Still finding it odd that Oleksiak has not been re-signed.
- Rinosaur

It makes me think there is still a bigger move to be made. GMs regularly sign their RFAs later on when the cap situation is more clear.

It makes me think there is still a bigger move to be made. GMs regularly sign their RFAs later on when the cap situation is more clear.
- Feds91Stammer

Rust and Sheahan were done much faster and Sheahan wasn't even qualified. I'm not saying Olekisak won't be a Penguin, but the fact he isn't signed makes me in agreement with you. I think JR isn't 100% satisfied and is exploring other options.

My guess? He's searching for a true RD to pair with JJ. I don't know how well they can do with what they have to move, but I'd consider a 1-1 swap to FLA for Petrovic. He's an RD more in the mold of Cole.

Of course every time I think of a logical move, JR goes and does something I don't expect. So that probably means Maatta and/or Brassard is getting moved. lol

Rust and Sheahan were done much faster and Sheahan wasn't even qualified. I'm not saying Olekisak won't be a Penguin, but the fact he isn't signed makes me in agreement with you. I think JR isn't 100% satisfied and is exploring other options.

My guess? He's searching for a true RD to pair with JJ. I don't know how well they can do with what they have to move, but I'd consider a 1-1 swap to FLA for Petrovic. He's an RD more in the mold of Cole.

Of course every time I think of a logical move, JR goes and does something I don't expect. So that probably means Maatta and/or Brassard is getting moved. lol
- Rinosaur

Rust and Sheahan are probably considered more integral parts of the team so it makes sense they were signed already.

Rust and Sheahan were done much faster and Sheahan wasn't even qualified. I'm not saying Olekisak won't be a Penguin, but the fact he isn't signed makes me in agreement with you. I think JR isn't 100% satisfied and is exploring other options.

My guess? He's searching for a true RD to pair with JJ. I don't know how well they can do with what they have to move, but I'd consider a 1-1 swap to FLA for Petrovic. He's an RD more in the mold of Cole.

Of course every time I think of a logical move, JR goes and does something I don't expect. So that probably means Maatta and/or Brassard is getting moved. lol
- Rinosaur

Not sure why but I feel like Maata is going to get moved. And given the rumors about an imminent Patches trade and Montreal's hole at LD, that could be it. I wouldn't want Patches for Maata straight up but if there is something coming back with it, that would be ok by me.

I believe Jacko is gonna wear 73
- 668710

Oh OK. He's wearing his NHL 18 rating number then (Rino will like this one)

Rust and Sheahan are probably considered more integral parts of the team so it makes sense they were signed already.
- Feds91Stammer

They’re definitely more integral, but Olekisak isn’t of minor importance. It shouldn’t be this dragged out.

They’re definitely more integral, but Olekisak isn’t of minor importance. It shouldn’t be this dragged out.
- Rinosaur

I mean look at DET. Larkin, Mantha, and AA are all without contracts at the moment.

They’re definitely more integral, but Olekisak isn’t of minor importance. It shouldn’t be this dragged out.
- Rinosaur

Look at Palat and Johnson in TBL. They signed last season on the 10th and 14th of July.

Not sure why but I feel like Maata is going to get moved. And given the rumors about an imminent Patches trade and Montreal's hole at LD, that could be it. I wouldn't want Patches for Maata straight up but if there is something coming back with it, that would be ok by me.
- MacPatty

I don't get why every time some past his prime forward is on the block some of you want to trade Maatta for him. Who is going to fill in with the cap room we have left if he is moved? It's a terrible idea to move him. After the JJ signing we have a top 6 that can play the way HCMS wants to.

I don't get why every time some past his prime forward is on the block some of you want to trade Matta for him. Who is going to fill in with the cap room we have left if he is moved? It's a terrible idea to move him. After the JJ signing we have a top 6 that can play the way HCMS wants to.
- Mino42

The theory is based on Maata being a valuable trade asset and the contract JJ got suggests he is getting a top 4 role.

Dumo - Letang
Johnson - Schultz
Oleksiak - Ruhwedel/Guy

The theory is based on Maata being a valuable trade asset and the contract JJ got suggests he is getting a top 4 role.

Dumo - Letang
Johnson - Schultz
Oleksiak - Ruhwedel/Guy
- Feds91Stammer

Sad as it is top 4 guys cost more than 3 mil a year. Cole just got signed for over 4mil and I wouldn't want him in my top 4 so I have to disagree with your logic.

Sad as it is top 4 guys cost more than 3 mil a year. Cole just got signed for over 4mil and I wouldn't want him in my top 4 so I have to disagree with your logic.
- Mino42

bottom pair guys don't get 5 year deals...

bottom pair guys don't get 5 year deals...
- Feds91Stammer

Oh 4 year deals must be the limit

NHL 2018 Player ratings

Kris Letang 88
Justin Schultz 83
Jack Johnson 82
Brian Dumoulin 81
Olli Määttä 81
Jamie Oleksiak 79
Chad Ruhwedel 76

I don't get why every time some past his prime forward is on the block some of you want to trade Maatta for him. Who is going to fill in with the cap room we have left if he is moved? It's a terrible idea to move him. After the JJ signing we have a top 6 that can play the way HCMS wants to.
- Mino42

I don't want to trade Maata for a rental. But given the rumors the Pens were in on Patches, MTL has a major need for LD and the Pens have 4 quality LD's I just mentioned the possibility.

I don't want to trade Maata for a rental. But given the rumors the Pens were in on Patches, MTL has a major need for LD and the Pens have 4 quality LD's I just mentioned the possibility.
- MacPatty

bottom pair guys don't get 5 year deals...
- Feds91Stammer

Usually, but Rutherford wants what he deems to be a top 4 caliber defenseman on each line. He wants a strong bottom pairing like Cole-Schultz used to be before Schultz jumped into the top 6. Oleksidel doesn't really fit that mold.

Usually, but Rutherford wants what he deems to be a top 4 caliber defenseman on each line. He wants a strong bottom pairing like Cole-Schultz used to be before Schultz jumped into the top 6. Oleksidel doesn't really fit that mold.
- Victoro311

Still you don't commit 5 years to a guy you plan on utilizing in a bottom pair role.

Still you don't commit 5 years to a guy you plan on utilizing in a bottom pair role.
- Feds91Stammer

I agree with you that its a dumb move. I think its Rutherford's intent and I think its dumb.

If I see anyone getting moved for Patches its Brassard because of his ability to play as a 1st/2nd line center. If we were moving out D as I have stated in the past I do not want it to be Maatta due to his age, play, and cap hit. I would rather trade Schultz to be honest or even Letang before Maata (but since I know it is harder to get top D pairing guys I will go with Schultz). We also dont have an abundance of D. Unless Petry or Weber (was only injured this year, but has gotten a reputation of being injury prone) with Salary Retension was coming back in a trade.

Still you don't commit 5 years to a guy you plan on utilizing in a bottom pair role.
- Feds91Stammer

He's Sid's best friend ffs He can play. Wait and see.

He's Sid's best friend ffs He can play. Wait and see.
- Barnaby36

I have already seen. No need to wait.

Also you named your account after Barnaby ffs. Not really going to value your opinion of hockey players with that

I have already seen. No need to wait.

Also you named your account after Barnaby ffs. Not really going to value your opinion of hockey players with that
- Feds91Stammer

Barnaby is a fine guy with some hockey knowledge. Pretty straight forward guy.

He's Sid's best friend ffs He can play. Wait and see.
- Barnaby36

Listen, I'm gonna give the guy a chance. He endeared himself to me with how genuinely happy he was to be here and the Torts stuff on signing day. But lets not act like we haven't all seen plenty of Jack Johnson in the past. He's not young. The likelihood that a change of scenery will magically turn him into a different player is not high. So the argument that "We shouldn't be criticizing this move because we haven't seen him play as a Penguin yet." isn't super valid. If we take that logic, then why don't we just go ahead and sign Ales Hemsky to a five year deal. He's had some success several years ago and we haven't seen him play as a Penguin yet.