Ryan Wilson: Penguins Ink Matt D'Agostini in a Potential Low Risk High Reward Situation Penguins have signed Matt D'Agostini to a 1 year 550k contract to compete for a third line position

He's horrible defensively, doesn't play physical and is an average skater.

This will be low risk low reward for the Pens.

He's horrible defensively, doesn't play physical and is an average skater.

This will be low risk low reward for the Pens.
- Scabeh

Every report I've read lists him as, at least, a good to very-good skater. However, I've seen some negative posts from Montreal fans. Is there a chance that he's improved on certain aspects of his game since being with the Habs organization?

Of course we are going to hear the negatives from other fans, just like I am sure SJ fans probably hear the negative from us about TK. The fact is, TK was a solid player for the Pens, but he ran his course here. He needed a change, and he wasn't going to make the same type money here. I think when a player leaves a team, the fans are usually a bit harder on him then they need to be, especially a player thats been here for a while. I am sure it will not take long to find out what kind of player D'ago is.

No one has ever taken longer to get a shot off (though when it gets off, it's a howitzer)

Dags is a decent stopgag for a team in cap hell needing to fill out scoring winger roles. He isn't great defensively, isn't physical, and isn't going to create offense on his own... but if all you need is someone to fill a roster spot who can put the puck on net if put in a position too, Dags is solid.

Excellent pick up for league mini.. 2 thumbs up.

Of course we are going to hear the negatives from other fans, just like I am sure SJ fans probably hear the negative from us about TK. The fact is, TK was a solid player for the Pens, but he ran his course here. He needed a change, and he wasn't going to make the same type money here. I think when a player leaves a team, the fans are usually a bit harder on him then they need to be, especially a player thats been here for a while. I am sure it will not take long to find out what kind of player D'ago is.
- Thorny

I'm starting to question the wisdom of keeping Nisk at the exact same cap hit as TK. It's pretty obvious we have a hole on the 3rd line that TK filled pretty admirably over the years and we have a plethora of bottom pairing D. Just not sure how Nisk's minutes cant be adequately replaced by guys like Bortuzzo, Eng or even Dumoulin.

Tiops says Nisk hasn't been shopped yet and further went on to speculate that they might be considering keeping him. Further speculated that it's possible Despres could be returned to the baby Pens because he still has a 2 way contract and can't be exposed to waivers. If that happens, it would have Disco's fingerprints ALL OVER IT!

Before anybody goes off please understand the meaning of SPECULATE.

I'm starting to question the wisdom of keeping Nisk at the exact same cap hit as TK. It's pretty obvious we have a hole on the 3rd line that TK filled pretty admirably over the years and we have a plethora of bottom pairing D. Just not sure how Nisk's minutes cant be adequately replaced by guys like Bortuzzo, Eng or even Dumoulin.

Tiops says Nisk hasn't been shopped yet and further went on to speculate that they might be considering keeping him. Further speculated that it's possible Despres could be returned to the baby Pens because he still has a 2 way contract and can't be exposed to waivers. If that happens, it would have Disco's fingerprints ALL OVER IT!

Before anybody goes off please understand the meaning of SPECULATE.
- madmike71

Despres going back down I think only saves like 800/900k still have qualifying offers out to Jeffrey and Borts just filed for arbitration. Someone is being moved or bought out there is just no way around it. Should be interesting to see how it plays out.

I'm starting to question the wisdom of keeping Nisk at the exact same cap hit as TK. It's pretty obvious we have a hole on the 3rd line that TK filled pretty admirably over the years and we have a plethora of bottom pairing D. Just not sure how Nisk's minutes cant be adequately replaced by guys like Bortuzzo, Eng or even Dumoulin.

Tiops says Nisk hasn't been shopped yet and further went on to speculate that they might be considering keeping him. Further speculated that it's possible Despres could be returned to the baby Pens because he still has a 2 way contract and can't be exposed to waivers. If that happens, it would have Disco's fingerprints ALL OVER IT!

Before anybody goes off please understand the meaning of SPECULATE.
- madmike71

Wont go off, but I dont think TK fits here anymore unfortunately. He did do an admirable job over the years, but much like Talbot, you cant keep a guy at that salary after a year like that. Best for both sides to move on.

I know its speculation, but Bylsma saying Despres is a top 4 defenseman at the end of last season should mean something.

I'm starting to question the wisdom of keeping Nisk at the exact same cap hit as TK. It's pretty obvious we have a hole on the 3rd line that TK filled pretty admirably over the years and we have a plethora of bottom pairing D. Just not sure how Nisk's minutes cant be adequately replaced by guys like Bortuzzo, Eng or even Dumoulin.

Tiops says Nisk hasn't been shopped yet and further went on to speculate that they might be considering keeping him. Further speculated that it's possible Despres could be returned to the baby Pens because he still has a 2 way contract and can't be exposed to waivers. If that happens, it would have Disco's fingerprints ALL OVER IT!

Before anybody goes off please understand the meaning of SPECULATE.
- madmike71

I can't see anyway that Despres doesnt stick with the big club and get solid minutes every night. I guess if he absolutely ish'es the bed, I can see it. If that does happen, it def has HCDB all over it. They are going to have to trade Nisk, do they really have any other options? Trade Nisk, Eng and Glass at all costs, save yourself almost 4 mil right there.

Wont go off, but I dont think TK fits here anymore unfortunately. He did do an admirable job over the years, but much like Talbot, you cant keep a guy at that salary after a year like that. Best for both sides to move on.

I know its speculation, but Bylsma saying Despres is a top 4 defenseman at the end of last season should mean something.
- Deadstar

Kennedy is already gone, like the song.

At $550K...how can you go wrong?

You get a guy who pretty much knows this is a 'last chance' kind of thing...and you pay practically nothing for him (by NHL standards of course).

At $550K...how can you go wrong?

You get a guy who pretty much knows this is a 'last chance' kind of thing...and you pay practically nothing for him (by NHL standards of course).
- icedog97

You got a guy who has shown that he has the ability to play in the NHL, contribute in the NHL, and is fighting for his career in the NHL.... for 550K. There is no losing in this situation.

He's 26 and scored 21 goals in his last full season with the Blues. The Blues are not known to be the most offensive team by any means. Or at least they weren't at the time.

I think he's a guy that can net 30 if playing on a line with Sid.

EDIT: Notice I said "can" or potentially. Im not expecting him to score 30 by any means, but he has the potential with Crosby or Malkin on his line.

You got a guy who has shown that he has the ability to play in the NHL, contribute in the NHL, and is fighting for his career in the NHL.... for 550K. There is no losing in this situation.
- jak521

Yeah, worst case scenario is he stinks, and you waive him and he helps out Wilkes-Barre if no one claims him.

I'm starting to question the wisdom of keeping Nisk at the exact same cap hit as TK. It's pretty obvious we have a hole on the 3rd line that TK filled pretty admirably over the years and we have a plethora of bottom pairing D. Just not sure how Nisk's minutes cant be adequately replaced by guys like Bortuzzo, Eng or even Dumoulin.

Tiops says Nisk hasn't been shopped yet and further went on to speculate that they might be considering keeping him. Further speculated that it's possible Despres could be returned to the baby Pens because he still has a 2 way contract and can't be exposed to waivers. If that happens, it would have Disco's fingerprints ALL OVER IT!

Before anybody goes off please understand the meaning of SPECULATE.
- madmike71

I wouldn't be so sure of that... Granted, Bylsma misused him, but by all accounts early in the season, it was Bylsma who wanted to keep him up at the end of camp. They could have easily sent him back down then.

D'Agostini is faster than TK? Really? That should help our team for sure. Looking at his numbers we can see he can chip in occasionally, just like TK and Cooke did on our 3rd line.

He's 26 and scored 21 goals in his last full season with the Blues. The Blues are not known to be the most offensive team by any means. Or at least they weren't at the time.

I think he's a guy that can net 30 if playing on a line with Sid.

EDIT: Notice I said "can" or potentially. Im not expecting him to score 30 by any means, but he has the potential with Crosby or Malkin on his line.
- HabsRUs

Don't forget he kept getting pushed down in the blues lineup when the team was healthy, but if I remember correctly, The blues had a lot of injury problems the past couple years. Dags stepped in nicely for the blues when injuries came about.

You got a guy who has shown that he has the ability to play in the NHL, contribute in the NHL, and is fighting for his career in the NHL.... for 550K. There is no losing in this situation.
- jak521

exactly. not a headline grab, but a nice depth guy for that price.

But he's not Matt Cooke. GRRRRR. RAGEFACE.

Yes, I am being a sarcastic Richard.

What do you guys think about inviting Asham to training camp if he doesn't sign with anyone? He could fight for a spot on the 4th line or as an extra forward (and I would hope he could bump Glass out of the team)

What do you guys think about inviting Asham to training camp if he doesn't sign with anyone? He could fight for a spot on the 4th line or as an extra forward (and I would hope he could bump Glass out of the team)
- Orpik44

Wasn't it just written that team speed has been a problem. Asham doesn't help that, at all.

What do you guys think about inviting Asham to training camp if he doesn't sign with anyone? He could fight for a spot on the 4th line or as an extra forward (and I would hope he could bump Glass out of the team)
- Orpik44

Hes still under contract with the Rangers.

Very good signing by the Penguins, not much money and for 1 year.