So, with this said, how HAS the guy managed to craft an NHL career of 13 seasons?? Seems just a bit harsh... or inaccurate...?
- Cousinskrid

He used to be a somewhat offensive defenseman who got buried in his own end. Now he just gets buried in his own end.

So, with this said, how HAS the guy managed to craft an NHL career of 13 seasons?? Seems just a bit harsh... or inaccurate...?
- Cousinskrid

Ahhh the old GM's know better point...I'm surprised we still hear this so much when we see GM's making the dumbest moves year in and year out.

Well you see Cousins, there's this thing called 1st round pedigree and it can hold value in a GM's mind, no matter the underlying numbers of a player. This is a factor but the guy also used to be a 30 to 40 point d-man every season. So there was some nice production there. That production has little to do with any kind of defensive prowess or ability though, as usually more than half of his points came on the PP each season.

HE WAS NEVER GOOD DEFENSIVELY....

...and now his offence has dried up too.

Ahhh the old GM's know better point...I'm surprised we still hear this so much when we see GM's making the dumbest moves year in and year out.

Well you see Cousins, there's this thing called 1st round pedigree and it can hold value in a GM's mind, no matter the underlying numbers of a player. This is a factor but the guy also used to be a 30 to 40 point d-man every season. So there was some nice production there. That production has little to do with any kind of defensive prowess or ability though, as usually more than half of his points came on the PP each season.

HE WAS NEVER GOOD DEFENSIVELY....

...and now his offence has dried up too.
- MattStrat

I don't know that I made any such point.

But I did ask a question that still appears unanswered.

While I can't argue with JJs poor metrics, the Pens had much larger issues last season outside of him. JJ definitely needs to play better this year, but he's not the only one.

He used to be a somewhat offensive defenseman who got buried in his own end. Now he just gets buried in his own end.
- Tojo.

This made me chuckle but not in a good way.

Ahhh the old GM's know better point...I'm surprised we still hear this so much when we see GM's making the dumbest moves year in and year out.

Well you see Cousins, there's this thing called 1st round pedigree and it can hold value in a GM's mind, no matter the underlying numbers of a player. This is a factor but the guy also used to be a 30 to 40 point d-man every season. So there was some nice production there. That production has little to do with any kind of defensive prowess or ability though, as usually more than half of his points came on the PP each season.

HE WAS NEVER GOOD DEFENSIVELY....

...and now his offence has dried up too.
- MattStrat

And since JR drafted him, it's personal.

Ahhh the old GM's know better point...I'm surprised we still hear this so much when we see GM's making the dumbest moves year in and year out.

Well you see Cousins, there's this thing called 1st round pedigree and it can hold value in a GM's mind, no matter the underlying numbers of a player. This is a factor but the guy also used to be a 30 to 40 point d-man every season. So there was some nice production there. That production has little to do with any kind of defensive prowess or ability though, as usually more than half of his points came on the PP each season.

HE WAS NEVER GOOD DEFENSIVELY....

...and now his offence has dried up too.
- MattStrat

I believe he was asked to stay more at home as well. Could he rediscover a bit of offense playing with a guy like Gudbranson? I really don't wanna cheer against JJ and Guds. Let's see what they can do first (bad or good results).

If they suck it will only give guys like Marino, Addison and Joseph a chance at some point.

Apparently the Penguins are interested in Julius Honka. Is he any better than Ruhwedel or Riikola? That 1st Round pedigree someone mentioned here...

Every team has a third pairing D, and while few are great, ours actually isn't the worst (as shown by RWs stats), they're just a bit overpaid (GOOD FOR THEM!).

The narrative used to be about how great players elevated those around them. Either that has changed, or the Pens' great players aren't somehow able to do this , or the narrative is just tweaked by the loudest to suit the loudest, I honestly don't know...

Some folks here think the Pens won't make the playoffs... BAH! humbug. But if they don't, it won't be JJs fault. Rather it will be the stars' fault, just like last season.

except for Sid. GO PENS !!
- Cousinskrid

Nope.

So, with this said, how HAS the guy managed to craft an NHL career of 13 seasons?? Seems just a bit harsh... or inaccurate...?
- Cousinskrid

Name and draft status. That’s literally it.

I believe he was asked to stay more at home as well. Could he rediscover a bit of offense playing with a guy like Gudbranson? I really don't wanna cheer against JJ and Guds. Let's see what they can do first (bad or good results).

If they suck it will only give guys like Marino, Addison and Joseph a chance at some point.
- Barnaby36

No one actively roots against these guys. Smart people are just realists and know what is going to happen lol

I don't know that I made any such point.

But I did ask a question that still appears unanswered.

While I can't argue with JJs poor metrics, the Pens had much larger issues last season outside of him. JJ definitely needs to play better this year, but he's not the only one.
- Cousinskrid

You didnt directly say it but its very easily interpreted that way. Who would be hiring him for each of those 13 seasons he "crafted"?

I believe he was asked to stay more at home as well. Could he rediscover a bit of offense playing with a guy like Gudbranson? I really don't wanna cheer against JJ and Guds. Let's see what they can do first (bad or good results).

If they suck it will only give guys like Marino, Addison and Joseph a chance at some point.
- Barnaby36

I want them to do amazing. I just dont see it happening. I will gladly take a video and post it of me inserting my own foot in mouth if JJ-Guds becomes a great pairing.

Apparently the Penguins are interested in Julius Honka. Is he any better than Ruhwedel or Riikola? That 1st Round pedigree someone mentioned here...
- Barnaby36

Who's saying that?

I want them to do amazing. I just dont see it happening. I will gladly take a video and post it of me inserting my own foot in mouth if JJ-Guds becomes a great pairing.
- MattStrat

I wouldn't say they'll ever turn out great lol but they really can do basic stuff for 13-14 mins and we'll be fine.

As for the Honka thing, I saw on Instagram that the player asked for a trade and the Penguins might be interested. The 1st thing that came in my mind was Jarry for Honka.

So Sully benched JJ for the first playoff game after playing all 82 regular season game......plus, JR tried to trade him in the off-season. My guess is he'll see the press box regularly this season if everyone is healthy. I think he'll rotate with Rikki most of the season depending the opponent. Let's see what happens during the season. I'd say it's highly likely another LD is added at some point.

Another thing.... Those complaining about lack of a "speed" game. As far as I can tell, they're absolutely going back to the speed model. Every forward except Hornie and ZAR can absolutely fly.

Jesse Marshall did a piece on the best linemates for Geno based on the WAR model. People will be surprised who they are....

So Sully benched JJ for the first playoff game after playing all 82 regular season game......plus, JR tried to trade him in the off-season. My guess is he'll see the press box regularly this season if everyone is healthy. I think he'll rotate with Rikki most of the season depending the opponent. Let's see what happens during the season. I'd say it's highly likely another LD is added at some point.

Another thing.... Those complaining about lack of a "speed" game. As far as I can tell, they're absolutely going back to the speed model. Every forward except Hornie and ZAR can absolutely fly.

Jesse Marshall did a piece on the best linemates for Geno based on the WAR model. People will be surprised who they are....
- madmike71

....go on

....go on
- MattStrat

Ha ha.... just building the suspense.

1st choice - Simon, Geno and Hornie. WAR - 7.1

2nd choice - McCann, Geno and Hornie. War - 5.7

No one actively roots against these guys. Smart people are just realists and know what is going to happen lol
- j.boyd919

Would you be happy with 1 goal against per game for this pairing? lol

Ha ha.... just building the suspense.

1st choice - Simon, Geno and Hornie.

2nd choice - McCann, Geno and Hornie.
- madmike71

Hahah thanks.

I am totally fine with trying those combos but I also like Horny Bjugs together.

Would you be happy with 1 goal against per game for this pairing? lol
- Barnaby36

As long as thats the only goal against the Pens score 2 sign me up for this all season.

Ha ha.... just building the suspense.

1st choice - Simon, Geno and Hornie.

2nd choice - McCann, Geno and Hornie.
- madmike71

I thought maybe you started working for The Athletic and were trying to drum up subscriptions.

Anyway, I'm not sure what the WAR model is, but I don't see a lot of finishers on the ends of those beautiful Malkin passes there. Driving play and digging pucks out, yes. Actual scoring? Probably not much.

Ha ha.... just building the suspense.

1st choice - Simon, Geno and Hornie. WAR - 7.1

2nd choice - McCann, Geno and Hornie. War - 5.7
- madmike71

Hörnqvist always does well with Geno. I'd be fine with it if he didn't do so well with Bjugstad as well.

I wouldn't say they'll ever turn out great lol but they really can do basic stuff for 13-14 mins and we'll be fine.

As for the Honka thing, I saw on Instagram that the player asked for a trade and the Penguins might be interested. The 1st thing that came in my mind was Jarry for Honka.
- Barnaby36

I believe a decent third pairing should basically tread water around an even 0 for goal differential at 5v5. If they can pull that off, I’m cool with it. I don’t think they can though.

You didnt directly say it but its very easily interpreted that way. Who would be hiring him for each of those 13 seasons he "crafted"?
- MattStrat

My point all along is actually that in the ultimate team sport, WAY too much attention has been placed on one guy's failings, by what is basically a spoiled fanbase (me included) and a bunch of hockey card collectors. Is JJ now an overpaid, borderline NHL/AHL d-man? Absolutely. But last season showed the Pens had much deeper issues than just RW's latest appointed whipping boy... meaning stars who WAY underperformed, and maybe underperformed as a team versus individual stats or metrics show. THEY sucked pretty much all last season, as a team. Coaching included.

New season... some new guys... probably more guys coming... GO PENS !!

I wouldn't say they'll ever turn out great lol but they really can do basic stuff for 13-14 mins and we'll be fine.

As for the Honka thing, I saw on Instagram that the player asked for a trade and the Penguins might be interested. The 1st thing that came in my mind was Jarry for Honka.
- Barnaby36

Would we be able to sign Honka without it counting against the cap? That's the only way I see it working. But I'm all for trading goalie depth for defensive depth.