Aivis Kalnins: Teddy Blueger - Playing at pro level is harder than people think

I had assumed you just signed up for the NHL, paid your entry fee, and you got to play.

I didn't know you actually had to be talented, make personal sacrifices, and work harder.

My world has just been shattered.

I had assumed you just signed up for the NHL, paid your entry fee, and you got to play.

I didn't know you actually had to be talented, make personal sacrifices, and work harder.

My world has just been shattered.
- jmatchett383

I see Blueger as injury replacement player and that's about it.

And from last blog. A big HELL NO on Lucic, it isn't 2012. And his contract is ridiculous...even at 50% retained.

I had assumed you just signed up for the NHL, paid your entry fee, and you got to play.

I didn't know you actually had to be talented, make personal sacrifices, and work harder.

My world has just been shattered.
- jmatchett383

Some players make hundreds of thousands per year with very little skill. The only requirement is to try and take someone’s head off a few times per game. Just ask Tom Wilson

And from last blog. A big HELL NO on Lucic, it isn't 2012. And his contract is ridiculous...even at 50% retained.
- 668710

If he gets bought out and wants a 1yr/$1M contract then great, anything more in either term or salary is nuts.

Some players make hundreds of thousands per year with very little skill. The only requirement is to try and take someone’s head off a few times per game. Just ask Tom Wilson
- drummer829

I hate Wilson as much as any Pens fan, but the dude can play.

If he gets bought out and wants a 1yr/$1M contract then great, anything more in either term or salary is nuts.
- Rinosaur

Yea that wouldn't be crazy but his current contract is ridiculously bad and considering the oil could've kept Hall is even worse on them.

I hate Wilson as much as any Pens fan, but the dude can play.
- Rinosaur

Yea other than being a wiener he's actually a solid third wheel power forward on top 2 lines. Like if he played with say Sid/Guentzel or Geno/Kessel he would be in a good spot just like with Kuze/Ovi.

I hope he can make the big club once Brassard leaves for big bucks next off season. For now he's just an injury replacement kind of player.

I hope he can make the big club once Brassard leaves for big bucks next off season. For now he's just an injury replacement kind of player.
- Barnaby36

I wouldn’t get your hopes up

I wouldn’t get your hopes up
- Rinosaur

I wouldn't expect anything of positive coming from you when you have to give an opinion lol that's ok. Just hopping for the best out of Blueger.

And from last blog. A big HELL NO on Lucic, it isn't 2012. And his contract is ridiculous...even at 50% retained.
- 668710

Honestly, I think Lucic is a prideful guy. He realizes the game is getting faster and I think he is going to adjust his training and game to better fit in today's NHL. I believe he is going to have a huge rebound season wherever he ends up playing.

I'd be cool with the Pens getting him if it was the right deal. He would be a great LW for Malkin. Lucic-Malkin-Sprong could end up being an amazing line.

If you can do Sheary for Lucic with $1.5M retained or something similar I'd be good with it.

I wouldn't expect anything of positive coming from you when you have to give an opinion lol that's ok. Just hopping for the best out of Blueger.
- Barnaby36

It's just a reality of the NHL. If this were the 90's or even early 2000's I'd say he probably has a good chance. Back then there was a major gap between the top six and the bottom six.

Not that this is any sort of revelation, but the gap between the 2nd and 3rd line has closed dramatically and continues to close. The gap between the 3rd and 4th line much bigger, so there's less opportunity for guys like Blueger.

Like you said, he's an injury call-up for right now, but I think that's his ceiling in this organization. If Brassard leaves, you can bet your bottom dollar the Pens won't attempt to do what they did last season.

Honestly, I think Lucic is a prideful guy. He realizes the game is getting faster and I think he is going to adjust his training and game to better fit in today's NHL. I believe he is going to have a huge rebound season wherever he ends up playing.

I'd be cool with the Pens getting him if it was the right deal. He would be a great LW for Malkin. Lucic-Malkin-Sprong could end up being an amazing line.

If you can do Sheary for Lucic with $1.5M retained or something similar I'd be good with it.
- MacPatty

LOL what?!?! I think people are focusing too much on the money and while the money is bad enough, it's his contract length. JR barely likes going more than four years on players he likes lol. He's going to take on declining player who doesn't fit this system for FIVE YEARS?

Kessel gets a lot flak for his 200ft game, but trust me when I tell you it's actually better than Lucic's 200ft game and the Pens are considering moving a player who put up 92 points and could have possibly won the CS for them at one point because of his 200ft game.

Every off-season is the same around here and I get where it's coming from. Each off-season Pens' fans talk about acquiring a big physical power forward because the Pens lack any real physical presence, get pushed around or need someone to protect Sid/Geno, etc... That argument went on while the Pens were on their way to two cups in a row and their respective off-seasons.

Looking at this cup, the Knights were actually the team who typically played that physically imposing game, not the Caps. Yeah, the Caps have Wilson, Oshie and a couple of other guys who throw the body around, but they didn't match up physically to the Vegas. They played a smart skill game and it threw Vegas off... just like the Pens did two years in a row against teams who were much bigger than they were.

Is there an argument to be made that the Pens could use a little more size and grit? Sure, but Lucic is an extreme that the Pens not only don't need or want; he doesn't fit their system one iota.

Get someone more in the mold of Kunitz, not Lucic. If there isn't anyone out there then go with what you have. Lucic is widely regarded as one of the worst contracts around the league and it's not just because of the money.

Every off-season is the same around here and I get where it's coming from. Each off-season Pens' fans talk about acquiring a big physical power forward because the Pens lack any real physical presence, get pushed around or need someone to protect Sid/Geno, etc... That argument went on while the Pens were on their way to two cups in a row and their respective off-seasons.

Looking at this cup, the Knights were actually the team who typically played that physically imposing game, not the Caps. Yeah, the Caps have Wilson, Oshie and a couple of other guys who throw the body around, but they didn't match up physically to the Vegas. They played a smart skill game and it threw Vegas off... just like the Pens did two years in a row against teams who were much bigger than they were.

Is there an argument to be made that the Pens could use a little more size and grit? Sure, but Lucic is an extreme that the Pens not only don't need or want; he doesn't fit their system one iota.

Get someone more in the mold of Kunitz, not Lucic. If there isn't anyone out there then go with what you have. Lucic is widely regarded as one of the worst contracts around the league and it's not just because of the money.
- Rinosaur

I don't think it's about protecting the stars though. We are a small, soft team. We saw what difference a first net from presence made in Hornqvist.

It's just balancing he roster with a power forward...some combo of size to win board battles...forechecking...net front...etc. could help this team.

Doesn't have to be Lucic of course.

Honestly, I think Lucic is a prideful guy. He realizes the game is getting faster and I think he is going to adjust his training and game to better fit in today's NHL. I believe he is going to have a huge rebound season wherever he ends up playing.

I'd be cool with the Pens getting him if it was the right deal. He would be a great LW for Malkin. Lucic-Malkin-Sprong could end up being an amazing line.

If you can do Sheary for Lucic with $1.5M retained or something similar I'd be good with it.
- MacPatty

I just don't like the term of that contract even at 50% retained. Now what was said earlier if he happened to be bought out and was available at the right price and term yes I would take him.

I just don't like the term of that contract even at 50% retained. Now what was said earlier if he happened to be bought out and was available at the right price and term yes I would take him.
- 668710

Yes, the term sucks for sure. But there will always be a team out there that will eat his contract for a 2nd round pick in a few years if it comes to that.

Again, not saying the Pens should be all in on Lucic, just there was a trade that made sense, he could have a big, positive impact on the team.