I'd be interested in both guys at the right price.

Shattenkirk had a rough first year, but his relative numbers were Letang level good last year. He just played a lot of minutes on a rebuilding team. He'd be a bargain at either retained salary or a short term deal after a buyout.

Smith also has good underlying relative numbers, but has been sunk by the team around him. He'd make a real nice depth defenseman. I'd prefer him on the left side as a JJ replacement.

Feds, didn't you say Smith can play either side?
- Tojo.

Smith has been so bad that they moved him forward for long stretches.

He has a serious Galchenyuk is Neal 2.0 agenda right now, so he's finding any opportunity to bring them in the conversation.
- Rinosaur

Upset because you’re wrong about James Neal again? “He had 40 goals one time” true but ignoring his 3 time 40 goal pace as a Penguin is some RW level 💩

I’m not guaranteeing a dominant year from Chucky - I’m saying he’s got the tools to do it and that last year was an outlier. I admit when I’m wrong and if/when Chucky doesn’t pan out I’ll be here admitting it. I’ve posted the James Neal pace several times in response to YOU and yet you’ve never given it any credence

I'd be interested in both guys at the right price.

Shattenkirk had a rough first year, but his relative numbers were Letang level good last year. He just played a lot of minutes on a rebuilding team. He'd be a bargain at either retained salary or a short term deal after a buyout.

Smith also has good underlying relative numbers, but has been sunk by the team around him. He'd make a real nice depth defenseman. I'd prefer him on the left side as a JJ replacement.

Feds, didn't you say Smith can play either side?
- Tojo.

I can’t say I remember noticing Smith much this past season on either side of the puck. What about his numbers/style of play makes you think he’d fit on this roster?

Upset because you’re wrong about James Neal again? “He had 40 goals one time” true but ignoring his 3 time 40 goal pace as a Penguin is some RW level 💩

I’m not guaranteeing a dominant year from Chucky - I’m saying he’s got the tools to do it and that last year was an outlier. I admit when I’m wrong and if/when Chucky doesn’t pan out I’ll be here admitting it. I’ve posted the James Neal pace several times in response to YOU and yet you’ve never given it any credence
- WSCTeton17

I don't respond to every post I disagree with.

https://twitter.com/proho.../1147656938684944384?s=21

PHR article on the Pens needing to cut more cap space. No new information, really. The article does say Petts has earned the remainder of our cap space which reminded me of the time Rino said he wasn’t worth more than $1.5MM and that if teams offer sheeted him for $2MM that we should walk away

I'd be interested in both guys at the right price.

Shattenkirk had a rough first year, but his relative numbers were Letang level good last year. He just played a lot of minutes on a rebuilding team. He'd be a bargain at either retained salary or a short term deal after a buyout.

Smith also has good underlying relative numbers, but has been sunk by the team around him. He'd make a real nice depth defenseman. I'd prefer him on the left side as a JJ replacement.

Feds, didn't you say Smith can play either side?
- Tojo.

Yes and if iirc he is better on the right side.

Smith has been so bad that they moved him forward for long stretches.
- Rinosaur

He only played a maybe 10 games at forward.

Upset because you’re wrong about James Neal again? “He had 40 goals one time” true but ignoring his 3 time 40 goal pace as a Penguin is some RW level 💩

I’m not guaranteeing a dominant year from Chucky - I’m saying he’s got the tools to do it and that last year was an outlier. I admit when I’m wrong and if/when Chucky doesn’t pan out I’ll be here admitting it. I’ve posted the James Neal pace several times in response to YOU and yet you’ve never given it any credence
- WSCTeton17

But was last season really an outlier? 41pts in 72 games. With Montreal, he was always in the 40-50pt range. Yeah it is a bit of a dip for him, but we aren't talking about like some crazy 15pt drop where you're certain he'll rebound. He was off by maybe 5pts I'd say to be around his career average.

I definitely see where the Neal comparison comes from, but the reason Neal sticks out to pens fans is because he is one of the few wingers who have been on a line with Sid or Geno that was able to be close to point per game and score 40 goals. In fact he is the only player I can even think of that got the "boost" from playing with us. Hossa and Kessel were already stars on their own without Sid and Geno and they're the only two other wingers I can think of that were brought here and produced at an all star level.

I can’t say I remember noticing Smith much this past season on either side of the puck. What about his numbers/style of play makes you think he’d fit on this roster?
- WSCTeton17

Almost all the D on NYR have struggled the last few seasons.

He has primarily played with Shatty and Staal rather than Skjei which was a dynamite pairing when the first acquired him.

Smith likely comes cheap with NYR retaining 50% and he would provide versatility being able to play LD, RD, and F

It probably only makes sense if JJ is moved though.

Almost all the D on NYR have struggled the last few seasons.

He has primarily played with Shatty and Staal rather than Skjei which was a dynamite pairing when the first acquired him.

Smith likely comes cheap with NYR retaining 50% and he would provide versatility being able to play LD, RD, and F

It probably only makes sense if JJ is moved though.
- Feds91Stammer

Thanks. I remember him being a great fit when first acquired from Detroit. Bringing him in we’d have to move JJ or Gudbranson. It’ll be interesting to see what happens to clear space. My guess is Rust is the casualty but man did he have some nice goals last year. Hoping he goes to one of the teams I watch more often

But was last season really an outlier? 41pts in 72 games. With Montreal, he was always in the 40-50pt range. Yeah it is a bit of a dip for him, but we aren't talking about like some crazy 15pt drop where you're certain he'll rebound. He was off by maybe 5pts I'd say to be around his career average.

I definitely see where the Neal comparison comes from, but the reason Neal sticks out to pens fans is because he is one of the few wingers who have been on a line with Sid or Geno that was able to be close to point per game and score 40 goals. In fact he is the only player I can even think of that got the "boost" from playing with us. Hossa and Kessel were already stars on their own without Sid and Geno and they're the only two other wingers I can think of that were brought here and produced at an all star level.
- Thrill81

We’ve gone through this a couple times with many people chiming in so forgive me if I’m mistaken anywhere but:

Galchenyuk’s even strength scoring is what dropped last year. His PPP totals were still good. He was seeing less minutes and his most common linemate was Nick Cousins. Malkin or Crosby would be a large boost and if he sees an extra 75 seconds at even strength that should increase his point totals. I think his ES scoring went from 2-2.1/60 to what, 1.4? 2.1/60 at ES at 14 minutes is 40 points, a total he’s hit twice before I believe while playing with talented players in MTL

As far as players who have benefitted by playing in the Pitt top 6: Blake Comeau comes to mind. He had some solid years when he was young but then he floundered until he saw time on Malkin’s wing and played well. James Neal is the obvious one but that was also Malkin’s prime. Kunitz was good in Anaheim but he was better as a Penguin. Jokinen saw a lot of time with Geno in 2014 and saw his highest Pts/60 of his career that year.

The hardest part about comparing Galchenyuk to most of these other guys is that they don’t have his shot or pedigree save for Neal. Neal also had solid linemates in Dallas (Richards, Eriksson, Benn, Modo). Chucky was grinding more in AZ than he did in MTL and his shot/skills are elite. I think he’ll compliment Geno much like Neal did

Yes and if iirc he is better on the right side.
- Feds91Stammer

Thanks, he's a righty so that makes sense. They could use a guy with that flexibility and he should come at a bargain rate.

Playing with a bad team and shaky goal-tending seems like it got taken out on the two expensive UFA defensemen, but their underlying numbers say they weren't the problem, other guys around them were sinking them.

I also think it would also help to put them back in their old roles: 2nd pair for Shattenkirk, 3rd pair for Smith.

I can’t say I remember noticing Smith much this past season on either side of the puck. What about his numbers/style of play makes you think he’d fit on this roster?
- WSCTeton17

Just a solid though unspectacular player. As I said in other posts, Smith's relatives are solid, not great, but a massive improvement from JJ or even Maatta.

His PK numbers are excellent, except for actual goals. Despite suppressing shots and chances better than any defensemen on the Rangers by far, he got scored on most often. Goalies had an 82% save percentage with him though and his PK PDO was .86.

Seems like a guy who'd thrive on a better team, and we could use the PK help. I wouldn't take the chance at his current salary, but once he's bought out he'd be a nice value signing.

Thanks, he's a righty so that makes sense. They could use a guy with that flexibility and he should come at a bargain rate.

Playing with a bad team and shaky goal-tending seems like it got taken out on the two expensive UFA defensemen, but their underlying numbers say they weren't the problem, other guys around them were sinking them.

I also think it would also help to put them back in their old roles: 2nd pair for Shattenkirk, 3rd pair for Smith.
- Tojo.

He’s a lefty but Detroit never had righties and he can skate so he spent most of his career on the right side.

Just a solid though unspectacular player. As I said in other posts, Smith's relatives are solid, not great, but a massive improvement from JJ or even Maatta.

His PK numbers are excellent, except for actual goals. Despite suppressing shots and chances better than any defensemen on the Rangers by far, he got scored on most often. Goalies had an 82% save percentage with him though and his PK PDO was .86.

Seems like a guy who'd thrive on a better team, and we could use the PK help. I wouldn't take the chance at his current salary, but once he's bought out he'd be a nice value signing.
- Tojo.

He is unspectacularly extremely effective. He is also a stud a defending zone entries and solid at zone exits.

He’s a lefty but Detroit never had righties and he can skate so he spent most of his career on the right side.
- Feds91Stammer

I need to start looking this up instead of just which side they play.

Been busy all day, did they trade JJ yet?

Been busy all day, did they trade JJ yet?
- Doogs

Yes, and we got a pick back, no money retained

Yes, and we got a pick back, no money retained
- Guile

See, now that’s just wrong...lying to a guy on Independence Day weekend. Cold Guile...cold.

It did make me smile a second though.

We’ve gone through this a couple times with many people chiming in so forgive me if I’m mistaken anywhere but:

Galchenyuk’s even strength scoring is what dropped last year. His PPP totals were still good. He was seeing less minutes and his most common linemate was Nick Cousins. Malkin or Crosby would be a large boost and if he sees an extra 75 seconds at even strength that should increase his point totals. I think his ES scoring went from 2-2.1/60 to what, 1.4? 2.1/60 at ES at 14 minutes is 40 points, a total he’s hit twice before I believe while playing with talented players in MTL

As far as players who have benefitted by playing in the Pitt top 6: Blake Comeau comes to mind. He had some solid years when he was young but then he floundered until he saw time on Malkin’s wing and played well. James Neal is the obvious one but that was also Malkin’s prime. Kunitz was good in Anaheim but he was better as a Penguin. Jokinen saw a lot of time with Geno in 2014 and saw his highest Pts/60 of his career that year.

The hardest part about comparing Galchenyuk to most of these other guys is that they don’t have his shot or pedigree save for Neal. Neal also had solid linemates in Dallas (Richards, Eriksson, Benn, Modo). Chucky was grinding more in AZ than he did in MTL and his shot/skills are elite. I think he’ll compliment Geno much like Neal did
- WSCTeton17

Neal was also a much higher volume shooter so all the comparisons are silly. Expect 20-20 from Gally and hope for 25-25.

We’ve gone through this a couple times with many people chiming in so forgive me if I’m mistaken anywhere but:

Galchenyuk’s even strength scoring is what dropped last year. His PPP totals were still good. He was seeing less minutes and his most common linemate was Nick Cousins. Malkin or Crosby would be a large boost and if he sees an extra 75 seconds at even strength that should increase his point totals. I think his ES scoring went from 2-2.1/60 to what, 1.4? 2.1/60 at ES at 14 minutes is 40 points, a total he’s hit twice before I believe while playing with talented players in MTL

As far as players who have benefitted by playing in the Pitt top 6: Blake Comeau comes to mind. He had some solid years when he was young but then he floundered until he saw time on Malkin’s wing and played well. James Neal is the obvious one but that was also Malkin’s prime. Kunitz was good in Anaheim but he was better as a Penguin. Jokinen saw a lot of time with Geno in 2014 and saw his highest Pts/60 of his career that year.

The hardest part about comparing Galchenyuk to most of these other guys is that they don’t have his shot or pedigree save for Neal. Neal also had solid linemates in Dallas (Richards, Eriksson, Benn, Modo). Chucky was grinding more in AZ than he did in MTL and his shot/skills are elite. I think he’ll compliment Geno much like Neal did
- WSCTeton17

Yes Comeau was better with Malkin than his previous few years, but he went from around a 30pt scorer to a 40pt scorer. I do think Gal will be better here, but not to the level of Neal. Neal really clicked here and for Gal to replicate that, it'll be less about his shot to me, and how well he can click with Malkin or Sid. I'm not saying that players don't improve on our team, I'm just saying Gal has basically been a 40pt scorer his whole life and I think if it goes well we see a 45 to 55pt scorer out of him. Obviously I'm a fan and as a fan I do hope it clicks and he somehow becomes the second coming of Neal. I'm just not betting on it.

Also I doubt Gal gets any first PP time with our squad so the points he didn't get in Arizona at ES that he will get in Pittsburgh will just be cancelled out by the fact that he's no longer getting first line PP points.

I'm not saying Gal can't be Neal, but Penguins shouldn't be betting on it.

Yes Comeau was better with Malkin than his previous few years, but he went from around a 30pt scorer to a 40pt scorer. I do think Gal will be better here, but not to the level of Neal. Neal really clicked here and for Gal to replicate that, it'll be less about his shot to me, and how well he can click with Malkin or Sid. I'm not saying that players don't improve on our team, I'm just saying Gal has basically been a 40pt scorer his whole life and I think if it goes well we see a 45 to 55pt scorer out of him. Obviously I'm a fan and as a fan I do hope it clicks and he somehow becomes the second coming of Neal. I'm just not betting on it.

Also I doubt Gal gets any first PP time with our squad so the points he didn't get in Arizona at ES that he will get in Pittsburgh will just be cancelled out by the fact that he's no longer getting first line PP points.

I'm not saying Gal can't be Neal, but Penguins shouldn't be betting on it.
- Thrill81

They're not even similar. They both have good one timers and that's about the extent of their similarities. Neal skated in cement and played a heavier game. Galchenyuk is fast but will provide exactly zero sandpaper. Saying Galchenyuk is a bad Phil Kessel with a one timer is a better comparison than saying Galchenyuk is Neal.

The questions I have for Ryan Wilson are:

1. Have you ever covered a professional sporting event with a press pass and a seat in the press box for a recognized media outlet and written on deadline? If you have, when and for what media outlet?

2. Have you ever interviewed Mike Sullivan, or Jim Rutherford, or any Penguins player, in a one-on-one setting?

3. Or do you sit at home, wherever that might be, look up stats and analytics, and spout opinions without any journalistic background, experience, or credibility as a beat writer for a professional team?

They're not even similar. They both have good one timers and that's about the extent of their similarities. Neal skated in cement and played a heavier game. Galchenyuk is fast but will provide exactly zero sandpaper. Saying Galchenyuk is a bad Phil Kessel with a one timer is a better comparison than saying Galchenyuk is Neal.
- Victoro311

Vic you said you’re a fan of his but did you watch him this year? He’s not as physical as Neal but he’s not soft like Phil. The kid hits. I also never said he was a Neal clone - I said he’s Neal-lite which I followed up by saying Neal 2.0. You’re right that he’s faster though. He’s not poor defensively as a winger either, but he definitely is as a center

He plays both sides of the PP, so did Neal. He’s got a great release, so does Neal. He’s got a great one timer, so does Neal. He’s physical, so is Neal. He plays both wings but prefers his strong side as opposed to his off wing, same as Neal. On average Neal shoots 0.4 times more per game over a 3 year average, that’s less than 40 shots different per year. When Neal was in Pitt he shot a ton more but he was playing with Prime Geno and Kunitz/Jokinen - he was getting setup a ton. Neal also receives more TOI so is his shots per 60 even really higher? Idk but my guess is it would be close.

As far as style of play I really don’t see many comparisons between Galchenyuk and Phil at all. Phil is a floater and he’s not known for dangling he’s known for shooting off the rush. Chucky is definitely more of a dangler. You’ll find Chucky and Neal in and around the net a lot more often than Phil. Their speed is maybe the only thing that is comparable

Yes Comeau was better with Malkin than his previous few years, but he went from around a 30pt scorer to a 40pt scorer. I do think Gal will be better here, but not to the level of Neal. Neal really clicked here and for Gal to replicate that, it'll be less about his shot to me, and how well he can click with Malkin or Sid. I'm not saying that players don't improve on our team, I'm just saying Gal has basically been a 40pt scorer his whole life and I think if it goes well we see a 45 to 55pt scorer out of him. Obviously I'm a fan and as a fan I do hope it clicks and he somehow becomes the second coming of Neal. I'm just not betting on it.

Also I doubt Gal gets any first PP time with our squad so the points he didn't get in Arizona at ES that he will get in Pittsburgh will just be cancelled out by the fact that he's no longer getting first line PP points.

I'm not saying Gal can't be Neal, but Penguins shouldn't be betting on it.
- Thrill81

Chucky’s career scoring pace by season per Dobber sports starting with his rookie year:
46 (only 1 PPP)
39
47
56
59
51
47 in AZ

His linemates went from Radulov and Pacioretty to De La Rose, Drouin, and Lehkonen so it’s no surprise his ES scoring dropped. Then his center became Nick Cousins. QoT matters and it’s going to matter when he gets to Pitt. Who’s the better linemates: Cousins and Garland (27 and 31 point pace), Pacioretty and Radulov (68 and 58 point pace, Chucky had a 59 point pace that year), or Malkin (87 point pace in a ‘down year’) and say Rust (40 point pace)?

I also don’t see any reason to assume Chucky won’t see PP1 time in Pitt. Schultz has had 20 PPP once in his career and has 16 over his last 92 games. Chucky has had over 20 each of the past two seasons and was on pace for 20 the year before so a 20+ PPP pace for 3 straight years. After Phil, Tanger, Sid and Geno our next highest PP scorers had 12 and 11 points and they’re the net front guys. Clearly it’s between Schultz and Chucky. I could see either guy taking it

I haven’t been shy with my opinion. 40 ES points for Chucky and if he gets on PP1 I could see him getting 20+ PPP. For Phil I’ve got him around 35ES and 35 PPP playing with Keller and Stepan