would make them both better.

If he does indeed want to stay close to home, in Phoenix, then Vancouver is probably out of the mix. That is over 1,500 miles away, not exactly close, same with Chicago, 1,800 miles. If he is considering those two teams close, then what is another 300 miles to Pittsburgh, or 650 miles to New York. He is either going to want to be close to home narrowing it down to LA, San Jose, Anaheim, Colorado, Dallas, or just wait things out in Phoenix. Or, if he opens his options further than that, probably anywhere is fair game at that point.
- PensFan1103

You make some valid points. But he also has a summer Place in kamloops just outside of vancouver where a bunch of his family lives. Hopefully that gives is
An arms up on the competition.

So would anyone be opposed to getting semin even if we do get doan?

Doan sid semin line could tear it up...

And yes i know comments are coming on it would be a doan sid dupes lineand it would be a lot better bc dupes plays more defensively blah blah blah...

So would anyone be opposed to getting semin even if we do get doan?

Doan sid semin line could tear it up...

And yes i know comments are coming on it would be a doan sid dupes lineand it would be a lot better bc dupes plays more defensively blah blah blah...
- nh4442

I'd like to see it but I'm not sure we have the 11-12 million it would take. Semin would be skating with 2 of the hardest working guys in the league. Doan certainly wOuld put him in his place if he wasn't going 100%. Chances of pens getting or wanting both are slim to none

Sounds like Semin is signing with us: nhl.com/index.php/hockey/comments/sportsnet_says_semn_about_to_play_in_pittsburgh/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

So would anyone be opposed to getting semin even if we do get doan?

Doan sid semin line could tear it up...

And yes i know comments are coming on it would be a doan sid dupes lineand it would be a lot better bc dupes plays more defensively blah blah blah...
- nh4442

For the right $ it will be a good move for the Pens. Too much talent to just pass up. I'd rather have Semin on our team than Parenteau for the same price.

according to both TSN and Sportsnet, the penguins have offered Semin a 1 year deal, and it's pretty much just a formality that he'll sign it. no dollar amounts were mentioned though. i'm assuming that if it's just a 1 year deal, the money will probably be significant, at least close to what he was making last year.

according to both TSN and Sportsnet, the penguins have offered Semin a 1 year deal, and it's pretty much just a formality that he'll sign it. no dollar amounts were mentioned though. i'm assuming that if it's just a 1 year deal, the money will probably be significant, at least close to what he was making last year.
- sensarmy_11

If True for one and if he can play to his potential thats one very scary top 6

If True for one and if he can play to his potential thats one very scary top 6
- Malkin72

agreed. you have 4 allstars (or potential allstars) in crosby, malkin, semin, neal....plus kunitz and dupuis (i'm assuming he'd round out the top six), who might not be allstars, but still very good players.

definitely one of, if not the best top six in the league.

according to both TSN and Sportsnet, the penguins have offered Semin a 1 year deal, and it's pretty much just a formality that he'll sign it. no dollar amounts were mentioned though. i'm assuming that if it's just a 1 year deal, the money will probably be significant, at least close to what he was making last year.
- sensarmy_11

If it is a one-year deal, will be interesting to see the $'s. He was overpaid in DC - wonder if the Pens will be willing to pay what the Caps did.

If it is a one-year deal, will be interesting to see the $'s. He was overpaid in DC - wonder if the Pens will be willing to pay what the Caps did.
- MadCap2008

on a 1 year deal, who really cares if you overpay a bit, as long as you have the cap space.

i mean what's the difference between 5 and 6.5 mil, over 1 year, if you have like 10 mil in cap space.

IMO, it's better to "overpay" on a 1 year deal (with a "questionable" player), then it is to lock in longer term, for slightly less money.

ie., with semin, i would prefer 1 year at 6.5-7, then 4 years at 5 mil.