Ryan Wilson: Taylor Swift Curse Over, Shero Pleased with Top Prospects, Danny Briere Taylor Swift curse over, Danny Briere discussed amongst Penguins brass, interest in MAF, Shero pleased with top prospects

hahaha. So happy that the curse is now broken. I had no idea that Fruit Bat's ties to T-Swift were what was holding us back from lifting the cup again. 2014 Stanley Cup Champions, here we come!

I hope to god Danny does sign with Pitt. Fluff up that lineup even more. Rinaldo licking his lips...

IF briere was brought in, that might make jokinen more expendable. No need for multiple centers-pplaying-wing. then agian, I don't know of there is any market for jokinen, even at 2.1 and not 3.

I think I saw Letang in the very back of that Taylor Swift picture.
Uh oh...

At first thought the Briere idea just would be a bad fit for you guys.
Awful on the wing, lacks defense, offensive zone stick penalties, etc.
But the thought of him burying one timers from Sid into the net in the PP and playoffs is intriguing. He is a great teammate, good locker guy.
I think the negatives outweigh the positives but you never know.

Since Briere would most likely be taking a paycut since his production has tailed off, would you rather have him at 2 years @$3.5M per or Dupuis for 3 years a $3.5M per?

I think I saw Letang in the very back of that Taylor Swift picture.
Uh oh...

At first thought the Briere idea just would be a bad fit for you guys.
Awful on the wing, lacks defense, offensive zone stick penalties, etc.
But the thought of him burying one timers from Sid into the net in the PP and playoffs is intriguing. He is a great teammate, good locker guy.
I think the negatives outweigh the positives but you never know.
- Marc D

I don't think it would be their top choice but the market isn't exactly chock full of great options.

So how good is Pascal Dupuis reaally? With a decent chance that he could not be returning to the Pens, would you guys still say that he's a guy that could succeed in a variety of scenarios with lesser linemates?

Say hypothetically he was leaving one of the best teams in the Eastern conference to join one of the worst teams in the West?

Since Briere would most likely be taking a paycut since his production has tailed off, would you rather have him at 2 years @$3.5M per or Dupuis for 3 years a $3.5M per?
- jmatchett383

I think Dupuis would have been signed already if that was his asking price.

I think Dupuis would have been signed already if that was his asking price.
- Ryan_Wilson

You think a team will give him $4M or more for multiple years?

Few excerpts from the Jarry article that Faceoff-Factor wrote

"every scout has praised his ability to rebound from goals regardless of the situation."

"Perhaps the most exciting element of his game is his ability to play the puck and his comfort level in doing so. He’s adept at coming out of the net and only does so in situations that are low-risk. "

I understand he is far from the NHL but these two quotes stuck out to me for obvious reasons.

So how good is Pascal Dupuis reaally? With a decent chance that he could not be returning to the Pens, would you guys still say that he's a guy that could succeed in a variety of scenarios with lesser linemates?

Say hypothetically he was leaving one of the best teams in the Eastern conference to join one of the worst teams in the West?
- Morris

He will be the hardest worker on your team. Great, high energy guy who has really developed a scoring touch over the past few years. People who use the arguement "he only has those numbers from playing with Crosby" forget that Sid has missed significant time these past few years, and Dupuis has produced without him there.

I think Dupuis would have been signed already if that was his asking price.
- Ryan_Wilson

I think the 4th year is the point at which Dupuis's camp and Shero are at an indifference. Wouldn't be surprised to see a last minute signing with the Pens, when Shero realizes that there is nothing out there comparable to Pascal.

Briere

RW, thanks for providing the link about Jarry. I liked that pick and thought it was possible the Pens would use a high pick on a goalie. To get who many considered either the second or at worst the third best goalie prospect at #44 is something I don't mind at all.

Briere

RW, thanks for providing the link about Jarry. I liked that pick and thought it was possible the Pens would use a high pick on a goalie. To get who many considered either the second or at worst the third best goalie prospect at #44 is something I don't mind at all.
- acdc1206

Also, if the Pens do sign Briere, I'd hope they put him and Vitale far apart on the bench.

He will be the hardest worker on your team. Great, high energy guy who has really developed a scoring touch over the past few years. People who use the arguement "he only has those numbers from playing with Crosby" forget that Sid has missed significant time these past few years, and Dupuis has produced without him there.
- cap1681

Cool thanks for the info. It will be interesting to see if he makes it to FA and how long he'll last. I don't think the Oilers could lowball him, but they do need to get an FA for a bargain sooner or later.

Cool thanks for the info. It will be interesting to see if he makes it to FA and how long he'll last. I don't think the Oilers could lowball him, but they do need to get an FA for a bargain sooner or later.
- Morris

Dupuis will not be coming at a bargain if he leaves Pittsburgh. If he was willing to take less he would just stay.

Brought this up in the last blog, if we lose Cooke how about Chad Larose as a replacement? He can score a bit and plays with an edge.

Also, I read Setoguchi may be available again. Thoughts on a Niskanen for Seto swap? I believe he only has 1 year left at 3 mil.

I don't want anything to do with Briere. Also been away a while but I really don't want anything to do with Letang at that price either. I'm just glad Shero won't do it with the full NTC. Pretty clear that the intention is too ship his ass out of town before his extension kicks in.

Also a little worried Duper isn't signed yet. I,m hoping it's Shero waiting for a decision from Letang's camp and not Duper looking elsewhere.

Brought this up in the last blog, if we lose Cooke how about Chad Larose as a replacement? He can score a bit and plays with an edge.

Also, I read Setoguchi may be available again. Thoughts on a Niskanen for Seto swap? I believe he only has 1 year left at 3 mil.
- kfinl170

You dont need to replace Cooke's scoring and edge. You need to replace his pk minutes.

and NOOOOOOOOOOO with the Setoguchi rumors again. Make it stop.

Briere

RW, thanks for providing the link about Jarry. I liked that pick and thought it was possible the Pens would use a high pick on a goalie. To get who many considered either the second or at worst the third best goalie prospect at #44 is something I don't mind at all.
- acdc1206

I loved that pick.

I don't want anything to do with Briere. Also been away a while but I really don't want anything to do with Letang at that price either. I'm just glad Shero won't do it with the full NTC. Pretty clear that the intention is too ship his ass out of town before his extension kicks in.

Also a little worried Duper isn't signed yet. I,m hoping it's Shero waiting for a decision from Letang's camp and not Duper looking elsewhere.
- canadianpenfan

Still holding out on the thought that Letang doesn't sign here. His departure opens up a lot of opportunities after the next year.

What's the flood situation in Alberta?

You dont need to replace Cooke's scoring and edge. You need to replace his pk minutes.

and NOOOOOOOOOOO with the Setoguchi rumors again. Make it stop.
- Deadstar

Just saying, I believe he only has a year left. With moving out Nisk and giving Seto a shot next to Sid or Geno it may be worth a flyer. If he doesn't work out, then all you gave up was a guy who most want gone anyway. I'm not talking about dealing Despres for him like was being discussed in the past.

And I am not saying to get Larose b/c he can replace Cooke's scoring but more for his agitating style. If Cooke leaves, then we need someone with that type of edge IMO. Someone to get under the opponents skin.

I will always be confused on why it is so difficult for very talented centers to adjust to playing wing. The X’s and O’s of playing wing are some of the most simplistic in all of sport.

From what I saw from Geno, he seems to "don't care" about playing wing. I'd say the willingness to battle on the boards...none.

I loved that pick.
- canadianpenfan

I hope things are okay on your end CPF. I couldn't believe what I saw on the news.