Also, there's the issue of this mustache:

Also, there's the issue of this mustache:


- hardnosed

Weak stache.

If his career is derailed because he is in the AHL right now he isn't a good player.

He isn't some kind of mental patient contrary to the belief of some in here.
- Ryan_Wilson

He's a 22 year old kid getting paid more than most of us here to play on a shutdown pairing in the AHL. He's fine...

A good insight on his play in WBS which alludes to some of his shortcomings:
http://triblive.com/mobil...0157-96/despres-baby-pens

The AHL is known as the league to develop defensemen. Plenty of very good NHL defensemen have spent a decent amount of time there working on their game.

He's a 22 year old kid getting paid more than most of us here to play on a shutdown pairing in the AHL. He's fine...

A good insight on his play in WBS which alludes to some of his shortcomings:
http://triblive.com/mobil...0157-96/despres-baby-pens
- rival22

Good article. Thanks!

Where's our ref?

Where's our ref?


- Ryan_Wilson

Buffalo dining on Dolphin?

You guys have always coveted Kulemin and I really really want Brooks Orpik plz
- HeadsUpChinDown

How about Kulemin for Bortuzzo.

Maatta has punched holes in all our theories. We thought Despres and Harrington would be the next Penguins defensemen, but how wrong we were.

The Penguins aren't the Browns, they are the Packers within your analogy. Not to mention Aaron Rodgers had to wait his turn much like Despres has.
- Ryan_Wilson

Rodgers had to wait, yes...but he didn't start, then get sent to the bench, then play in the CFL to open up the next season. Had that happen to Rodgers, I doubt he would be where he is today. I understand Despres has to be patient, but I also understand you can't jerk a 20 year old kid around....it does have an impact on them.

Rodgers had to wait, yes...but he didn't start, then get sent to the bench, then play in the CFL to open up the next season. Had that happen to Rodgers, I doubt he would be where he is today. I understand Despres has to be patient, but I also understand you can't jerk a 20 year old kid around....it does have an impact on them.
- Thorny

This "jerking around" is something that a lot young players deal with, the majority actually. Especially at the defense position.

Steelers looking good.

This "jerking around" is something that a lot young players deal with, the majority actually. Especially at the defense position.
- Ryan_Wilson

I think we all would like to see him given a chance. When I saw him two years ago in Wilkes Barre I was most impressed. Looks like consistency is his issue though he is a +6 and doing well but expectations are high for a player of that pedigree.

Is Letang still alive? I need him in the lineup for my pool

I think we all would like to see him given a chance. When I saw him two years ago in Wilkes Barre I was most impressed. Looks like consistency is his issue though he is a +6 and doing well but expectations are high for a player of that pedigree.
- powerhouse

That and he was passed by Bortuzzo and Maatta. These things happen, not a big deal.

Last year he should have played more, this year there are better options so far.

That and he was passed by Bortuzzo and Maatta. These things happen, not a big deal.

Last year he should have played more, this year there are better options so far.
- Ryan_Wilson

I guess they would like more snarl out of him, considering his size.

Looks like Wilkes Barre Pens won again in OT, making them 6-0. Impressive start. It appears in talking to my friends who go to the games they are most impressed with Harrington.

Steelers woooooo!!!!

Im almost to the point with letang that we might think about moving him. would save us a lot of money, it would save fluery a lot of nervous moments, plus the dude gets hurt every other day. don't get me wrong, I have a letang jersey, he is my second favorite player on the pens, but we could get so much outta him, and it looks like our defense is doing just fine with out him. plus we def don't need his point production, again we are scoring plenty of goals.

somebody smack me

Im almost to the point with letang that we might think about moving him. would save us a lot of money, it would save fluery a lot of nervous moments, plus the dude gets hurt every other day. don't get me wrong, I have a letang jersey, he is my second favorite player on the pens, but we could get so much outta him, and it looks like our defense is doing just fine with out him. plus we def don't need his point production, again we are scoring plenty of goals.

somebody smack me
- pensfan024

Pens schedule has been full of cupcakes so far this year. Saturday was their first major test and they were outplayed at even strength.

I don't agree that Despres has been mismanaged.

Despres made more gaffes per game last year than Maata's made all season.

Despres hadn't yet dominated at WBS. They're giving him a chance to do so right now while cleaning up his game. It fits with his learning curve in juniors that he might take a little longer to develop.
- hardnosed

He played every 3rd game. Not exactly how you develop a young player. I think that Bylsma did a terrible job playing guys like Engo and Eaton over him. The Pens were in the playoffs no matter what just like this year. If you're not playing him send him down like this year.

Im almost to the point with letang that we might think about moving him. would save us a lot of money, it would save fluery a lot of nervous moments, plus the dude gets hurt every other day. don't get me wrong, I have a letang jersey, he is my second favorite player on the pens, but we could get so much outta him, and it looks like our defense is doing just fine with out him. plus we def don't need his point production, again we are scoring plenty of goals.

somebody smack me
- pensfan024

I too would move Letang for the same reasons. Dude has been in the press box more times due to injuries. I wouldn't be surprised if he is moved in the offseason.

I think the value there would be pretty fair, but honestly, us taking oprik out of the lineup and locker room probably wouldn't do us much good.
- SuperHenderson13

Capwise we'd have to add in more. Maybe Gardiner and u throw in a pick.
Guy that suggested Bortuzzo for Kulie, done deal! Big stay at home with the right shot

He played every 3rd game. Not exactly how you develop a young player. I think that Bylsma did a terrible job playing guys like Engo and Eaton over him. The Pens were in the playoffs no matter what just like this year. If you're not playing him send him down like this year.
- lloyd095

Eaton was probably a better option than Despres but Engelland

Pens schedule has been full of cupcakes so far this year. Saturday was their first major test and they were outplayed at even strength.

I disagree, tampa is good, Carolina is good, plus I don't think we were outplayed at all even strength, just cause they had a high shot total, they were shootin from any and everywhere.

stop it

Pens schedule has been full of cupcakes so far this year. Saturday was their first major test and they were outplayed at even strength.

I disagree, tampa is good, Carolina is good, plus I don't think we were outplayed at all even strength, just cause they had a high shot total, they were shootin from any and everywhere.
- pensfan024

Stop it