I like the idea, IF Marty comes in for a minimum AND the Pens plan to keep Fleury long-term (i.e. next 3-5 years)...otherwise, trade out Fleury get some assests and signup a FA goalie of about equal calibre. Personally, I think it would be too much locker-room change to do so, hence, keep Fleury and bring in Marty, who is also likely a good vocal person in the locker room and mentor with a winning background who commands respect.

Otherwise, Letang: would love to see him moved out for a more all-around D...or at least somebody like Yandle who is ~$2mil less per season and about equal skill. Neal is likely out, too one dimensional and ill-reported off-ice issues causing some problems personally and with the team. Would like to see Neal for Kesler-based deal, but don't think that will happen.

If they think goaltending in Pitts is the problem then getting Brodeur should not be the solution. Their defence is crap. They need to fix that before ridding themselves of fleury.

I think he has a little bit more in the tank than people think. I haven't really seen a whole lot of Zatkoff to form an opinion on to know if he is a legit backup in the league or not. I don't think it's necessarily a bad idea have 2 cup winning goalies to go forward with come next post season.

But the key point through out the whole blog was the last sentence about Crosby loving it.

Hell hath no fury like a woman scorn. Whatever Cindy wants, Cindy gets.
- Pelle31Forever

Zatkoff is a legit backup. The question is: is Fleury a legit starter for a Stanley cup contender? I say yes, but others would debate.

I like the idea, IF Marty comes in for a minimum AND the Pens plan to keep Fleury long-term (i.e. next 3-5 years)...otherwise, trade out Fleury get some assests and signup a FA goalie of about equal calibre. Personally, I think it would be too much locker-room change to do so, hence, keep Fleury and bring in Marty, who is also likely a good vocal person in the locker room and mentor with a winning background who commands respect.

Otherwise, Letang: would love to see him moved out for a more all-around D...or at least somebody like Yandle who is ~$2mil less per season and about equal skill. Neal is likely out, too one dimensional and ill-reported off-ice issues causing some problems personally and with the team. Would like to see Neal for Kesler-based deal, but don't think that will happen.
- mventres

Letang is solid in his own end and is never!!! physically overmatched. When healthy he is a Norris Trophy candidate.. his weakness is bad turnovers (so is D Doughty's by the way). Yandle is week in his own end and not as good on offense... no thank you!!!

Letang is solid in his own end and is never!!! physically overmatched. When healthy he is a Norris Trophy candidate.. his weakness is bad turnovers (so is D Doughty's by the way). Yandle is week in his own end and not as good on offense... no thank you!!!
- Brianandr1

I would rather have Yandle on my team if I had a choice. Not a better player but a better value contract...and way healthier.

Letang is solid in his own end and is never!!! physically overmatched. When healthy he is a Norris Trophy candidate.. his weakness is bad turnovers (so is D Doughty's by the way). Yandle is week in his own end and not as good on offense... no thank you!!!
- Brianandr1

We appear to be watching different players.

I would rather have Yandle on my team if I had a choice. Not a better player but a better value contract...and way healthier.
- Jeropotato

100% Bubba you are the real.

Zatkoff is a legit backup. The question is: is Fleury a legit starter for a Stanley cup contender? I say yes, but others would debate.
- cranktheradio

Sorry but Zatkoff sucks. Good AHL goalie, not good NHL backup. If Broduer would sign one year at league minimum, and we could either let Vokoun go LTIR or his contract is done, and we could send Zatkoff down I say do it. It gives Fleury a French Canadian who might be the best goalie of all time, to lean on. I mean look what Roy did for Valramov this year? Ultimately though Fleury isn't what cost us last year. It was the 3rd and 4th lines.

While I am in favor of this it all comes down to how long and how much, and what do you do with the other two goalies? At that point move on to what is needed to be done, strengthening 3rd and 4th lines, getting rid of Scudari and possibly Letang, and finally moving Neal for another winger if he is unhappy or wants out as the rumors are saying he is not happy with everything here.

Move on from the whiners like Neal and get some guys in here with skill and heart, not just skill.

We appear to be watching different players.
- Yeti1181

Do you actually watch Penguins games???? There is no question Letang makes horrible turnovers, especially at the blue line. Its also true that he has had injury issues and a large contract. Still, when healthy he is a top 15-20 d man in the league. Better in the d zone then any of you are giving him credit for... Dynamic at times on offense.

Do you actually watch Penguins games???? There is no question Letang makes horrible turnovers, especially at the blue line. Its also true that he has had injury issues and a large contract. Still, when healthy he is a top 15-20 d man in the league. Better in the d zone then any of you are giving him credit for... Dynamic at times on offense.
- Brianandr1

He has very poor defensive zone coverage his offense is what saves him as he's able to get quick passes out but as solely defensive abilities I would not rank him highly like I said it's his offensive instincts are what save him.

Sorry but Zatkoff sucks. Good AHL goalie, not good NHL backup. If Broduer would sign one year at league minimum, and we could either let Vokoun go LTIR or his contract is done, and we could send Zatkoff down I say do it. It gives Fleury a French Canadian who might be the best goalie of all time, to lean on. I mean look what Roy did for Valramov this year? Ultimately though Fleury isn't what cost us last year. It was the 3rd and 4th lines.

While I am in favor of this it all comes down to how long and how much, and what do you do with the other two goalies? At that point move on to what is needed to be done, strengthening 3rd and 4th lines, getting rid of Scudari and possibly Letang, and finally moving Neal for another winger if he is unhappy or wants out as the rumors are saying he is not happy with everything here.

Move on from the whiners like Neal and get some guys in here with skill and heart, not just skill.
- crebar

???? He had one bad game last season in FLorida. Unless 12 6 with a .912 GAA sucks) Otherwise he was solid in a very limited role (MAF started 60+ games).

Do you actually watch Penguins games???? There is no question Letang makes horrible turnovers, especially at the blue line. Its also true that he has had injury issues and a large contract. Still, when healthy he is a top 15-20 d man in the league. Better in the d zone then any of you are giving him credit for... Dynamic at times on offense.
- Brianandr1

..and that is the rub right there.

He has very poor defensive zone coverage his offense is what saves him as he's able to get quick passes out but as solely defensive abilities I would not rank him highly like I said it's his offensive instincts are what save him.
- Yeti1181

Drew Doughty and SHea Weber he is not! However, This this is not true!!! Letang is solid on d, often plays against the other teams top guys and the PP kill.

Drew Doughty and SHea Weber he is not! This this is not true!!! Letang is solid on d, often plays against the other teams top guys and the PP kill.
- Brianandr1

Yes he does and i stated his offensive instincts are what save him not his defensive acumen.

..and that is the rub right there.
- Jeropotato

Agreed and lets be realistic... Who is taking Letang's contract at this point and giving the Pens equal value in return? Its not happening. Shero could have moved him last summer... and did not.

Agreed and lets be realistic... Who is taking Letang's contract at this point and giving the Pens equal value in return? Its not happening. Shero could have moved him last summer... and did not.
- Brianandr1

Agreed dealing him before the contract would have been more beneficial to them. If he stays healthy this season they may be able to get good quality value back.

Agreed dealing him before the contract would have been more beneficial to them. If he stays healthy this season they may be able to get good quality value back.
- Yeti1181

He there to stay. Martin is in the last year of his deal. Scuderi sucked last season. Orpik and Nisk will walk. Leaves MAATA, Depres, and bortuzzo. Along with Prospects like Poulliot, Harrington and Dumollin (all of which the Pens like, but their kids)

He there to stay. Martin is in the last year of his deal. Scuderi sucked last season. Orpik and Nisk will walk. Leaves MAATA, Depres, and bortuzzo. Along with Prospects like Poulliot, Harrington and Dumollin (all of which the Pens like, but their kids)
- Brianandr1

Ouch yeah they need to aquire another veteran.

Ouch yeah they need to aquire another veteran.
- Yeti1181

Why do we not hear much about re-signing Niskanen? Has he made it loud and clear he is testing the market? Or is this just something that hasn't been addressed due to the management changes taking priority?

???? He had one bad game last season in FLorida. Unless 12 6 with a .912 GAA sucks) Otherwise he was solid in a very limited role (MAF started 60+ games).
- Brianandr1

Just because her put up good stat lines does not mean he is a good goalie. MAF has put up unbelievable stat lines and he is constantly considered under-par in relations to regular season and playoffs. You can't honestly tell me you would be more comfortable with Zatkoff taking over for MAF than say Brodeur or Vokoun?

As far as Letang is concerned, yes you are not going to get back full value, and I get that you don't trade him unless you get "good" value, but his $7 million could be used in such better ways. He is not Doughy or Webber and that is the point. He should be making $5 million not $7 million and that's what hurts us.

We could have Yandle at $5 million, have arguably the same D-man, and $2 million for a good to great 3rd line guy.

I think that was Shero's biggest problem. He handcuffed himself and the Pens with the Letang and Fleury deals, along with signing Scudari. He should have let youth take over with Despres and Doumalin on the back end.

Why do we not hear much about re-signing Niskanen? Has he made it loud and clear he is testing the market? Or is this just something that hasn't been addressed due to the management changes taking priority?
- Jeropotato

NO idea but it be good for the Oilers too at least take a flyer on him.

Toronto seems to be the better fit IMO, if they can get rid of Phaneuf's contract. He could potentially "be" a mentor for Bernier. Pittsburgh doesn't make any sense, they need forwards and are a cap floor team. And I'm pretty sure Reimer can snag you a late 1st rounder...

He needs to just retire and keep the little dignity he has left in check....
- Iggysbff

He left his dignity inside his sister in law

This. Have people even been watching this guy? He's looked awful for 3 years. If his name wasn't Brodeur he would have been outright released long ago.

Marty...just stop.
- djamon

Silly Leafs fan, Brodeur got the Devils 2 wins from their 4th Cup in 17 seasons just 2 years ago, and he was not awful at all. It was because of his (and Kovy's) injuries and hedberg not playing well, that NJ missed the playoffs the following season, tho he was obviously in decline. Last year he had some good games but overall was not very good. He wants to play, wants 700, wants another ring, and probably needs the money. .. but the guy really should retire.

He left his dignity inside his sister in law
- sbroads24

Thanks for setting the record straight