So we know...

GmJR sees the signing of Petts as a priority, well yeah he is the only one unsigned.

Pettersson is going no where (He’s an RFA).

They could let him play on the qualifying offer but they both want a long term deal.

Petts made Geno better...way better than with JJ.

RW doesn’t like JJ. Based on every blog throws a dig at him.

Man!!!! It is SO difficult to stay positive at this time of the year.

So we know...

GmJR sees the signing of Petts as a priority, well yeah he is the only one unsigned.

Pettersson is going no where (He’s an RFA).

They could let him play on the qualifying offer but they both want a long term deal.

Petts made Geno better...way better than with JJ.

RW doesn’t like JJ. Based on every blog throws a dig at him.

Man!!!! It is SO difficult to stay positive at this time of the year.
- Doogs

It's hard to stay positive when

"We coulda had Panarin, if only we didn't have Horn, Guds and Tanev"

Or, A version of that......

All Day, Every Day......

How exactly are they keeping him? Vas’s raise next year + Point likely getting $8M+?
- Rinosaur

He fits this year, then they will trade someone next season to make room. That's what you do.

That's the point I'm making.... The "Eric Fehr's"

We sign Brandon Tanev and all people write is "We coulda had"

Donskoi, Dzingle, Ferland, etc, etc, etc

There is nothing that suggests that those players would have signed here for the same $$$. There is little evidence to suggest that Pittsburgh has been any players "1st Choice"

So when Free Agency strikes, it's a lot like the CFL draft. The team with the 1st overall pick in the CFL doesn't pick a player who is likely to be taken in the NFL draft.

You target players you have a realistic shot at, based on what you know from agents regarding players preferred destinations

Evidence suggests, that regardless of teams success, those guys don't have Pittsburgh high on their list, and the guys that do, don't seem to ever come here on a discount, unless they are all used up like Eric Fehr

So, Paul Martin, Zybnek Michalek, Petr Sykora, Brandon Tanev, Ruslan Fedotenko, Miroslav Satan it is
- RoloTahmasee

I don't know that any of those guys would or wouldn't have signed here. I think Tampa ranks ahead of Pittsburgh, so I doubt we'd have gotten Shattenkirk.

I'm not even strongly disagreeing with you. Sometimes it's better to aggressively pursue who you want rather than wait to shop in the bargain bin. My point, and I think Vic's as well, is that you can't judge whether or not the Pens can get these guys if they spend their cap space before the prices come down.

It's just something to consider. I agree, GMJR wanted Tanev and got his man. What we don't know is if they a Waite to spend that money if they could have instead gotten Dzingel, MoJo, or Ferlund on one of those deals instead. I don't think it's accurate for anyone to claim they know either way.

I’m not holding my breath on any prospects, but I think that deal sounds fair.
- Rinosaur

Fair point, it's only a possibility. I'm not counting on any prospects yet either, but a handful I have hopes for that they can be more than bottom of the roster players and POJ is one. I'm hoping POJ and Pettersson both prove worthy of 2nd pair minutes and we end up with good depth.

Aside from the fact Point is not likely to come back?
- Rinosaur

Point is staying, he's already reportedly rejected at least two offer sheets because he's focused on Tampa.

I have no idea how they deal with next year since everyone obvious to move has. NTC, but that's next year's problem.

I don't know that any of those guys would or wouldn't have signed here. I think Tampa ranks ahead of Pittsburgh, so I doubt we'd have gotten Shattenkirk.

I'm not even strongly disagreeing with you. Sometimes it's better to aggressively pursue who you want rather than wait to shop in the bargain bin. My point, and I think Vic's as well, is that you can't judge whether or not the Pens can get these guys if they spend their cap space before the prices come down.

It's just something to consider. I agree, GMJR wanted Tanev and got his man. What we don't know is if they a Waite to spend that money if they could have instead gotten Dzingel, MoJo, or Ferlund on one of those deals instead. I don't think it's accurate for anyone to claim they know either way.
- Tojo.

One thing to remember is capspace doesn't win championships. Like the Presidents trophy, There is no parade for the teams that managed their cap best or the team that maximized their profits

If you get the guys you want (and it seems obvious that Tanev is the piece the Pens wanted) you go out and get him and let the other teams do their thing. For all we know, that Ferland contract could end up a disaster, Dzingle wouldn't have meshed well, and MoJo would end up injured again

You can get your #1 target early, or wait and pick through whats left in the scrap bin, meanwhile you're #1 target may have signed elsewhere

Guys who are "deals" are usually deals for a reason.

It's hard to stay positive when

"We coulda had Panarin, if only we didn't have Horn, Guds and Tanev"

Or, A version of that......

All Day, Every Day......
- RoloTahmasee

Kinda what I was gettin’ at.

One thing to remember is capspace doesn't win championships. Like the Presidents trophy, There is no parade for the teams that managed their cap best or the team that maximized their profits

If you get the guys you want (and it seems obvious that Tanev is the piece the Pens wanted) you go out and get him and let the other teams do their thing. For all we know, that Ferland contract could end up a disaster, Dzingle wouldn't have meshed well, and MoJo would end up injured again

You can get your #1 target early, or wait and pick through whats left in the scrap bin, meanwhile you're #1 target may have signed elsewhere

Guys who are "deals" are usually deals for a reason.
- RoloTahmasee

Yep, I'm not arguing that part, just the assumption that those types of guys wouldn't sign with the Pens. That's something we can't know.

I don't agree with all the ways the Pens tied up money. I'm not as strict as some. I could live with Hornqvist or Tanev as a bottom six splurge but not both. I don't have a big problem at the moment with Gudbranson because while it's an overall, that spot was exposed as a gaping hole last year. I do with JJ, but who doesn't.

I do think the team needs one more top six forward and would like the room for that but I don't need to undo every contract to get there.

But I also agree with you that you can't just remove those guys and automatically add the perfect fit guys you want.

Yep, I'm not arguing that part, just the assumption that those types of guys wouldn't sign with the Pens. That's something we can't know.

I don't agree with all the ways the Pens tied up money. I'm not as strict as some. I could live with Hornqvist or Tanev as a bottom six splurge but not both. I don't have a big problem at the moment with Gudbranson because while it's an overall, that spot was exposed as a gaping hole last year. I do with JJ, but who doesn't.

I do think the team needs one more top six forward and would like the room for that but I don't need to undo every contract to get there.

But I also agree with you that you can't just remove those guys and automatically add the perfect fit guys you want.
- Tojo.

Yeah I mean this is what I’m saying. I’m not gonna sit here and say the Pens FO sucks for having a bad contract. Bad contracts are frustrating but they’re common. My thing is that we have several bad contracts and a handful of not great contracts, which puts us at a disadvantage. Like now. As things stand, unless Rutherford proves me wrong and moves a contact I dont think we have the assets to move without taking salary back, we’re going to lose a forward who’s somewhere between top 6 and top 9 caliber because we went out and over spent on a bottom 6 guy while already in a precarious cap position due to other bad contracts. If it was just one or two of these contracts on the books it wouldn’t matter so much.

I agree, Rutherford has done a great job of balancing the win now approach and the future. If you look at the players surrounding the core of Crosby, Malkin, and Letang only 1 forward is older than 27 and all the defenseman are in their 20’s besides JJ. Plus our goaltending is also young. So when you only have 2 players not in their 20’s surrounding the core then you certainly are keeping the window open much longer. This is not like the Kings, Blackhawks, or Redwings that let the team get old and overpaid players with extremely long contracts that are a shell of themselves now. Heck the Redwings have 10 players still on their team in their 30’s while the Pens have 5 counting their core players. People make a big deal of JJ’s contract which at $3.25 million is not even that high a salary in today’s NHL. Heck, Ben Chiarot just signed for $3.5 million cap hit and is a similar a ability defenseman. Ideally we would love to upgrade his spot and I think the Pens will by the deadline but JJ certainly is good enough to play 14-16 minutes a game until then.

It's hard to stay positive when

"We coulda had Panarin, if only we didn't have Horn, Guds and Tanev"

Or, A version of that......

All Day, Every Day......
- RoloTahmasee

That is a stupid argument. Every team can take 3 players and say the same thing. Pens have many more contracts that are a deal than are players overpaid. Every team has some players making more than they are worth. Overall the Pens have plenty of value for their cap hit.

Panarin would still not be any more guaranteed to sign with the Pens even if we would of had the room. How about live in reality? Also Tanev is going to give exactly what the Pens need in our system. Gudbranson was awesome for the Pens by every metric and the eye test plus we need some muscle in the back end. Hornqvist is a Warrior that is a guaranteed 20+ goals if playing near a full season. The only contract I would want to get rid of is JJ’s and almost every team has someone overpayed.

I agree, Rutherford has done a great job of balancing the win now approach and the future. If you look at the players surrounding the core of Crosby, Malkin, and Letang only 1 forward is older than 27 and all the defenseman are in their 20’s besides JJ. Plus our goaltending is also young. So when you only have 2 players not in their 20’s surrounding the core then you certainly are keeping the window open much longer. This is not like the Kings, Blackhawks, or Redwings that let the team get old and overpaid players with extremely long contracts that are a shell of themselves now. Heck the Redwings have 10 players still on their team in their 30’s while the Pens have 5 counting their core players. People make a big deal of JJ’s contract which at $3.25 million is not even that high a salary in today’s NHL. Heck, Ben Chiarot just signed for $3.5 million cap hit and is a similar a ability defenseman. Ideally we would love to upgrade his spot and I think the Pens will by the deadline but JJ certainly is good enough to play 14-16 minutes a game until then.
- MalkinCrosby

I was tracking with you right until the end when you said JJ can play 14-16 minutes a game. Otherwise good points.

I was tracking with you right until the end when you said JJ can play 14-16 minutes a game. Otherwise good points.
- Tojo.

I’d say 10 minutes at most would be acceptable IF he stays with us. Hopefully we can unload him and sign Pettersson to a 3-4 year deal. Won’t even start with the Gardiner idea..

I am confused how Vegas is exempt from the expansion draft? Seems way unfair.

I’d say 10 minutes at most would be acceptable IF he stays with us. Hopefully we can unload him and sign Pettersson to a 3-4 year deal. Won’t even start with the Gardiner idea..
- Barnaby36

You're very optimistic if you think trading JJ will be easy for the Pens. Yeah, he doesn't own a NTC/NMC and got a 3,25 M$ cap hit, but he's signed for 4 more years and he's a dark hole on the ice. He's doing nothing good offensively and defensively. Other teams know it and won't make any favor to Rutherford. They'll likely ask for a sweetener (like a good prospect or a high draft pick) to be included with JJ to accept the trade. IMO, Rutherford isn't in a strong position to do that and will likely trade someone else.

I am confused how Vegas is exempt from the expansion draft? Seems way unfair.
- Doogs

They aren't getting a cut of the Expansion Fees

Every team is getting 20 million, Basically, That's what each team is selling their 1 player chosen for

The blog ends withJJ or Gudbranson leaving and Ryan Wilson being happy.

They aren't getting a cut of the Expansion Fees

Every team is getting 20 million, Basically, That's what each team is selling their 1 player chosen for
- RoloTahmasee

I’ve been waiting for a Petts blog all summer. It wasn’t bad but more graphs and charts, maybe some discussion of comparables or expectations

As usual I agree with Tojo but Rolo I think your thought out posts (other than that one short, snarky one) were really valid

My opinion of this team hasn’t changed. With Petts in the top 4 and with or without Rust I think we’re definitely a playoff team (top 2 team in the division). I think we have a more complete team than where we started last season with. If we can stay healthy I think we’re in good shape. Sullivan is my X factor on is lineup decisions, ice time and all that

Also, one of the guys with the Athletic (the name is escaping me rn) said Petts won’t be signed until cap space is cleared and GMJR is in no hurry

I’ve been waiting for a Petts blog all summer. It wasn’t bad but more graphs and charts, maybe some discussion of comparables or expectations

As usual I agree with Tojo but Rolo I think your thought out posts (other than that one short, snarky one) were really valid

My opinion of this team hasn’t changed. With Petts in the top 4 and with or without Rust I think we’re definitely a playoff team (top 2 team in the division). I think we have a more complete team than where we started last season with. If we can stay healthy I think we’re in good shape. Sullivan is my X factor on is lineup decisions, ice time and all that
- WSCTeton17

I dont really know much of Kahun, Tanev or Mccann other than what little we saw. Assuming they are all Rust or better and ZAR and Simon can improve I think this team is much better up front than they have been in a while.

The D is a question mark but a healthy Shultz and improved Pets will help. JJ is really the only bad player on the team.

The big question is if Malkin can be healthy for a full season or not.

Point predictions for the following players anyone?

McCann

Kahun

Galchenyuk

Simon

It's hard to stay positive when

"We coulda had Panarin, if only we didn't have Horn, Guds and Tanev"

Or, A version of that......

All Day, Every Day......
- RoloTahmasee

I don’t know if your serious or not but if Panarin wanted to come to the burgh JR would have made it happen. He’s Russian so I’m sure being on a team with Crosby and Malkin wasn’t to appealing to him.

McCann - 58 (if he plays on the first line it may be higher, but this is based on him switching between both the 1st and 3rd)

Kahun - 48 (I think he plays on the second line so I could see him having solid numbers)

Galchenyuk - 65 (same as with Kahun I see him with Malkin, but I could also see him on our top PP due to his ability to one time the puck which is why I choose 65 points).

Simon - 26 (I wanted to say 30 points, but I see Simon being played everywhere).


Bonus Prediction : Tanev - 3 SHG (I feel he comes in and shows us his speed and PK ability and why JR loved signing this guy).

Point predictions for the following players anyone?

McCann

Kahun

Galchenyuk

Simon
- Barnaby36

Mccan: 48 pts. I do think he will see 1st line minutes but will eventually be taken off to give others a shot. Could get 55.

Kahun: 45 pts. Watching highlights, he seems to find the soft spots like guentzel does and gets a ton of ES pts like him too. I only fear he won’t see a ton of PP time.

Gally: 63 pts. If he plays the entire year with the top 2 lines and 1st PP. he might hit 70. He has a great 1-Timer that will need to be fit into this new PP and i think he is much better defensively as a winger too.

Simon: 35 pts. All signs point to him producing... but his sh%... competition was a smidge lower but it seemed like his confidence skyrocketed along with his hopeful line mates... Hornqvist. I think he’s got a shot at 41 pts if he sees time up in the 1st line.