Do we have any legitimate bangers in the pipeline who could be a legitimate bottom pairing defenseman in the near future? Ruopp, McNeill, Segalla, etc? Are they too far away from the NHL? Not good enough to be full time NHLers?

Just curious, dont know much about them.
- YouMeAndDupuis9

Redi Mcneil really could be an NHL player if he works hard and could get a bit meaner, he's 6'3", 210 pounds and a good skater with some offensive skills. He could have a much better shot on a different team but he's a decent player. Harrison Ruopp is the same but younger and a bit more of a long shot. As for "bangers" Alex Boak and Clark Seymour are more of the old school style stay at home defencemen, both are huge and have no problem dropping the gloves with anyone, they are even longer shots but their ceilings are Derrick Engelland or Bobby Bortz.

The things that drive me crazy are the people who are so willing to trade Dumoulin, you don't get a 6'4", 220 pound defenceman with offensive gifts everyday. Give him 50 games to get under his belt and he will be an excellent player. He's one of the fastest skaters on the team and he makes it look effortless. Yes he had a couple bad plays last game, but he played on the pk and the pp. When I saw him play in London at the rookie tournament he was by far the best player on the ice for either team, better than Curtis Lazar at that time. Everything went through him and he facilitated perfectly so all you posters so willing to throw him away for these horrible forwards are going to regret it in 2 years when he's an unstoppable force. The best case scenario right now is for the Penguins to get healthy, move Scuderi and have Dumopulin and Despres as the bottom pairing, they are both big guys and can rush the puck, no one would know what hit them, continuing to play hot potato Rob(and giving him the A) is terrible management and is hurting the present and the future.

Because all he does is create issues this team already has with Downie on the team.
He cannot handle the puck and this team is designed to keep the puck.

Sid and especially Geno can actually protect themselves, this team is going to be screwed if the officials stop calling penalties due to the 'human' element.

IF this team gets it's key players back and the puck possession does pick up to the numbers early in the season and the PPs do not increase then you can assume the officials are not wanting to 'effect' the result by giving the PPs.

Until then, the lack of skill on this team is going to make it harder for them to earn their PPs.

You want to find players like Klinkhammer who can be physical but still handle the puck. You protect your star players by legally being physical on their star players.
- walshy66

Its things like this that makes the rest of the hockey world hate Pens fans. Neil would be welcome on our fourth line. Downie took one penalty all year that cost the Pens a game that they were already losing, he needs to be turned loose.

Its things like this that makes the rest of the hockey world hate Pens fans. Neil would be welcome on our fourth line. Downie took one penalty all year that cost the Pens a game that they were already losing, he needs to be turned loose.
- Grinder47

With spalling at 2.1 adding 1.9 to the 4th line seems like a bad idea. I also don't think turning him loose will help this team as constructed.

And why does my view make other fans hate pens fans?

With spalling at 2.1 adding 1.9 to the 4th line seems like a bad idea. I also don't think turning him loose will help this team as constructed.

And why does my view make other fans hate pens fans?
- walshy66

Because you're everything that's going on wrong with this team jokes aside as long as we have Sid on our team we'll have to live with it.

With spalling at 2.1 adding 1.9 to the 4th line seems like a bad idea. I also don't think turning him loose will help this team as constructed.

And why does my view make other fans hate pens fans?
- walshy66

Whining about not enough power plays. Pens fans find so much to whine about even when they are at the top of the league. Downie just plays better hockey when he is allowed to be himself. Gotta take the bad with the good with him. I realize neil isnt realistic but he os an awesome hockey player. besides the fact that i hate him.

Whining about not enough power plays. Pens fans find so much to whine about even when they are at the top of the league. Downie just plays better hockey when he is allowed to be himself. Gotta take the bad with the good with him. I realize neil isnt realistic but he os an awesome hockey player. besides the fact that i hate him.
- Grinder47

Downie > Neil. I'm glad we have Downie on our team. He can play the game and score occasionally.

Whining about not enough power plays. Pens fans find so much to whine about even when they are at the top of the league. Downie just plays better hockey when he is allowed to be himself. Gotta take the bad with the good with him. I realize neil isnt realistic but he os an awesome hockey player. besides the fact that i hate him.
- Grinder47

At least we can agree to disagree on the pp crap.

On the Downie/Neil additions I still don't think having either on this team is beneficial, and as the year goes along I'm more than happy to be proved wrong on that by Downie.

At least we can agree to disagree on the pp crap.

On the Downie/Neil additions I still don't think having either on this team is beneficial, and as the year goes along I'm more than happy to be proved wrong on that by Downie.
- walshy66

You would rather have that cream puff team we had last year? We need physical players with a bit of an edge that's just the reality of the nhl. Also I think Downie is a good hockey player. I'd also take Neil on this team. I think you all complaining about cap hits constantly is amusing just enjoy the ride.

You would rather have that cream puff team we had last year? We need physical players with a bit of an edge that's just the reality of the nhl. Also I think Downie is a good hockey player. I'd also take Neil on this team. I think you all complaining about cap hits constantly is amusing just enjoy the ride.
- dbell646

Why the love for Neil now? If anyone wanted to grab him it would have been five years ago. He isn't half the player he used to be in terms of all around game.
If you want that type of player now you go after a guy like Roussell in Dallas.

Why the love for Neil now? If anyone wanted to grab him it would have been five years ago. He isn't half the player he used to be in terms of all around game.
If you want that type of player now you go after a guy like Roussell in Dallas.
- usethe1-2-2

I'd love Roussell. I just don't think they'd move him.

I'll just say this on the Neil suggestion since I started it...

Neil or no Neil, this team still needs some more toughness and size. Talk possession all you want. Talk PP opportunities all you want. Talk "wait 'till we get our guys back" all you want. Pens need a Neil type before any Yakupov/Tlusty type player.

They will not win a Cup or even get close to it with this roster. If you can't see that, then I cant help you.

The fact that our GM seems to recognize this (he's brought in Horny, Downie, Klink...bigger more playoff type players) gives me some encouragement and hope.

One final note to all of the "wait until we get all of our guys back" posters...when have they had all of their guys the past, I dunno, 4 years? When Kunitz and Horny return, Sid will go down. Letang's back. Great. One game later, 71 will hurt his knee.

Why the love for Neil now? If anyone wanted to grab him it would have been five years ago. He isn't half the player he used to be in terms of all around game.
If you want that type of player now you go after a guy like Roussell in Dallas.
- usethe1-2-2

I think Neil Is realistic. I think we have more pressing needs but I wouldn't be upset if they got him or a player similar to him.

I'll just say this on the Neil suggestion since I started it...

Neil or no Neil, this team still needs some more toughness and size. Talk possession all you want. Talk PP opportunities all you want. Talk "wait 'till we get our guys back" all you want. Pens need a Neil type before any Yakupov/Tlusty type player.

They will not win a Cup or even get close to it with this roster. If you can't see that, then I cant help you.

The fact that our GM seems to recognize this (he's brought in Horny, Downie, Klink...bigger more playoff type players) gives me some encouragement and hope.

One final note to all of the "wait until we get all of our guys back" posters...when have they had all of their guys the past, I dunno, 4 years? When Kunitz and Horny return, Sid will go down. Letang's back. Great. One game later, 71 will hurt his knee.
- 87_71_11_29

If those injuries occur I'm holding you personally responsible

I think Neil Is realistic. I think we have more pressing needs but I wouldn't be upset if they got him or a player similar to him.
- dbell646

yes, but he stinks now. he isn't anything but a fourth liner and we don't need that. We need at true top six guy, or at the very least a guy like Tlusty.

Talk possession all you want. Talk PP opportunities all you want. Talk "wait 'till we get our guys back" all you want. Pens need a Neil type before any Yakupov/Tlusty type player.
- 87_71_11_29

First of all, there's just no way to know what the matchups will be like in the playoffs. Adding Neil and ending up having to play the Red Wings, Islanders, or Lightning would make his acquisition worthless. He'd be useless.

And then we spent last night talking about the Bruins' series, and how the Penguins made trades to match the Bruins' physicality, and ended up being too slow to take advantage of the Bruins' lack of team speed, like the Canadiens did last year.

The past two playoff seasons, the Penguins lost their series against a great goalie who was able to shut down Sid and Geno in concert with great team defense by the opponent.

There are two solutions to that: get better, more playoff style wingers. That's halfway done. Hornqvist is exactly what they needed for playoff hockey, and to be honest Comeau's game will translate just fine if he stays with Geno.

The second solution was to improve overall depth. Despite a rash of injuries, they've still done that, and there's still a lot of time for further improvement.

First of all, there's just no way to know what the matchups will be like in the playoffs. Adding Neil and ending up having to play the Red Wings, Islanders, or Lightning would make his acquisition worthless. He'd be useless.

And then we spent last night talking about the Bruins' series, and how the Penguins made trades to match the Bruins' physicality, and ended up being too slow to take advantage of the Bruins' lack of team speed, like the Canadiens did last year.

The past two playoff seasons, the Penguins lost their series against a great goalie who was able to shut down Sid and Geno in concert with great team defense by the opponent.

There are two solutions to that: get better, more playoff style wingers. That's halfway done. Hornqvist is exactly what they needed for playoff hockey, and to be honest Comeau's game will translate just fine if he stays with Geno.

The second solution was to improve overall depth. Despite a rash of injuries, they've still done that, and there's still a lot of time for further improvement.
- hardnosed

Spot on. You cannot create a team to beat one single team, you won't get there to beat them. You have to build a deep team capable of dictating play with puck control. Size grit talent all helps, but at this point the last thing we need is an aging agitator.

Also, let's not count out the possibility that Comeau hangs on line 2 for a while. He is no longer differing shots to the stars and has played a very strong complimentary game to Malkin thus far.

Also, let's not count out the possibility that Comeau hangs on line 2 for a while. He is no longer differing shots to the stars and has played a very strong complimentary game to Malkin thus far.
- usethe1-2-2

I see no reason whatsoever to move him. He's producing, he's helping carry play, and he's got a tough edge.

I do agree that adding grit would be useful, but it's got to be skilled grit. I'd prefer that if the Penguins add someone noteworthy, they're not a pipsqueak like Yakupov or Rattie. I'd prefer a guy with talent and size to help in a variety of matchups. But that's a tall order (not many guys like that out there), and expensive.

yes, but he stinks now. he isn't anything but a fourth liner and we don't need that. We need at true top six guy, or at the very least a guy like Tlusty.
- usethe1-2-2

I agree we have more pressing needs but I'd still take Neil. I'd consider him an upgrade over Sill and Adams. 4 goals and 3 assists and 100 hits this year so far. I think he still does his job very well


And not sure if any of you saw this but it breaks down each GM's trading partners in their careers. Looks like Tallon and Rutherford have hooked up 12 times.

http://www.msn.com/en-ca/...-whom/ss-BBgy8Pl#image=14

I agree we have more pressing needs but I'd still take Neil. I'd consider him an upgrade over Sill and Adams. 4 goals and 3 assists and 100 hits this year so far. I think he still does his job very well


And not sure if any of you saw this but it breaks down each GM's trading partners in their careers. Looks like Tallon and Rutherford have hooked up 12 times.

http://www.msn.com/en-ca/...-whom/ss-BBgy8Pl#image=14
- dbell646

So Spaling and Harrington for Bergenheim and a 2nd round pick

I'll just say this on the Neil suggestion since I started it...

Neil or no Neil, this team still needs some more toughness and size. Talk possession all you want. Talk PP opportunities all you want. Talk "wait 'till we get our guys back" all you want. Pens need a Neil type before any Yakupov/Tlusty type player.

They will not win a Cup or even get close to it with this roster. If you can't see that, then I cant help you.

The fact that our GM seems to recognize this (he's brought in Horny, Downie, Klink...bigger more playoff type players) gives me some encouragement and hope.

One final note to all of the "wait until we get all of our guys back" posters...when have they had all of their guys the past, I dunno, 4 years? When Kunitz and Horny return, Sid will go down. Letang's back. Great. One game later, 71 will hurt his knee.
- 87_71_11_29

So last year we couldn't score because we didn't have a Neil type player? Huh.

This team needs its star players to play well in big games. Yes we didn't have depth last year and relied on our top two lines....which, ummm we are suppose to be able to do and every team in the NHL does at some point. That why they get the $$. No one wants to hear it but our star players have disappeared in big games. I can care less if Dubinsky was shutting Crosby down, if thats the case which it shouldn't be Malkin should be able to open it up.

Yes depth is needed in the playoffs and hopefully we have it this year but that isn't the whole story.

Right now I am just enjoying the success we are having currently and hope we can get healthy and see the full potential of this team.

I agree we have more pressing needs but I'd still take Neil. I'd consider him an upgrade over Sill and Adams. 4 goals and 3 assists and 100 hits this year so far. I think he still does his job very well


And not sure if any of you saw this but it breaks down each GM's trading partners in their careers. Looks like Tallon and Rutherford have hooked up 12 times.

http://www.msn.com/en-ca/...-whom/ss-BBgy8Pl#image=14
- dbell646

JIM RUTHERFORD, PITTSBURGH PENGUINS (SINCE JUNE 6, 2014)
Previous GM for: Carolina Hurricanes/Hartford Whalers (1994-2014)

Previous player for: Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins, Toronto Maple Leafs, Los Angeles Kings

Average trades per season: 10

Jim Rutherford’s history shows he often makes deals between January and March, and relationships play a big role in who he works with. He’s made seven deals with Dale Tallon and seven with David Poile, the latest being the James Neal-Patric Hornqvist swap with Nashville.

Rutherford made three minor deals with Tallon’s Panthers between 2011 and 2012, but their biggest swap came while Tallon was running the Blackhawks. That’s when Rutherford traded Andrew Ladd to Chicago for Tuomo Ruutu.

The Poile trades have been fairly tame, outside the Neal-Hornqvist deal.

Glen Sather, Doug Wilson and Dean Lombardi are in the next tier of Rutherford trade partners. Rutherford has dealt with each of them on four occasions.

Rutherford has traded some solid pieces to Lombardi in Justin Williams and Jack Johnson, but he’s never quite gotten an equal return.

His Doug Wilson trades have been minor, with Derek Joslin and Ian White being the biggest names to leave Carolina for San Jose. Two of the trades involved future considerations (one going to Carolina, one to San Jose).

The Sather trades didn’t amount to much.

Ironically, the most impactful trade Rutherford has made in recent memory was the Jordan Staal deal he made with Ray Shero while Shero was running Pittsburgh. Oddly enough, Rutherford is now reaping the rewards of that deal from the other end, while his old team struggles.

I'll just say this on the Neil suggestion since I started it...

Neil or no Neil, this team still needs some more toughness and size. Talk possession all you want. Talk PP opportunities all you want. Talk "wait 'till we get our guys back" all you want. Pens need a Neil type before any Yakupov/Tlusty type player.

They will not win a Cup or even get close to it with this roster. If you can't see that, then I cant help you.

The fact that our GM seems to recognize this (he's brought in Horny, Downie, Klink...bigger more playoff type players) gives me some encouragement and hope.

One final note to all of the "wait until we get all of our guys back" posters...when have they had all of their guys the past, I dunno, 4 years? When Kunitz and Horny return, Sid will go down. Letang's back. Great. One game later, 71 will hurt his knee.
- 87_71_11_29

Top 6 wingers who can bring the best out of Sid and Geno
Addressing the SOFF issues

Both are problems, one is infinitely more important with the current makeup of the team. If we have Goc, Sutter, Comeau, Klink, Spaling, and Downie in the bottom 6, I'd say its a nice balance of speed, skill, and grit. So we just need to push these guys down to proper roles and we will be fine. If Tlusty or someone similar can hang with Geno like Jokinen did, I have no issues with him being "soff".

Top 6 wingers who can bring the best out of Sid and Geno
Addressing the SOFF issues

Both are problems, one is infinitely more important with the current makeup of the team. If we have Goc, Sutter, Comeau, Klink, Spaling, and Downie in the bottom 6, I'd say its a nice balance of speed, skill, and grit. So we just need to push these guys down to proper roles and we will be fine. If Tlusty or someone similar can hang with Geno like Jokinen did, I have no issues with him being "soff".
- YouMeAndDupuis9

I'm getting quite sick of the entire SOFF debate. I watched Chicago play an infinitely soft game compared to the rest of the league and just dominate. Give me one more true talent and another tweener at wing and this team will have what it takes.

The system will eventually become second nature and that is where the difference will be between this season and the past.

Top 6 wingers who can bring the best out of Sid and Geno
Addressing the SOFF issues

Both are problems, one is infinitely more important with the current makeup of the team. If we have Goc, Sutter, Comeau, Klink, Spaling, and Downie in the bottom 6, I'd say its a nice balance of speed, skill, and grit. So we just need to push these guys down to proper roles and we will be fine. If Tlusty or someone similar can hang with Geno like Jokinen did, I have no issues with him being "soff".
- YouMeAndDupuis9

I'm not sure why everyone keeps looking at tlusty if he's similar to jokinen shouldn't we be looking for a different type of player? Tlusty is just more of the same. Go get a player and tlusty can be another mid tier trade.

The system will eventually become second nature and that is where the difference will be between this season and the past.
- usethe1-2-2

Teams have figured out the system at this point, which is a part of the problem. That's what happens after a while, teams figure out where to be and when. But that first week of the season, the system looked great because teams didn't know how it would look with 87 and 71 running in it.

Kind of like how Todd Haley looked like a competent offensive coordinator during the first couple of weeks of the 2012 season with new personnel running his existing system. Then teams figured it out.