Ryan Wilson: My thoughts on Penguins thoughts My thoughts on Penguins thoughts

It’s all lip service. Look at what he said about who last year and how fast they were gone. Hopefully he can find homes for Jarry and graves that aren’t Pittsburgh.

It’s all lip service. Look at what he said about who last year and how fast they were gone. Hopefully he can find homes for Jarry and graves that aren’t Pittsburgh.
- 10inchTerror

I was actually surprised he called some guys out. Whether it was lip service or not, these end-of-year things are usually just non-specific BS about "getting better".

No coaching changes is dumb. You can't roll out the same lame PP for 3/4 of the year and not lay that squarely on the coaches.

I think we're stuck with Graves, but think he'll try to move Jarry.

could be worse than sully. could have tortorella as coach

KD, as the VP/ GM, you do know that an increase in salary does not automatically translate to an increase in performance, right? I mean, theres a difference in paying for performance (actual) vs. "expected". Over paying for under achievement is not good optics. I'd be calling out a few fellas over my bad judgment as well. #gReAtLeAdeRsHip

Dubas is lucky and has another shot at retooling this roster. Cap increase, Carter’s contract gone. From his trade deadline quotes, it seems like Eller and Smith could possibly be moved. Team could have almost $15 mil in cap space for a couple top 6 wingers

I was actually surprised he called some guys out. Whether it was lip service or not, these end-of-year things are usually just non-specific BS about "getting better".

No coaching changes is dumb. You can't roll out the same lame PP for 3/4 of the year and not lay that squarely on the coaches.

I think we're stuck with Graves, but think he'll try to move Jarry.
- madmike71

If Jarry truly said he wanted to be on a different team I see him being gone. Graves I imagine if dubas can find someone. He was pretty blunt regarding graves. Sugar coated Jarry a bit.

I hope some assistant coaches go since we know sully is basically team manager. Smith I think is tradeable. With bunting looking could I would be happy with a 2LW semi reclamation project or a 3LW for him. Just hope we can do better than doc for Sid.

? - Sid - rust
Bunting - G - Rak
? - ? - ?
Doc - Eller - pulj

There should only be one really hard part to find out of those ?’s but we all know how rare a good 3C is here.if those players were in those positions I think they could perform pretty well.

I think realistically 1 of Smith, Rakell, and Accairi are gone. Smith still has Stanley cup fairy dust on him so hopefully he’s the guy to go. Eller is probably 3c again which I don’t think is a problem. Probably easier to find a 4c anyway. Let ATCh play wing. A fourth line that can consistently grind it out down low in the ozone is perfectly fine, as long as it’s consistent. My hope for the defense would be to roll back the same pairings but Graves will be there to at least start the year. Hopefully he gets a hair cut. Dude looks like a girl. Although the WPHL players play harder and more physical than he does.

If Jarry truly said he wanted to be on a different team I see him being gone. Graves I imagine if dubas can find someone. He was pretty blunt regarding graves. Sugar coated Jarry a bit.

I hope some assistant coaches go since we know sully is basically team manager. Smith I think is tradeable. With bunting looking could I would be happy with a 2LW semi reclamation project or a 3LW for him. Just hope we can do better than doc for Sid.

? - Sid - rust
Bunting - G - Rak
? - ? - ?
Doc - Eller - pulj

There should only be one really hard part to find out of those ?’s but we all know how rare a good 3C is here.if those players were in those positions I think they could perform pretty well.
- 10inchTerror

Not something I'd pencil in as a lock, but I think Yager could force his way onto the team with a strong camp as a mid-6 guy.

Dubas is lucky and has another shot at retooling this roster. Cap increase, Carter’s contract gone. From his trade deadline quotes, it seems like Eller and Smith could possibly be moved. Team could have almost $15 mil in cap space for a couple top 6 wingers
- drummer829

Yeah, if not for the cap increase he would have really screwed the pooch in year one. Still a good opportunity for us to build a contender.

My #1 target for the Pens (for the second year in a row) is Matt Duchene. He doesnt fit the "younger" motto but he can still fly and produce and also offers the flexibility of being able to play LW or center. Pencil in Duchene-Crosby-Rust.

If Edmonton flunks out of the playoffs early again, I'd be looking long and hard at deals with them. Obviously there are issues with Kane again. I think they are going to need to move Nurse if they are going to get Drai and McDavid locked up long term. Campbell is another issue for them, seems to have recovered in the AHL a bit.

It could never be this simple but Jarry, Graves & Rackell for Nurse, Kane and Campbell could be an interesting super change of scenery trade.

Jarry is much better than Campbell but marginally larger for longer cap hit. The buyout on Campbell isnt all that bad either.
Rackell is safer than Kane but Kane has much higher upside.
Nurse is way overpaid and overrated but an astronomical upgrade over Graves.
In this scenario the Pens would be taking on +$4M of cap space, which they can afford but maybe make Edmonton also take Accari since they are going to need roster players anyways. Stupid trade and I dont really like it but interesting.

Not something I'd pencil in as a lock, but I think Yager could force his way onto the team with a strong camp as a mid-6 guy.
- jmatchett383

I think so too. I think Smith-Eller-Yager actually sounds like a pretty good line if Yager can have a good offseason. He can shoot the puck and Smith and Eller are generally good two way players for him to ride with.

RW!!!

Thanks for all your coverage during the season (and offseason).

Some interesting quotes from Dubas. I think he's having a bit of a poker face on some guys like Smith. I expect him to be one of the first to go.

No changes to the coaching staff is interesting. I figured the assistants would be on the chopping block.

And since I'm bored before the playoffs, I'm making my picks:

Team I'd Like to Win the Cup: Hurricanes or Stars
Team I Think Will Win the Cup: Panthers
Conn Smythe Winner: Barkov
Favored Team that will lose in the first round: Rangers
Best First Round Series: Bruins/Leafs
How Far will the Oilers go: Western Conference Finals

Feel free to add more categories.

Some interesting quotes from Dubas. I think he's having a bit of a poker face on some guys like Smith. I expect him to be one of the first to go.

No changes to the coaching staff is interesting. I figured the assistants would be on the chopping block.

And since I'm bored before the playoffs, I'm making my picks:

Team I'd Like to Win the Cup: Hurricanes or Stars
Team I Think Will Win the Cup: Panthers
Conn Smythe Winner: Barkov
Favored Team that will lose in the first round: Rangers
Best First Round Series: Bruins/Leafs
How Far will the Oilers go: Western Conference Finals

Feel free to add more categories.
- SuperHenderson13

The bolded part would be such a cop out. If it’s not Sully it doesn’t matter.
I want Panthers to win. Most likable team from the bunch.

The bolded part would be such a cop out. If it’s not Sully it doesn’t matter.
I want Panthers to win. Most likable team from the bunch.
- Grinder47

Agreed on panthers.

I can remember my Dad telling me when I was young that he heard, or read somewhere, that Bowman said trying to get Mario, Jagr and Coffey to change their games was like trying to teach wolves table manners haha no idea if it was true but doesn't sound that far fetched.
- MattStrat

Pretty sure they got Bowman banned from practice. Imagine banning the most successful coach in history (even if his players largely hated him) and still winning the Cup.

Not something I'd pencil in as a lock, but I think Yager could force his way onto the team with a strong camp as a mid-6 guy.
- jmatchett383

From yesterday, Josh Yohe said the organization wants Yager to have a full year in the AHL. I agree with you, they should give him a serious look. That's just not how this coaching staff works though.

If Jarry truly said he wanted to be on a different team I see him being gone. Graves I imagine if dubas can find someone. He was pretty blunt regarding graves. Sugar coated Jarry a bit.

I hope some assistant coaches go since we know sully is basically team manager. Smith I think is tradeable. With bunting looking could I would be happy with a 2LW semi reclamation project or a 3LW for him. Just hope we can do better than doc for Sid.

? - Sid - rust
Bunting - G - Rak
? - ? - ?
Doc - Eller - pulj

There should only be one really hard part to find out of those ?’s but we all know how rare a good 3C is here.if those players were in those positions I think they could perform pretty well.
- 10inchTerror

I'd be pleasantly surprised if they can move Graves or Jarry. Agree about Smith.

I don't think they'll end up adding a top line LW and an entire third line. Pencil DOC in for a top nine spot and use money elsewhere.

I think Eller is the 3C or he is gone if they upgrade because I think the 4C will be between Poulin and Ponomarev (likely Poulin, had a better year and needs waivers). Not sure if Yager makes the team though this isn't where he plays. Accairi if he stays is in that 4C mix but maybe bumps out to Carter's spot which seems more natural than C for him.

Puustinen I'd like to upgrade. I wouldn't mind him or Pulj on the fourth line RW battle because they should have enough PKers elsewhere to add a little skill.

TLDR- I'd focus on a top line LW and a 3 RW and of there's anything left in the budget revisit 3C. They could use a big shot, preferably a righty, for the PP. Malkin has faded a bit and so they don't have anyone truly terrifying for a one timer.

From yesterday, Josh Yohe said the organization wants Yager to have a full year in the AHL. I agree with you, they should give him a serious look. That's just not how this coaching staff works though.
- Thunderbolt

That would be two years then since he can't play there yet. I'd suspect Yager needs at least one more year though I'd give him a chance in camp.

I'd have said Blomquist was a long shot to start in the NHL, but sounds like they are considering it.

That answered my three questions.

Dubas is staying as GM. I think that indicates Spezza is his first choice.

Reardon and Vellucci are staying. I really didn't get the vibe this was a lock.

Sid is resigning this off season.

IMO, keeping Sullivan only guarantees us another year of mediocracy. Has he ever improved our point total in his eight years here?

That would be two years then since he can't play there yet. I'd suspect Yager needs at least one more year though I'd give him a chance in camp.

I'd have said Blomquist was a long shot to start in the NHL, but sounds like they are considering it.
- Tojo.

Blomqvist is a long shot to start in the NHL. He can be the back up and still be in the AHL starting all the time. I'd rather he plays in WBS than sit in Pittsburgh. It is good that management is at least considering him.

As far as the junior situation, you have to start to wonder if drafting a kid from Canada is worth it. May be smarter to draft college kids or Euros where at least they are playing against tougher competition and improving their skills.

I'd be pleasantly surprised if they can move Graves or Jarry. Agree about Smith.

I don't think they'll end up adding a top line LW and an entire third line. Pencil DOC in for a top nine spot and use money elsewhere.

I think Eller is the 3C or he is gone if they upgrade because I think the 4C will be between Poulin and Ponomarev (likely Poulin, had a better year and needs waivers). Not sure if Yager makes the team though this isn't where he plays. Accairi if he stays is in that 4C mix but maybe bumps out to Carter's spot which seems more natural than C for him.

Puustinen I'd like to upgrade. I wouldn't mind him or Pulj on the fourth line RW battle because they should have enough PKers elsewhere to add a little skill.

TLDR- I'd focus on a top line LW and a 3 RW and of there's anything left in the budget revisit 3C. They could use a big shot, preferably a righty, for the PP. Malkin has faded a bit and so they don't have anyone truly terrifying for a one timer.
- Tojo.

I agree doc starts the year with Sid and we will probably see a pretty damn similar team in game 1 as we did game 82. I was just laying out, in regards to what we currently have, what could be an ideal setup that actually can compete. I think eller/doc/pulj would be an excellent 4th line that could at least get the puck deep, forecheck hard and cycle for a shift. The 2nd line seems set and Sid/rust are a good start to a top line. Screw the rest of the cast, replace em all.

Mostly good assessment from Mr Wilson. I’d only disagree about summer goalie market. It seems that there could be a lot of merry go round with that. A team might take a shot at a half time all star half time bum. Jersey la sj slc mon tor Ana warsh Philly. Hell. Nearly half the league is a goalie question mark.

I agree doc starts the year with Sid and we will probably see a pretty damn similar team in game 1 as we did game 82. I was just laying out, in regards to what we currently have, what could be an ideal setup that actually can compete. I think eller/doc/pulj would be an excellent 4th line that could at least get the puck deep, forecheck hard and cycle for a shift. The 2nd line seems set and Sid/rust are a good start to a top line. Screw the rest of the cast, replace em all.
- 10inchTerror

I'm might be alone on this, but I'm playing a lot of youth at the bottom and on D and just focusing hard on 2-3 forwards with most of my available cap space. The guy I go back and forth on is Eller who was a fine 3C but I wouldn't mind an upgrade who could play 2C if Sid or Geno misses time.

I only had DOC top 9. Preferably 3rd line, I'd only have him on first if it was to stretch out the line-up. I like the guy, but I hope he isn't one of our two best LWs next year.

I'm might be alone on this, but I'm playing a lot of youth at the bottom and on D and just focusing hard on 2-3 forwards with most of my available cap space. The guy I go back and forth on is Eller who was a fine 3C but I wouldn't mind an upgrade who could play 2C if Sid or Geno misses time.

I only had DOC top 9. Preferably 3rd line, I'd only have him on first if it was to stretch out the line-up. I like the guy, but I hope he isn't one of our two best LWs next year.
- Tojo.

Outside of doc and pulj I don’t really care for any of our depth. Puustinen can beat it, harkens, nieto meh. Acciari can be alright if he can play wing.

I’d target lindholm or monahan for Center. Doc was top line while they dominated those last couple weeks. I think it will be his spot to lose which does goes us 5m more to spend elsewhere vs when Jake was there.