Dallas's top 9 - Spezza, Seguin, Benn, Hemsky, Nichushkin, Cole, Eakin, Roussell, Garbutt.

It would be hard to crack that top 9 right now.

They are thin at defense. It just seems like it makes sense.
- cap1681

they are actively trying to get rid off gonchar as well. This really only makes sense for them if its a deadline deal and they are right in the mix.

As someone who has watched nearly all of Nick's pro career let me tell you a little more about him.

He broke into the league at age 20 on basically his defensive acumen alone. His hockey IQ is extremely high and he is in the right place defensively way more often than not, many times unexpectedly to the other team. Last season, he was allowed to get more playing time and use his hockey IQ on the offensive side of the puck. On the powerplay, he was used as a mirror image of Hornqvist and he is actually a very similar player to him overall except he can play all forward positions and can be on the top PK unit if need be.

The above average fan loves to go on and on about possession numbers but we all know there is so much more to a player's complete game than that.

Since Nick's first full season in the NHL, he has never been below 28th in the NHL turnover differential. The guy is a puck hawk and someone you would want on the ice at the end of a game to help close it out, something the Penguins have struggled with. Have you seen the names of the people surrounding him on these lists? You'd want nearly every single one of them on your team.

http://www.sportingcharts...turnover-plus-minus/2013/

If you were to ask Barry Trotz who the most underrated forward on the Predators was the past two seasons, I think without a doubt from a coaching perspective he would be it. There is a reason the Penguins targeted him and the reason they are ok losing other players in place of him.

I feel that their plan is actually to have him take over Dupius' spot on the top line. If not by the end of this season, without a doubt by next I can see him getting his shot there. Dupius is not getting any younger (35) or healthier.

Spaling really doesn't look all that special on paper but he is very good and extremely underrated. Hornqvist is awesome at what he does but he is probably close to his ceiling already.

In time, Spaling could actually be the surprise of this trade and without a doubt has the ability to play top line offensive and shut down minutes and score 25+ goals in this league. Penguins fans will be extremely surprised at his all around ability.

As someone who has watched nearly all of Nick's pro career let me tell you a little more about him.

He broke into the league at age 20 on basically his defensive acumen alone. His hockey IQ is extremely high and he is in the right place defensively way more often than not, many times unexpectedly to the other team. Last season, he was allowed to get more playing time and use his hockey IQ on the offensive side of the puck. On the powerplay, he was used as a mirror image of Hornqvist and he is actually a very similar player to him overall except he can play all forward positions and can be on the top PK unit if need be.

The above average fan loves to go on and on about possession numbers but we all know there is so much more to a player's complete game than that.

Since Nick's first full season in the NHL, he has never been below 28th in the NHL turnover differential. The guy is a puck hawk and someone you would want on the ice at the end of a game to help close it out, something the Penguins have struggled with. Have you seen the names of the people surrounding him on these lists? You'd want nearly every single one of them on your team.

http://www.sportingcharts...turnover-plus-minus/2013/

If you were to ask Barry Trotz who the most underrated forward on the Predators was the past two seasons, I think without a doubt from a coaching perspective he would be it. There is a reason the Penguins targeted him and the reason they are ok losing other players in place of him.

I feel that their plan is actually to have him take over Dupius' spot on the top line. If not by the end of this season, without a doubt by next I can see him getting his shot there. Dupius is not getting any younger (35) or healthier.

Spaling really doesn't look all that special on paper but he is very good and extremely underrated. Hornqvist is awesome at what he does but he is probably close to his ceiling already.

In time, Spaling could actually be the surprise of this trade and without a doubt has the ability to play top line offensive and shut down minutes and score 25+ goals in this league. Penguins fans will be extremely surprised at his all around ability.
- brandon49

Thanks for the info

I just want JR to get both Sutter and Spalling signed. Multiple years at good rates, preferably 1.8 - 2 for Spalling and 3.1 - 3.3 for Sutter.

That will leave us with roughly a million in cap space going into the season. We got a couple bargain deals at this point, not sure why we need anymore. Get some long term 3rd line quality onto the team and see what they can do.

To the guy complaining about stats: your logic doesn't make sense. Stats don't change what your "eye test" shows you; they just objectively show you what's been going on. Don't be shocked if he's terrible; people saw it coming. There's nothing that could have been learned by watching him play that doesn't show up in these stats. He didn't score 13 goals on paper and 25 in real life. His possession numbers indicate that when he was on the ice, opposing teams are outshooting his team; that wouldn't change by watching him play.
- isles10289

.... so why have scouts. may aswell just grab a pile of stats off the internet and make a decision that way. There is no such thing as a contributing factors. Like a crazy hard division (COL, ST.Louis, Chi) just have to chuckle a little bit. Line mates. time against top lines. lol sounds like youve been playing NHL 2014 GM mode too much.

As someone who has watched nearly all of Nick's pro career let me tell you a little more about him.

He broke into the league at age 20 on basically his defensive acumen alone. His hockey IQ is extremely high and he is in the right place defensively way more often than not, many times unexpectedly to the other team. Last season, he was allowed to get more playing time and use his hockey IQ on the offensive side of the puck. On the powerplay, he was used as a mirror image of Hornqvist and he is actually a very similar player to him overall except he can play all forward positions and can be on the top PK unit if need be.

The above average fan loves to go on and on about possession numbers but we all know there is so much more to a player's complete game than that.

Since Nick's first full season in the NHL, he has never been below 28th in the NHL turnover differential. The guy is a puck hawk and someone you would want on the ice at the end of a game to help close it out, something the Penguins have struggled with. Have you seen the names of the people surrounding him on these lists? You'd want nearly every single one of them on your team.

http://www.sportingcharts...turnover-plus-minus/2013/

If you were to ask Barry Trotz who the most underrated forward on the Predators was the past two seasons, I think without a doubt from a coaching perspective he would be it. There is a reason the Penguins targeted him and the reason they are ok losing other players in place of him.

I feel that their plan is actually to have him take over Dupius' spot on the top line. If not by the end of this season, without a doubt by next I can see him getting his shot there. Dupius is not getting any younger (35) or healthier.

Spaling really doesn't look all that special on paper but he is very good and extremely underrated. Hornqvist is awesome at what he does but he is probably close to his ceiling already.

In time, Spaling could actually be the surprise of this trade and without a doubt has the ability to play top line offensive and shut down minutes and score 25+ goals in this league. Penguins fans will be extremely surprised at his all around ability.
- brandon49

Thanks for your thoughts on Spalling.

.... so why have scouts. may aswell just grab a pile of stats off the internet and make a decision that way. There is no such thing as a contributing factors. Like a crazy hard division (COL, ST.Louis, Chi) just have to chuckle a little bit. Line mates. time against top lines. lol sounds like youve been playing NHL 2014 GM mode too much.
- kiddels2

how about personal issues... family deaths-illness-injuries. teachable/coachable issues vs. basic talent issues.... all need to go into consideration

Dallas's top 9 - Spezza, Seguin, Benn, Hemsky, Nichushkin, Cole, Eakin, Roussell, Garbutt.

It would be hard to crack that top 9 right now.

They are thin at defense. It just seems like it makes sense.
- cap1681

Their top 9 is filthy.

I think it makes sense as well in the sense that they would want Martin and have an expendable wing prospect. Ritchie is the type of prospect I would love in return for Martin. I really like the idea of a young top 6 wing close to or at the NHL level (Ritchie/Coyle/Tatar). Ritchie would have to play this year or else it doesn't make our team better for the coming season.

I believe Spezza is a one year deal though so this would most likely hurt them next year. Depends on how "win-now" Dallas is. Biggest issue is Dallas might not have the cap room for Martin. They have $7M in space and a number of guys still to sign.

I don't think trading Martin at the deadline really makes much sense from the Pens perspective, other than it definitely opens up options because virtually everyone could afford him as a rental.

My random trade proposal of the day:

Martin to Dallas for Brett Ritchie and a 2nd.

Ritchie is a young (just turned 21), big bodied RWer who has yet to play in the NHL, but is really close and has produced at every level he's played at, including with the Calder cup winning Texas Stars last year.
- cap1681

In what way is this a good trade for us?

In what way is this a good trade for us?
- NoobasaurusRex

I'm not sure you would throw in a 2nd rounder....

but if you guys want to win a cup this year, you want Paul Martin on your team. He is a rock steady top pairing defenseman. I'm assuming Ritchie is expendable based on your team depth up front...but I will leave that analysis to a Stars fan

As someone who has watched nearly all of Nick's pro career let me tell you a little more about him.

He broke into the league at age 20 on basically his defensive acumen alone. His hockey IQ is extremely high and he is in the right place defensively way more often than not, many times unexpectedly to the other team. Last season, he was allowed to get more playing time and use his hockey IQ on the offensive side of the puck. On the powerplay, he was used as a mirror image of Hornqvist and he is actually a very similar player to him overall except he can play all forward positions and can be on the top PK unit if need be.

The above average fan loves to go on and on about possession numbers but we all know there is so much more to a player's complete game than that.

Since Nick's first full season in the NHL, he has never been below 28th in the NHL turnover differential. The guy is a puck hawk and someone you would want on the ice at the end of a game to help close it out, something the Penguins have struggled with. Have you seen the names of the people surrounding him on these lists? You'd want nearly every single one of them on your team.

http://www.sportingcharts...turnover-plus-minus/2013/

If you were to ask Barry Trotz who the most underrated forward on the Predators was the past two seasons, I think without a doubt from a coaching perspective he would be it. There is a reason the Penguins targeted him and the reason they are ok losing other players in place of him.

I feel that their plan is actually to have him take over Dupius' spot on the top line. If not by the end of this season, without a doubt by next I can see him getting his shot there. Dupius is not getting any younger (35) or healthier.

Spaling really doesn't look all that special on paper but he is very good and extremely underrated. Hornqvist is awesome at what he does but he is probably close to his ceiling already.

In time, Spaling could actually be the surprise of this trade and without a doubt has the ability to play top line offensive and shut down minutes and score 25+ goals in this league. Penguins fans will be extremely surprised at his all around ability.
- brandon49

Great info. We are all over the map with opinions on him but its nice to hear from those who have watched him play. I'd be really shocked if he makes his way into the top 6...but otherwise, plenty of attractive qualities.

Just got hacked. No idea if it's from this site but it was the only one I was on and I've been reading about more and more of this. Some cat from India currently fixing - and controlling - my computer. Thought you all should know.

They're top 9 is filthy.

I think it makes sense as well in the sense that they would want Martin and have an expendable wing prospect. Ritchie is the type of prospect I would love in return for Martin. I really like the idea of a young top 6 wing close to or at the NHL level (Ritchie/Coyle/Tatar). Ritchie would have to play this year or else it doesn't make our team better for the coming season.

I believe Spezza is a one year deal though so this would most likely hurt them next year. Depends on how "win-now" Dallas is. Biggest issue is Dallas might not have the cap room for Martin. They have $7M in space and a number of guys still to sign.

I don't think trading Martin at the deadline really makes much sense from the Pens perspective, other than it definitely opens up options because virtually everyone could afford him as a rental.
- YouMeAndDupuis9

And wouldn't that be why it makes sense?

I am for trying to re-sign him.

I am for trading him if the right value is returned and the Penguins feel and look like a team that can win without him (that's the sticking point right now I think).

We may not know that for a while...right?

We assume two young guys (Depres and Harrington or Dumoulin) can pull the load...and we assume Maatta will be back and play like he did before his injuries. We assume a lot of positive things sometimes.

Last year at this time...who would have assumed Maatta would have made the team and scored 9 goals and 29 points? Not very many people.

The point here is that you don't know...well...until you know.

What new GM would come in and trade the most reliable defensman (injuries aside)...for a top 6 forward? No GM wants to make that high risk play in the first off season.

Ryan the way you bash your posters on twitter is extremely douchey.

I'm not sure you would throw in a 2nd rounder....

but if you guys want to win a cup this year, you want Paul Martin on your team. He is a rock steady top pairing defenseman. I'm assuming Ritchie is expendable based on your team depth up front...but I will leave that analysis to a Stars fan
- YouMeAndDupuis9

I dont get that argument... if he is that (which he is) why wouldn't the pens keep him... arn't they in win now mode? Put it this way, would you trade derek pouliot for, say, bobby ryan if ryan stated he planned on testing the market after this season?

Just got hacked. No idea if it's from this site but it was the only one I was on and I've been reading about more and more of this. Some cat from India currently fixing - and controlling - my computer. Thought you all should know.
- Topshelf Mountain

Ryan the way you bash your posters on twitter is extremely douchey.
- dbell646

Twitter huh? I guess in HINDSIGHT it all makes sense now.

I dont get that argument... if he is that (which he is) why wouldn't the pens keep him... arn't they in win now mode? Put it this way, would you trade derek pouliot for, say, bobby ryan if ryan stated he planned on testing the market after this season?
- ChrisMS

If it fit with the salary cap, yes.

Being win-now is precisely why I'd want Ryan here.

Saying you planned on testing the market is only isolated to the team you are currently on. Martin might want out of Pit but like Dallas. Ryan may want out of Ottawa after this season but if he loves playing with Sid, he would be more likely to re-sign.

And Pouliot is superior value to Ritchie, btw.

If it fit with the salary cap, yes.

Saying you planned on testing the market is only isolated to the team you are currently on. Martin might want out of Pit but like Dallas. Ryan may want out of Ottawa after this season but if he loves playing with Sid, he would be more likely to re-sign.

And Pouliot is superior value to Ritchie, btw.
- YouMeAndDupuis9

closest comparison I could find. Point is There is no team right now that needs to do an offseason move of future good assets for a guy with one year left. Deadline deal? maybe. But for that to make sense to the pens you have to see the post I put up earlier.

Twitter huh? I guess in HINDSIGHT it all makes sense now.
- ChrisMS

Twitter huh? I guess in HINDSIGHT it all makes sense now.
- ChrisMS

You know...every sports columnist and blogger has essentially become...varying degrees of Mark Madden.

I'm pretty sure that sentence makes no sense but you probably know exactly what I mean.

Well 3 would add more depth then one. Gibby is a borderline NHL/AHL player the love affair with him is mind boggling.
- dbell646

Love affair accusations aside, Gibbons has half the cap hit (going off of Spaling's previous cap hit), so if the numbers say Gibbons was the better role player it makes sense to prefer him.

But that's all tangential, my point is hyperbolizing about Crosby doesn't hold water. What three players of equal cap hit to Crosby would make the team better than having Sid?

for the sake of the argument we have no idea if stemp and gibbons would beat spaling. (though I stand by my belief that gibbons leads the league in SHG this year)
- ChrisMS

We don't know if they'd beat him, but that doesn't mean you can't form an opinion based on the numbers. Maybe it all seems repetitive, but there isn't really much to write about in the summer. Gotta take what you can get, y'know?

closest comparison I could find. Point is There is no team right now that needs to do an offseason move of future good assets for a guy with one year left. Deadline deal? maybe. But for that to make sense to the pens you have to see the post I put up earlier.
- ChrisMS

No worries man, I just think it's a move that makes sense for us. Gives us flexibility with cap space, don't let Martin walk for nothing, strengthen what will be a really weak top 6 once kunitz and dupuis decline, etc. I'm probably over confident in the young kids and apprehensive Martin will be injured by the deadline. its all speculation

Twitter huh? I guess in HINDSIGHT it all makes sense now.
- ChrisMS

A+

Love affair accusations aside, Gibbons has half the cap hit (going off of Spaling's previous cap hit), so if the numbers say Gibbons was the better role player it makes sense to prefer him.

But that's all tangential, my point is hyperbolizing about Crosby doesn't hold water. What three players of equal cap hit to Crosby would make the team better than having Sid?


We don't know if they'd beat him, but that doesn't mean you can't form an opinion based on the numbers. Maybe it all seems repetitive, but there isn't really much to write about in the summer. Gotta take what you can get, y'know?
- BulliesPhan87

I can't respond to this I don't understand half the words