Kind of explains those Craig Patrick and his love of bourbon rumors. Throw in Eddie O as HC.
- madmike71

If you had to try to be an effective GM for the Pens during that era, you'd have to drink to drown your sorrows too!

Even though every player is different it's actually a very important aspect when designing schemes and systems, pure shooter tend to prefer playing on their off wing so that they're always opening up for the shot but most players tend to struggle playing on their off wings because it forces players into position to do a lot of things on their backhand and many players just aren't comfortable with that. Also a lot of coaches(Babcock, Jonhston and others) insist on defenseman playing their natural side so that they are always making plays on their forehand side. It's probably the biggest reason why Letang is never going to play for Team Canada, they insist on playing 3RH-3LH so that everyone plays their natural side and it's going to be hard for him to beat out Doughty, Burns, Pietrangelo for a spot.

Which hand a player shoots with is very important even though some players are capable and even prefer playing on their off side.
- jaydogg1974

I've usually played center (RG shot) but, when playing wing I like to play on the right side. I find that when you have a break out up the left boards you get the puck while crossing center ice. This means you're entering the zone on the left side anyway. Just my preference though.

If he scores 25+ and is the 2-way player he was in the playoffs where he can create his own plays then thats great. If he's a 20-25 goal player that is a passenger like he was for 75% of the season, then thats not good. He has the talent and all the tools to be a great player. Its up to him to be what type of player he wants to be.
- sammy87

The guy looked like Marion "freaking" Hossa in the playoffs. It was a sight to behold. I'll take him playing the soft game for the first 75% of the season as long as he plays that way again when it matters.

I've usually played center (RG shot) but, when playing wing I like to play on the right side. I find that when you have a break out up the left boards you get the puck while crossing center ice. This means you're entering the zone on the left side anyway. Just my preference though.
- cranktheradio

kessel plays right wing but spend most of his time on the left

They're not the same sniper though. Vanek was one of the best in the business at shooting accurately in tight and tipping shots making him one of the most effective net fronts in the league. Couple that with an above average shot from the perimeter and his above average play making and you had a special player in his own right but not very similar to Kessel.
- Victoro311

I stopped watching Vanek after he left Buffalo. But, I don't remember him being slow. I also remember a guy who made quick decisions and elevated the puck amazingly around the net.

So, question...is he slow or just slow compared to Kessel? Can he play on the left side? Is he better than Sheary? Can he be had for less than 2 mil? If so...trade Fehr as RW is a redundancy for us and sign him. Again, big question is can he play LW.

kessel plays right wing but spend most of his time on the left
- martox

He has a lot of zone entries on the right though and uses that wicked wrister from the top of the circle. However, that may have to do with Hags speed. He doesn't get far up ice before Hagelin's on his left. However, once they enter the zone, he definately gets to the left side.

He has a lot of zone entries on the right though and uses that wicked wrister from the top of the circle. However, that may have to do with Hags speed. He doesn't get far up ice before Hagelin's on his left. However, once they enter the zone, he definately gets to the left side.
- cranktheradio

exactly

So, question...is he slow or just slow compared to Kessel? Can he play on the left side? Is he better than Sheary? Can he be had for less than 2 mil? If so...trade Fehr as RW is a redundancy for us and sign him. Again, big question is can he play LW.
- cranktheradio

Slow. Yes. Yes. No.

To answer my own question....Vanek is a LW. I forgot that. He also will pot 20 As year and is only 32. He's looking for a 1 year deal so it'll probobly be 2.5 or less. No harm in signing him. You then have either Cullen or Sundqvist at 4c at around same cap hit. Sign guys like Warsofski to minimum deals for 7th/8th D.

Slow. Yes. Yes. No.
- DeflatedPucks

He very well might be signed for less than 2 mil. He might not have many option in the NHL left.

I don't think Pens should be worrying about signing depth up front. One of the highest scoring teams in the reg season and playoffs. Defense definitely, however.

#saveguenztel

Crosby is a worse version of Lemeiux. Malkin is a worse version of Crosby. Bonino is a worse version of Malkin. Cullen is a worse version of Bonino. Sutter is a (frank)in worse version of bonino
- DeflatedPucks

I actually think Cullen is a better player than Bonino. Not even close In my book.

Slow. Yes. Yes. No.
- DeflatedPucks

If he can be had at 2.5 (possible?) what do you think of this lineup?
Kunitz-Sid-Horqvist
Vanek-Geno-Rust
HBK
Sheary/Wilson-Cullen- Kuhnhackl

Trade Fehr to fit Schultz.

Also think Rust can slide down and Kessel can slide up.

I don't think Pens should be worrying about signing depth up front. One of the highest scoring teams in the reg season and playoffs. Defense definitely, however.

#saveguenztel
- DeflatedPucks

Lol. I always forget about him. Plus, Blueger could possibly figure it out at any time. Not to mention Wilson and the fact he looks like a Kunitz in the making.

If he can be had at 2.5 (possible?) what do you think of this lineup?
Kunitz-Sid-Horqvist
Vanek-Geno-Rust
HBK
Sheary/Wilson-Cullen- Kuhnhackl

Trade Fehr to fit Schultz.

Also think Rust can slide down and Kessel can slide up.
- cranktheradio

I personally do not believe Vanek will get more than 1.5 anywhere. He got bought after, after two down years. Hes now needing to do the 1 year "prove you aren't done" type of contract.

If vanek comes in at 3mil or below I'm all for it. Still has great hands. Had a bad year and still put up 18 goals on a offensively deficient team. Better option than Kunitz or sheary

I personally do not believe Vanek will get more than 1.5 anywhere. He got bought after, after two down years. Hes now needing to do the 1 year "prove you aren't done" type of contract.
- Guile

He had 52pts last year. A down year for someone making the salary he was but that's a pretty good year for a top 6 winger

I personally do not believe Vanek will get more than 1.5 anywhere. He got bought after, after two down years. Hes now needing to do the 1 year "prove you aren't done" type of contract.
- Guile

one year at 1.5? it gets tricky because the team is just sitting on the fleury ball right now. but i can get on board with that low risk.

He had 52pts last year. A down year for someone making the salary he was but that's a pretty good year for a top 6 winger
- jchst22

The NHL is fair?

Semin had that wrist surgery after a 20+ goal season, had a bad year... and is now gone.

Hell, Mike Richards didn't get picked up until the middle of the year. A player gets bought out, they typically get (frank)ed on the next deal.


edit: And unless he comes that cheap... we simply cannot afford him, so no point in putting out 2+mil ideas to obtain him. Lets hope he takes the cheap ass deal to come here, win a Cup, then cash out again elsewhere. I don't mind us being a contract stepping stone for someone.

I was mulling over Vanek a bit this weekend, he could be a fit for Geno, low risk high reward type thinking. But I think I would pass, he is too slow now and while his shot is still probably elite I dont want the team losing any speed. If possible I'd like to add more speed.

I'd rather see JR try to get a deal for yakupov if we're talking about signing Vanek for 2.5 mil

Here is my understanding of the salary cap situation for the Pens. Dupuis’ cap hit of $3.75M number does not just disappear. Day 1 of the season, Pittsburgh can have a 20-man roster that includes Dupuis that totals as close to $73M as possible. They will then immediately put Dupuis on LTIR and get the $3.75M added to their cap number and can replace Dupuis with 3 players to get up to the new cap counting Dupuis of ~76.75M. Based on this, the most we can pay any 1 free agent not on a 2 way contract would be ~$2.5M until opening day. Once we would place Dupuis on LTIR on opening day we would have an additional ~$1.1M in cap space.

So, people are still talking about a guy that has stolen money from Buffalo, Islanders and Minnesota for poopty play. Can we stop about Vanek being an option here.

Chiasdon traded to the Flames... Dominos!
- hipcheck_goalie

That deal with Ottawa and Dallas involving Spezza is a disaster now. Chiasson was a bust and Alex Guptill played for Rochester of the AHL. All they have left if Nick Paul, I recall.

Chiasson really came out of the gate strong in dallas and then flamed once that deal to Ottawa happened.

Think I would rather have Fehl than vanek. I trust fehr. He's also a pink guy. I think fehr can put up 15-20 goals if he's fully healthy.

I'd move fehr as the cap relief for yakupov