Yes, but Letang is here for life and if some of these kids are as good as we thing they are, there is no point keeping them on the 5/6 and playing them 15 minutes a game

2 of these guys will likely have to me moved before their 2nd contract kicks in and they become too expensive for the 5/6

Maatta is going to cost at least 5 million on his next contract - Think 6 years 30 million..... thats 1 more season away....
- RoloTahmasee

OK negative Nellie's..damn.

Just thinking about next season and replacing both the players and the salaries of martin and Scuderi.

And to your comment about them being "not as good as we think they are". I'll bet at least 1 of the three nNHL unproven blue chippers are as good as we think....and that's all we really need.

read again, I didn't say they wouldn't be as good as we thing they are, I said If they are as good as we think they are...

The shorty that was given up was a flashback to the series against the Flyers. Players attempting to get far too cute at the blueline and end up giving the puck away.

If there was anything Shero was right about, it was having 8 quality NHL defensemen going into the playoffs. Letang/Maatta/Martin/Ehrhoff/Despres/Bortuzzo/Scuderi and then one from among Harrington/Pouliot/Dumoulin is slightly overkill, but it's a long time between now and May, and those last three are all unproven, especially if it's expected for them to be contributors in the playoffs.

I don't think the return on Despres would be great. I mean, folks are excited because he made a nice pass, but the reality is that he doesn't kill penalties (22 seconds all year) and isn't helpful on the PP (Scuderi had more PP time than he did tonight). And he also takes the majority of his shifts with Crosby or Malkin's lines.

I like the idea of Despres, I just wish he had a better hockey IQ, was more decisive, and maximized his talents. Maatta's coming absence is going to be his big chance.
- hardnosed

I wish our whole team had a higher hockey IQ. Especially Letang.

http://dkonpittsburghspor...simon-says-neednt-pretty/

Good to read something good about the kid.

http://dkonpittsburghsports.com/2014/10/28/column-simon-says-neednt-pretty/

Good to read something good about the kid.
- kgrpitt

Nice article, sounds like Despres has found his confidence. I'm just glad he finally is getting his chance. That big frame and young legs will be much needed in the playoffs. I'm also happy for him. It's been a tough road. Sounds like some players who left did not support him, I wonder who? Neil? Stempniak? Orpik? Nisky?

Nice article, sounds like Despres has found his confidence. I'm just glad he finally is getting his chance. That big frame and young legs will be much needed in the playoffs. I'm also happy for him. It's been a tough road. Sounds like some players who left did not support him, I wonder who? Neil? Stempniak? Orpik? Nisky?
- powerhouse

Yeah, that was a curious statement he made. It was obvious the management didn't support him but when DK said a player didn't was a bit odd. Who knows.

Nice article, sounds like Despres has found his confidence. I'm just glad he finally is getting his chance. That big frame and young legs will be much needed in the playoffs. I'm also happy for him. It's been a tough road. Sounds like some players who left did not support him, I wonder who? Neil? Stempniak? Orpik? Nisky?
- powerhouse

I think Orpik, Nisky, and Neal leaving were addition by subtraction. Team already has a different vibe to it. I like what I'm seeing so far with the tangible aspects of this bunch.

Also love that 47 is getting the playing time. I think we all agree it was a bit overdue. As I've said before, I want him in there every night for at minimum 40 games to see what he has regardless of how he plays (unless he totally sharts the bed which I don't think he will).

I think he has steadily improved each game and has survived some rough patches. Cant wait to see him come March.

The Despres hate is baffling I thought he had a very strong game last night.

Man is that gonna be a female dog when contract season rolls around...

Sorry if that put a downer on your love fest. I've had a long day.
- Victoro311

Another reason why Maatta's next contract is important. It will set the ceiling on all of the other young defensemen at least for a few years.

The Despres hate is baffling I thought he had a very strong game last night.
- dbell646

It's getting ridiculous. As if he was responsible for all the even strenght goals we had against. Let the horse play. He's THAT good.

The Despres hate is baffling I thought he had a very strong game last night.
- dbell646

It's strange. Like the comment about a higher "hockey IQ". It's like people expect him to be play like he's 28 when he's 23. I don't know what his ceiling ultimately is, but it's refreshing to see the new coaching staff sticking with him through the rough patches. Instead of tearing him down like Dan obviously did, HCMJ seems to be coaching him up.

DK's article is spot on.

It's strange. Like the comment about a higher "hockey IQ". It's like people expect him to be play like he's 28 when he's 23. I don't know what his ceiling ultimately is, but it's refreshing to see the new coaching staff sticking with him through the rough patches. Instead of tearing him down like Dan obviously did, HCMJ seems to be coaching him up.

DK's article is spot on.
- madmike71

Always remember he's paired with Scuderi (even though he's been a lot better lately - the Despres effect?)

Right now Despres is an above average 3rd pairing guy.

Always remember he's paired with Scuderi (even though he's been a lot better lately - the Despres effect?)

Right now Despres is an above average 3rd pairing guy.
- Barnaby36

Was it the Crosby goal he jumped up as the 4th forward? It was a great decision and led to a goal.

Holy moley, was eight goals really necessary?

The Despres hate is baffling I thought he had a very strong game last night.
- dbell646

Neither do i. He is still a kid, and has the potential to be a top 4, if not top pairing guy for a long time. People seem to forget he is still a kid, only 23. He still has a lot of room to grow, but the size and speed combo are something you rarely see. He is going to be a stud.

Always remember he's paired with Scuderi (even though he's been a lot better lately - the Despres effect?)

Right now Despres is an above average 3rd pairing guy.
- Barnaby36

I agree. I'm really hoping Bortz and Despres becomes our 3rd pair. Big, physical with the ability to skate.........and not inept offensively. Lefty/Righty too.

Neither do i. He is still a kid, and has the potential to be a top 4, if not top pairing guy for a long time. People seem to forget he is still a kid, only 23. He still has a lot of room to grow, but the size and speed combo are something you rarely see. He is going to be a stud.
- cap1681

I love that he is being physical. Be curious to see if he takes Maata's spot and if so how he performs.

I agree. I'm really hoping Bortz and Despres becomes our 3rd pair. Big, physical with the ability to skate.........and not inept offensively. Lefty/Righty too.
- madmike71

When Maatta goes out:

Letang – Martin
Ehrhoff – Despres
Bortuzzo – Scuderi

That's the most probable lineup we'll see..

How about players "not supporting" #47? Sounds like #44 was afraid of losing his spot in the lineup.

Holy moley, was eight goals really necessary?
- BulliesPhan87

Did you see the first 9 seconds?

I love that he is being physical. Be curious to see if he takes Maata's spot and if so how he performs.
- dbell646

I always saw him as the perfect partner for Letang. Big, physical, but can skate with Letang and be his defensive security blanket.

I like Despres a ton and have been defending him for a while, but lets not get too carried away about his ice time. He is playing very strong in so many areas, but he needs to chill with the minor penalties. He can't take 82 minors in a season, that is not top four.

IMO, that is the only thing keeping him from jumping to the next level of play. He is really starting to put things together nicely.

Did you see the first 9 seconds?
- usethe1-2-2

Naw, I only caught the Flyers last night. We had a p good game ourselves. Summary pls

When Maatta goes out:

Letang – Martin
Ehrhoff – Despres
Bortuzzo – Scuderi

That's the most probable lineup we'll see..

How about players "not supporting" #47? Sounds like #44 was afraid of losing his spot on the lineup.
- Barnaby36

I remember hearing years ago that Orpik was kind of tough on younger guys. Not sure how valid that is......but it wouldn't be helpful that's for sure.

Still, for me, the bulk of the blame goes to the previous coaching staff. It never made sense to me how they treated THEIR first round pick.

Naw, I only caught the Flyers last night. We had a p good game ourselves. Summary pls
- BulliesPhan87

First shot on goal for the devils was a goal. They went up 3-1. We didn't like that. Scored 7 more.

Craig Adams scored... It was one of those nights.


Big win for you guys last night.