The dog days of summer are coming to a close and in just a few days training camp will begin (September 18 for Pittsburgh).
With that comes the return of speculation and rumors regarding team plans as the season wears on.
Today Darren Dreger was discussing the Pittsburgh Penguins defense corp.
Dreger: "I wouldn't be surprised to see Rutherford in the market for a top 4 D, but that's not an immediate need." #Pens 1050
— Chris Nichols (@NicholsOnHockey) September 15, 2015
On the #Pens D note, Dreger says in general he thinks teams will take their time, see what they have, then make their decisions in-season.
— Chris Nichols (@NicholsOnHockey) September 15, 2015
Nothing ground breaking. This seems to maintain the stance that Jim Rutherford has mentioned a few times over the summer. Pittsburgh is holding out hope that a couple of unknowns will be able to eat up minutes in an elevated role.
This does put Pittsburgh at risk because if things don't work out with the current personnel they will have to enter the trade waters which is never great as far as asset management is concerned. Taking care of perceived roster holes in the summer time is most times a lot cheaper and effective than trying to do so mid-season, especially when the trade deadline nears. Just look at some of the trades from last deadline that included players like Jiri Tlusty, Marek Zidlicky, Sean Bergenheim, Curtis Glencross, Lee Stempniak. They are all now looking at signing measly PTO contracts. However, all of these players merited mid range draft picks during the season last year.
Some random Penguins related material:
#AirGeno pic.twitter.com/VNqKiUsfcV
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) September 14, 2015
Gonchar let a little boy sit on his shoulders during season ticket holder delivery. Gonchar: "I miss my kids." Geno: "You don't miss me?"
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) September 14, 2015
Media: "How is riding the elevator with fans?" @PKessel81: "It has its ups and downs." pic.twitter.com/jKsnKZNix4
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) September 14, 2015
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