Pens will struggle to make the playoffs and GMJR will still be searching for answers. Keeping last year’s first round draft choice shows we are trying to prepare for the future. Unfortunately, we should be all in right now. We know a future without 87 and 81 is closer than we care to admit. Can’t have it both ways.

No reason to call out Geno either. Thinking that them “bouncing back” is what’s going to make the Pens better is laughable considering neither had bad seasons at all.
- j.boyd919

Letang at 5v5 was 10th in points, tied for 3rd in goals, 3rd in goal differential. He was fantastic.

Geno wasn't ideal, but still produced at an elite level.

And for all the talk about how bad they were in the playoffs, no one mentions that Dumo, Crosby, and Schultz got wrecked in that series. The only real bounce back they need to get a spot in the top two in the division is a healthy Murray.

It's funny that RW tries to pin JJ solely on JR but the video he included has JR stating that both Sully and Gonch watched video of JJ and were totally on board. I didn't even watch the whole video, I just skipped to a random spot in the middle and there it was. Maybe others were advocating/on board as well.

JR should just call it a "bad fit" and move on. Attach a 1st+ to make it happen. Much better than getting rid of Rust for nothing and keeping JJ in the lineup.

I dont get how Letang was a distraction to the game plan. All Letang does is elevate those around him.
- burgh4life87

He wasn't. Letang played the system. He makes some bad gambles, but that comes with creative players. He wasn't a distraction.

Pens will struggle to make the playoffs and GMJR will still be searching for answers. Keeping last year’s first round draft choice shows we are trying to prepare for the future. Unfortunately, we should be all in right now. We know a future without 87 and 81 is closer than we care to admit. Can’t have it both ways.
- Dr Blob

They kept their first and drafted Kapanen, and then when the right opportunity came they traded him. I don't mind them trading any pick or prospect to win now, but there still needs to be a deal that makes sense.

It's funny that RW tries to pin JJ solely on JR but the video he included has JR stating that both Sully and Gonch watched video of JJ and were totally on board. I didn't even watch the whole video, I just skipped to a random spot in the middle and there it was. Maybe others were advocating/on board as well.

JR should just call it a "bad fit" and move on. Attach a 1st+ to make it happen. Much better than getting rid of Rust for nothing and keeping JJ in the lineup.
- Hockey66

Honestly they’re probably still on board lol just because everyone else sees that he sucks doesn’t mean the coaches do. He just needed a year to acclimate.

Hot take: David Clarkson will outscore JMFJ this season.

If Murray is healthy the entire season we will be neck and neck with the Caps. I like the depth of our roster at forward. I'm not ready to state that a bad bottom pair will sink the ship.
- burgh4life87

I am not trying to be a downer here but my issue isn't with JJ per se (I'd love to see him moved) but rather that MS continues to view him as a 2nd pair D-man...he brings down everyone he plays with...so while the first D-pair is set, MS tends to neuter either MP or JS by saddling them with JJ. I'd rather the complete dumpster fire of a 3rd pairing with EG & JJ and limit their minutes to sub-10 somehow...and pray they don't give up more than 3 goals in that time. Obviously JJ would be best served on another team, in the AHL or in the press-box (in that order) but assuming he can't be moved.

If Murray is healthy the entire season we will be neck and neck with the Caps. I like the depth of our roster at forward. I'm not ready to state that a bad bottom pair will sink the ship.
- burgh4life87

Oh I think they definitely can.

I am not trying to be a downer here but my issue isn't with JJ per se (I'd love to see him moved) but rather that MS continues to view him as a 2nd pair D-man...he brings down everyone he plays with...so while the first D-pair is set, MS tends to neuter either MP or JS by saddling them with JJ. I'd rather the complete dumpster fire of a 3rd pairing with EG & JJ and limit their minutes to sub-10 somehow...and pray they don't give up more than 3 goals in that time. Obviously JJ would be best served on another team, in the AHL or in the press-box (in that order) but assuming he can't be moved.
- iworkatinitech

I mostly agree with this but I think a lot had to do with injuries to Schultz and to a lesser extent Letang and Maatta last season. I don't think we can assume a healthy D-core this season and now we're minus a 2nd pair d-man. Also, limiting the third pairing means putting more wear and tear on Letang and Schultz and Letang was already at 25 minutes last year.

I don't know if Sully views him as a 2nd pair d-man or if he thinks he is an adequate fill-in when necessary, which is almost as scary. I was fine with the Maatta / Kahun swap in a vacuum, but in the context of the Pens d-corps if no other moves are made, wow. When injuries hit, and they will, it will be JJ the Saboteur to the rescue in bizarro world.

I mostly agree with this but I think a lot had to do with injuries to Schultz and to a lesser extent Letang and Maatta last season. I don't think we can assume a healthy D-core this season and now we're minus a 2nd pair d-man. Also, limiting the third pairing means putting more wear and tear on Letang and Schultz and Letang was already at 25 minutes last year.

I don't know if Sully views him as a 2nd pair d-man or if he thinks he is an adequate fill-in when necessary, which is almost as scary. I was fine with the Maatta / Kahun swap in a vacuum, but in the context of the Pens d-corps if no other moves are made, wow. When injuries hit, and they will, it will be JJ the Saboteur to the rescue in bizarro world.
- Hockey66

There's a well-used Andrew MacDonald available via UFA right now.

There's a well-used Andrew MacDonald available via UFA right now.
- jmatchett383

I can't believe you're still peddling him now that he's not on the Flyers anymore.

Are you a masochist?

I can't believe you're still peddling him now that he's not on the Flyers anymore.

Are you a masochist?
- Hockey66

Well I could switch to Robert Hagg, but I'd actually want an asset for him.

Hey, the corpse of Phaneuf is out there, too.

Honestly they’re probably still on board lol just because everyone else sees that he sucks doesn’t mean the coaches do. He just needed a year to acclimate.
- j.boyd919

I honestly think this must be their train of thought. Surely Ventura (or someone) has shown them JJ's putrid advanced stats. Surely they can't be excited about his 13 points playing 19 minutes a night on a better-than-average scoring playoff team. Surely he hasn't passed the "eye test," either.

Ok, I'm going to stop talking about JJ.

Thank god football season is starting soon. I need a diversion from the Pen's offseason.

I honestly think this must be their train of thought. Surely Ventura (or someone) has shown them JJ's putrid advanced stats. Surely they can't be excited about his 13 points playing 19 minutes a night on a better-than-average scoring playoff team. Surely he hasn't passed the "eye test," either.

Ok, I'm going to stop talking about JJ.

Thank god football season is starting soon. I need a diversion from the Pen's offseason.
- Hockey66

That was everyone’s excuse for JJ over the last 12 years lol

He wasn't. Letang played the system. He makes some bad gambles, but that comes with creative players. He wasn't a distraction.
- Tojo.

It's interesting.... From what I've read, Letang is doing exactly as Sullivan demands. He wants his D pinching (like you say). Look how many times Maatta got caught. The problem last year was the forwards didn't cover like they had in the past. It was night and day. It's so obvious when you go back and watch some of those games from the 17 cup team.....mostly the same players but a completely different level of commitment. The forwards were so disciplined in covering for the pinching D. Last year they were putrid....sans a few guys.

Letang occasionally makes a dumb decision like nearly every player, but some fans act like it's several times a night. It isn't.

Honestly they’re probably still on board lol just because everyone else sees that he sucks doesn’t mean the coaches do. He just needed a year to acclimate.
- j.boyd919

I think the fact that JJ was a healthy scratch for the first game of the playoffs last year shows the coaches at least have a doubt about JJ. Thing is if it’s between JJ and Maatta in a seven game series I’d probably stick with JJ. Laying down in front of a shot could win the series, being slow and made of marshmallows like maatta just doesn’t cut it.

I’m somewhat excited for a time when stringing together a mid season winning stretch feels like something to be happy about. I don’t really buy into the “dark days are coming” vibe. Hockey is more than skill, the right fit of guys with the right mentality can beat anyone. St Louis blues anyone? Ohhh wait I forgot, you all new O Reilly was a sure bet hart trophy winner when he was in Buffalo because of #fancystats.

I’m somewhat excited for a time when stringing together a mid season winning stretch feels like something to be happy about. I don’t really buy into the “dark days are coming” vibe. Hockey is more than skill, the right fit of guys with the right mentality can beat anyone. St Louis blues anyone? Ohhh wait I forgot, you all new O Reilly was a sure bet hart trophy winner when he was in Buffalo because of #fancystats.
- Grinder47

Everyone did know ROR was a stud...

I think the fact that JJ was a healthy scratch for the first game of the playoffs last year shows the coaches at least have a doubt about JJ. Thing is if it’s between JJ and Maatta in a seven game series I’d probably stick with JJ. Laying down in front of a shot could win the series, being slow and made of marshmallows like maatta just doesn’t cut it.
- Grinder47

Lol okay.

Matt Murray honestly wasn’t on my fantasy draft board last year. I had no interest in picking him up but my faith has been restored. I don’t think he’s going to be a Vezina candidate but I think he’s going to be close. I think he’ll get 35+ wins sporting a healthy all situations save percentage around 928

Everyone did know ROR was a stud...
- j.boyd919

Yep. They knew he was destined for that run..... I didn’t say everyone didn’t know he was good. Read. Comprehend. Respond.

Matt Murray honestly wasn’t on my fantasy draft board last year. I had no interest in picking him up but my faith has been restored. I don’t think he’s going to be a Vezina candidate but I think he’s going to be close. I think he’ll get 35+ wins sporting a healthy all situations save percentage around 928
- WSCTeton17

I think goalies are largely a product of the defense in front of them. The Pens defense last year kind of sucked and we had a lot of injuries. The only changes made have been to get rid of Maatta. If it stays as-is, I have a hard time believing Murray will have a stellar year in spite of the defense. The one caveat is that we have better defensive forwards. But, two of the most important defensemen (Letang and Schultz) are another year older and are kind of injury-prone. I think we may be seeing a lot of the 7th defenseman this year (none of which I have a high opinion) as well as JJ getting regular minutes all season long. That just doesn't add up for me. I hope I'm wrong.

Yep. They knew he was destined for that run..... I didn’t say everyone didn’t know he was good. Read. Comprehend. Respond.
- Grinder47

Oh I read it and understood it. Your sarcasm was just bad and empty, like your hockey analysis.

I think goalies are largely a product of the defense in front of them. The Pens defense last year kind of sucked and we had a lot of injuries. The only changes made have been to get rid of Maatta. If it stays as-is, I have a hard time believing Murray will have a stellar year in spite of the defense. The one caveat is that we have better defensive forwards. But, two of the most important defensemen (Letang and Schultz) are another year older and are kind of injury-prone. I think we may be seeing a lot of the 7th defenseman this year (none of which I have a high opinion) as well as JJ getting regular minutes all season long. That just doesn't add up for me. I hope I'm wrong.
- Hockey66

Matt Murray was an absolute beast when he came back from injury last year.