I didn't have a big problem with the trade, but Brassard basically came out and said he didn't want the 3c role after the playoffs. That's when JR should have cut his losses and traded his ass. Probably could have gotten something of value. I doubt he's worth much.
- madmike71

I read the same reports on how Brassard feels about his role, but here's where I have an issue. Brassard had some say on where he was trade, and unless he thought for some odd reason one of Sid or Geno retired, he had to know a trade to the Pens meant the 3C role. I don't know how much, if any, PP time he in OTT, but he also had to realistically know he'd get no #1 PP time.

Prior to this season he had never played wing before, so I can't imagine that logic would have factored in to his decision. So yes, I agree with you that JR should have cut his losses.

Bonino had 25 points last season and isn’t having that great a season this year either. Brassard has been a huge disappointment but Bones wasn’t the answer either. Riley Sheahan would probably be around as effective as Bonino if he got consistent 3C deployment like he did before we got Brassard last season.
- Victoro311

Agreed. Regardless, the Pens need to make a move. Sheahan is serviceable at 3C, but not the answer if the Pens want to compete with the big boys.

If I'm JR I'm moving Brass for futures then using those futures to package along with JO to get an upgrade at 3C. Way easier said than done, I know, but it's what I'd like to see happen.

Clearly, the forwards are pitching in more to back check. However, too many good passes come off the wall by the opposing team in our end.

Keep on winning, guys. Need to make sure Ottawa finishes as low in the standings as possible so the Avs have a chance in the Hughes sweepstakes.

Also, as for all the people who didn’t place Crosby in their top 5 best players (in the EK blogs), they’re insane. Crosby has maybe lost a small step in his scoring & speed (only compared to when he was at the peak of his career), but the rest of his game has rounded out immeasurably! Just like many of the all time greats - Sakic, Lemeiux, Wayne, etc. - with age comes well roundedness and maturity. Crosby used to be something of a defensive liability on certain nights, but as he’s aged all previously lacking facets of his game have improved drastically. It’s always a pleasure watching him.

Happy xmas to all the Pens fans out there. Here’s to seeing you guys in the playoffs again; no way you don’t make it.

Agreed. Regardless, the Pens need to make a move. Sheahan is serviceable at 3C, but not the answer if the Pens want to compete with the big boys.

If I'm JR I'm moving Brass for futures then using those futures to package along with JO to get an upgrade at 3C. Way easier said than done, I know, but it's what I'd like to see happen.
- Rinosaur

Yeah let’s be clear that I’m definitely not advocating trading Brassard because I think Sheahan is a good 3C. Like you said he can do it but isn’t ideal. Just that Bonino really isn’t that good either and we don’t really have the forward depth this year that we’ve had in the past to stack the third line with.

Staal was offered the same contract in the Burgh. Decided to leave, I don’t feel bad for him at all.

Yeah let’s be clear that I’m definitely not advocating trading Brassard because I think Sheahan is a good 3C. Like you said he can do it but isn’t ideal. Just that Bonino really isn’t that good either and we don’t really have the forward depth this year that we’ve had in the past to stack the third line with.
- Victoro311

I think Bonino is a little more willing to get his hands dirty in order to get pucks, get to the net and such. Brassard is a soft player who relies on skill that isn’t all that great to begin with for any success he might have.

Yeah let’s be clear that I’m definitely not advocating trading Brassard because I think Sheahan is a good 3C. Like you said he can do it but isn’t ideal. Just that Bonino really isn’t that good either and we don’t really have the forward depth this year that we’ve had in the past to stack the third line with.
- Victoro311

There are some really solid rentals out there to stack the bottom-six with this year, i.e. Dzingel and Panik. I’d love one of those guys along with an upgrade at 3C.

There are some really solid rentals out there to stack the bottom-six with this year, i.e. Dzingel and Panik. I’d love one of those guys along with an upgrade at 3C.
- Rinosaur

I'm concerned about his stint in Buffalo, but I wonder if trading Brassard for futures like you said and then signing Berglund off the street isn't a bad idea right now. Brassard is clearly not working, so how much worse can Berglund be even if he legitimately sucks now? Worst case he sucks and we put Sheahan at the 3C for a while until we use those futures to find a real answer at 3C. Best case it works out and we can keep those futures for a different trade.

I'm concerned about his stint in Buffalo, but I wonder if trading Brassard for futures like you said and then signing Berglund off the street isn't a bad idea right now. Brassard is clearly not working, so how much worse can Berglund be even if he legitimately sucks now? Worst case he sucks and we put Sheahan at the 3C for a while until we use those futures to find a real answer at 3C. Best case it works out and we can keep those futures for a different trade.
- Victoro311

This has actually crossed my mind and I know I've been kind beating this concept to death, but this team is in "win now" mode and when you watch teams like Tampa and Toronto, going after the "what if" signings/trades should be off the table.

Let's be realistic. We keep saying the window for Sid and Geno is the next three or four years, but personally I think it's this year and next. When you look at the teams on the rise the competition is going to be much more stiff.

If the Pens are going after a 3C I believe it should be for a proven player. Not that Berglund isn't proven per-se, but with all the drama I'd rather the Pens go after a Bozak type or Coyle, etc...

Keep on winning, guys. Need to make sure Ottawa finishes as low in the standings as possible so the Avs have a chance in the Hughes sweepstakes.

Also, as for all the people who didn’t place Crosby in their top 5 best players (in the EK blogs), they’re insane. Crosby has maybe lost a small step in his scoring & speed (only compared to when he was at the peak of his career), but the rest of his game has rounded out immeasurably! Just like many of the all time greats - Sakic, Lemeiux, Wayne, etc. - with age comes well roundedness and maturity. Crosby used to be something of a defensive liability on certain nights, but as he’s aged all previously lacking facets of his game have improved drastically. It’s always a pleasure watching him.

Happy xmas to all the Pens fans out there. Here’s to seeing you guys in the playoffs again; no way you don’t make it.
- avsgrinder

I replied in my thread a very similar sentiment. I actually think Sid is better in some ways than he's ever been. While like you said, losing a step in speed and scoring, his all-around game is better than it ever has been.

What's the deal with Berglund again? He just doesn't want to play for Buffalo?

Keep on winning, guys. Need to make sure Ottawa finishes as low in the standings as possible so the Avs have a chance in the Hughes sweepstakes.

Also, as for all the people who didn’t place Crosby in their top 5 best players (in the EK blogs), they’re insane. Crosby has maybe lost a small step in his scoring & speed (only compared to when he was at the peak of his career), but the rest of his game has rounded out immeasurably! Just like many of the all time greats - Sakic, Lemeiux, Wayne, etc. - with age comes well roundedness and maturity. Crosby used to be something of a defensive liability on certain nights, but as he’s aged all previously lacking facets of his game have improved drastically. It’s always a pleasure watching him.

Happy xmas to all the Pens fans out there. Here’s to seeing you guys in the playoffs again; no way you don’t make it.
- avsgrinder

I really hope the Aves get Hughes. I love watching MacKinnon play and it’d be awesome to see him get some help down the lineup.

I really hope the Aves get Hughes. I love watching MacKinnon play and it’d be awesome to see him get some help down the lineup.
- j.boyd919

Took me a second to figure out what you meant and then I remember the Duchene deal. Many laughed at Sakic, but man, he (frank)in cleaned up in that deal.

Merry X-mas everyone.

Can't wait for some Penguin hockey

Merry Christmas ya filthy animals

Merry Christmas boys!

I really rather we just kept Bonino. Proven player in our system that "worked". JR thought he could do better and upgrade through a trade. Basically what we got now is Brassard when we could have Bonino, still have Gustavsson, last years 1st and received different value in trade for Cole and Reaves assuming they had to go

Poor Asset Management

I would take Bonino at 10M before Brass at 3. All brass does for our team is put on the pouty face.

HBSL lineup so far:

LW: Ovie, Skinner, Landeskog, M.Tkachuk

C: MacKinnon, Point, Matthews, Sid

RW: Rantanen, Pastrnak, Kucherov, Rust

D: Dahlin, MacAvoy, Chabot, Carlson, Rielly, Letang

G: Rittich and DeSmith

Sid has let me know in HBSL a bunch now, but I like them going up against DET and STL. I think Rust will have some big games against them.

Alright... its been almost 3 days. Where is our new article.

So... I guess a relevant hockey post...

It seems like JR has no interests in trades for now. We have been winning, still getting healthy... and since the D/Goalies are looking good, he might try to wait until Schultz returns.

Does he still try to trade away Brassard... and can we pretend he tries to rid us of JJ?

So... I guess a relevant hockey post...

It seems like JR has no interests in trades for now. We have been winning, still getting healthy... and since the D/Goalies are looking good, he might try to wait until Schultz returns.

Does he still try to trade away Brassard... and can we pretend he tries to rid us of JJ?
- Guile

I have to think Brass will be carefully scrutinized over the next few weeks.

As for JJ, it will be interesting to see if he sits when Schultz comes back. Still a ways away though.

I have to think Brass will be carefully scrutinized over the next few weeks.

As for JJ, it will be interesting to see if he sits when Schultz comes back. Still a ways away though.
- Rinosaur

Is anyone else nervous about Schultz coming back extremely timid? He isn't the most physical guy to begin with...coming back from a pretty serious injury. I do not have a good feeling that he'll play well for a while when he returns.