With all of these long term signings, it’s important to remember Seattle may have a team in 2-3 years. I read an article where Bettman stated the expansion draft will be similar to VGK’s. If this is the case, I really hope JR and management are keeping this on the back their minds when signing/trading for players with long contracts
- drummer829

Might be a good reason to hold on to Jarry.

Guentzel is pretty much going to take hagelins contract plus some. The only cap space the pens will have for next year will be how much the cap rises
- drummer829

If Guentzel has a similar season to this past one, I can't see him getting less than $5M, so yeah, you could nearly wash him and Hagelin's contract, but you still need to properly replace Hagelin's spot in the lineup. This is why I think adding someone like Pacioretty would be problematic. He's sure to get $7M+ which would hamper would hamper the Pens ability to fill out their depth with quality players.

I'm also basing this one the fact we have no real idea how Sprong, ZAR or Simon will pan out.

It would be great if the cap rises significantly again, but who knows, it may only go up one or two million.

If Guentzel has a similar season to this past one, I can't see him getting less than $5M, so yeah, you could nearly wash him and Hagelin's contract, but you still need to properly replace Hagelin's spot in the lineup. This is why I think adding someone like Pacioretty would be problematic. He's sure to get $7M+ which would hamper would hamper the Pens ability to fill out their depth with quality players.

I'm also basing this one the fact we have no real idea how Sprong, ZAR or Simon will pan out.

It would be great if the cap rises significantly again, but who knows, it may only go up one or two million.
- Rinosaur

I believe Vegas and their sales was a big reason why the cap went up almost 5 mil. I can’t see another big jump like that, but I think 2-3 mil is a safe bet

I believe Vegas and their sales was a big reason why the cap went up almost 5 mil. I can’t see another big jump like that, but I think 2-3 mil is a safe bet
- drummer829

Regardless, Pacioretty will cost too much. One of the Pens' biggest strengths have been depth.

Regardless, Pacioretty will cost too much. One of the Pens' biggest strengths have been depth.
- Rinosaur

Yeah he's gonna want a 6+ yr deal at $6 or $7 mil.....Hes like 30, no way Pens should do that.

Yeah he's gonna want a 6+ yr deal at $6 or $7 mil.....Hes like 30, no way Pens should do that.
- sammy87

Yea I think they should stay away from Patches just because the assets will probably begin with Brass,Sprong. I'd rather not pay that

Possibly. I don’t think Karlsson to Tampa gets done though. I think Vegas will ultimately get it done.
- Rinosaur

The rumour is that Karlsson will only sign an extension with Tampa so any other team is just getting him as a rental. Thats why there is no deal yet.

The rumour is that Karlsson will only sign an extension with Tampa so any other team is just getting him as a rental. Thats why there is no deal yet.
- dcoms77

I've been reading the other big issue a team not willing to take Ryan is a non-starter.

Some rumors/notes I read on the Penguins this morning:


JR was the one to over rule most in the organization about the J. Johnson signing (most of the coaching staff didn't feel very strong about JJ). JR feels as though JJ could slide up and down the D lineups.

JR thought the asking price was too high for Patches and is staying pat right now as they go to arbitration with Big rig.


They are looking to Utilize Cullen as a winger on the 4th line with Sheahan and as a PK'er if Brassard doesn't make a smooth transition.
- 123Kid

That's interesting considering JR came out & implied that Gonch & Sully were good with the signing. How many other coaches are there that have a real say in things? Unless he's was telling porky pies.

That's interesting considering JR came out & implied that Gonch & Sully were good with the signing. How many other coaches are there that have a real say in things? Unless he's was telling porky pies.
- Aussiepenguin

Is JR supposed to say, "Even though Sully and Gonchar didn't want him on this team, I felt strongly that JJ would be a great fit?"

Is JR supposed to say, "Even though Sully and Gonchar didn't want him on this team, I felt strongly that JJ would be a great fit?"
- Rinosaur

It's not believable to me that Sully and Gonch would advise him to pass on JJ only to have JR sign him anyway.

It's not believable to me that Sully and Gonch would advise him to pass on JJ only to have JR sign him anyway.
- madmike71

I agree with you to a degree. It really depends on how an organization is run. In some the GM and coaching staff decide together the players they should target or believe are good fits, in some the GMs don't really care about the coach's input. I get the sense that while JR may listen to ownership at times with targets, that he talks to the coaching staff about player decisions.