Simon has to be the most polarizing issue in these comment sections...people are either in your boat here, me included, or they are totally against the guy hahaha
- MattStrat

It's funny because I think I'm where you guys are, but there really was a lot of arguing between Simon needs to be on the top line and Simon needs to be gone and I think the truth is in the middle. Good bottom six guy.

LW and G are the two positions that haven't been hit with injuries so far. I don't like the way Galchenyuk has been managed either. What is most disturbing to me is that ZAR is getting more TOI. I don't know what Sullivan's long game is but 'chucky needs to change that. He really needs to be challenging Tanev for ice time rather than ZAR.
- Thunderbolt

The ice time he gives ZAR though is all defensive assignments and PK time. That's not time Galchenyuk is going to get. ZAR actually started on the 4th line, but while they were protecting a lead Sully shortened the bench and played him more and Galchenyuk less.

Once they get Sid back, they'll have 3 scoring lines an that will give Galchenyuk more opportunity. Just with Sid an Bjugstad both out someone gets Blandisi.

I just think the fact he's so bad at finishing should take him off that line. The team has other options, almost everyone on this team is averaging .5 points a game, even Sam Lafferty.

I don't hate Simon at all, I just think he's a bottom six guy that maybe you slot higher with injuries or slumps. Good depth player though.
- Tojo.

Honestly I’m not opposed to taking him off the line. I’d love to see Kahun get a shot with Geno or Sid when he returns but I’m also not going to be throwing my hands in the air if Sully keeps him with the top line to spread the depth down the lineup with all the injuries. I see why Sully’s doing it and I may not agree, I just don’t think it’s as big a deal as some make it out to be.

The ice time he gives ZAR though is all defensive assignments and PK time. That's not time Galchenyuk is going to get. ZAR actually started on the 4th line, but while they were protecting a lead Sully shortened the bench and played him more and Galchenyuk less.

Once they get Sid back, they'll have 3 scoring lines an that will give Galchenyuk more opportunity. Just with Sid an Bjugstad both out someone gets Blandisi.
- Tojo.

I straight up forgot Bjugstad was on this team.

I just think the fact he's so bad at finishing should take him off that line. The team has other options, almost everyone on this team is averaging .5 points a game, even Sam Lafferty.

I don't hate Simon at all, I just think he's a bottom six guy that maybe you slot higher with injuries or slumps. Good depth player though.
- Tojo.

I look at him more as a bottom six guy that can also be a 3rd wheel on the top six. I would never expect him to drive a line or even ride shotgun. He’s more of a backseat sit bįtch kind of guy.

It’s tough to figure out though. From a coaching stand point you have to have your guys earn ice time or else it can screw up moral when a guy that’s struggled is getting TOI handouts over guys that are actually playing quite well like Tanev. On the flip side, if you limit the chances for a guy to break out of a funk by killing their TOI, the funk can become permanent, like what happened with Tanner Pearson who got buried here and then broke out in Vancouver. Also from a divisional race standpoint, the Pens have been absolutely shellacked with injuries so each point is precious. You just have to put out the guys that put you in the best position to win every night because every single point is so valuable when we’re treading water.
- Victoro311

Yep, agree with this. They don't have the luxury right now of prioritizing getting Galchenyuk going while they're barely holding on to a playoff spot.

They do start him on the 2nd line a lot.

I straight up forgot Bjugstad was on this team.
- Victoro311

So did Bjugstad.

Yep, agree with this. They don't have the luxury right now of prioritizing getting Galchenyuk going while they're barely holding on to a playoff spot.

They do start him on the 2nd line a lot.
- Tojo.

Yeah Sully ain’t worried about Chuckys trade value and he absolutely shouldn’t be either. His job is to put forth the best roster to win each game, not boost trade value.

I agree with most of that but want to point out 2 things:

1) you didnt answer my questions and

2) I dont think Boyd has been dead set on him being a top line winger

Personally I like Simon and think he can slot up and down the lineup anywhere nicely, so I dont really care what line he's on. Not everyone on a line has to have star production and this guy is good at controlling the puck, zone entries and is good defensively...he's also a pretty good passer.
- MattStrat

I like him too. I think his conversion % is more than good enough to play on a very effective 3rd or 4th line. I like to ask myself which players would be dope in a game of keepaway (e.g., Datsyuk), and I think Simon would be very good 1v1 (something that bothered me about Kessel, but his good greatly outweighed his bad). I was actually making dinner when he skied it in front of an open net. That was pretty glaring. I don't know what good he's doing for Sullivan that let's that fly. If that costs standings points or a playoff game, then this is a completely different conversation. Coach's leashes depend on how he likes the guys. Every coach probably does to some degree, but his is very high.

I actually like the team a lot right now. I am not opposed to holding Galch even if his current trend remains the same, for two reasons: His production isn't bad considering being on a new team being compounded by coaching, confidence, and the injury. Most importantly, with the injuries going the way they are, it's a luxury to have someone that history would suggest can put up 20 goals in a primary role (even if not, PP depth). I understand that his return may be more valuable, but he's not playing himself into another $5mil contract in PIT.

Honestly I’m not opposed to taking him off the line. I’d love to see Kahun get a shot with Geno or Sid when he returns but I’m also not going to be throwing my hands in the air if Sully keeps him with the top line to spread the depth down the lineup with all the injuries. I see why Sully’s doing it and I may not agree, I just don’t think it’s as big a deal as some make it out to be.
- j.boyd919

I'd just use him differently. I'd rather bump Simon around to a line that's struggling with possession and creating chances. Like I they really want to force Galchenyuk and McCann to happen, that's a good place for Simon. Or put him on Blueger's line and let him keep the puck against other team's scoring lines.

I'd rather Kahun on Malkin's line, or if they wanted to experiment with Tanev this is a good time. But yeah someone who might score a goal, it was pretty comical last night watching Geno keep setting up Simon and nothing happen.

There is no reason for Simon to be on the Penguins. I don’t care how many injuries they ever have. Take Noesen for example. His whole life he’s been s better hockey player than Simon but for some reason Simon’s riding shotgun wasting scoring chances with Sidney Crosby. Eric Goddard would have more goals in that many games with Sid than Simon does. Dudes garbage, I heard he had an animal cruelty charge against him as s kid too.

There is no reason for Simon to be on the Penguins. I don’t care how many injuries they ever have. Take Noesen for example. His whole life he’s been s better hockey player than Simon but for some reason Simon’s riding shotgun wasting scoring chances with Sidney Crosby. Eric Goddard would have more goals in that many games with Sid than Simon does. Dudes garbage, I heard he had an animal cruelty charge against him as s kid too.
- Grinder47

hahahah

Yep, agree with this. They don't have the luxury right now of prioritizing getting Galchenyuk going while they're barely holding on to a playoff spot.

They do start him on the 2nd line a lot.
- Tojo.

This changes on a moment-to-moment basis. When the game is pretty well in-hand (please don't make me dig up recent examples, because the games have been close as of late), then you're looking pretty clear to put someone somewhere less effective in the lineup. It might prevent a late-game injury to an important player at the same time it might help pad someone's stats. When you're up 5-1 against TOR, play Galch with Geno. That's not even from the stance of him finishing chances that Simon couldn't, which, as I mentioned, is only as relevant as the importance of that would-be goal makes it. I think it's fair that he needs to play his way, but not to the tune of enforcer minutes. He is just not that awful.

I just think people view small skill players in black and white. They’re either Marty St Louis or they’re AHLers that have no business in the big leagues. There’s no middle ground for these kinds of players where people accept that they have limitations but also acknowledge that they’re good for what they are. I mean the same people that female doged about Simon also female doged about Sheary and Sheary actually scored goals.
- Victoro311

Theo Fluery said many years ago that small players must prove themselves they belong everyday. Whereas big players have to prove they can't play.

I wasn't a Sheary fan, he grew on me with his scrappiness.
He got paid about what he deserved.
I am happy it is not with the Penguins.
I would rather have Sheary than Simon. I don't see the hard nosed play from Simon that I saw from Sheary.

I straight up forgot Bjugstad was on this team.
- Victoro311

It's too bad because right now he'd have a role as the last center, but he's going to struggle to find his place in a healthy lineup.

I haven't written him off yet, and outside a good return or really needing the cap space I'd probably hang on to him until the off-season just for depth, but he can't improve his standing when h can't stay in the line-up.

Theo Fluery said many years ago that small players must prove themselves they belong everyday. Whereas big players have to prove they can't play.

I wasn't a Sheary fan, he grew on me with his scrappiness.
He got paid about what he deserved.
I am happy it is not with the Penguins.
I would rather have Sheary than Simon. I don't see the hard nosed play from Simon that I saw from Sheary.
- Thunderbolt

Really? I actually think Simon is better in the corners than Sheary every was and he doesn’t fall down as much as Sheary lol

Funny tweet about McDavids place in the world

https://twitter.com/oiler.../1202429205377536000?s=21

It’s him ABSOLUTELY surrounded by 5 Sens 😂 and apparently he still got a scoring chance out of it

I just think people view small skill players in black and white. They’re either Marty St Louis or they’re AHLers that have no business in the big leagues. There’s no middle ground for these kinds of players where people accept that they have limitations but also acknowledge that they’re good for what they are. I mean the same people that female doged about Simon also female doged about Sheary and Sheary actually scored goals.
- Victoro311

Maybe 25 years ago this was true.

Letang is firing shots. Regardless of what you think of JJ, this is leadership on Letang's part.

https://pittsburghhockeyn...hnsons-value-to-penguins/

Maybe 25 years ago this was true.
- Grinder47

Right? Now scrubs like Adam Hall, Craig Adams, and the likes aren’t even in the league because coaches realize they (frank)ing suck.

Letang is firing shots. Regardless of what you think of JJ, this is leadership on Letang's part.

https://pittsburghhockeyn...hnsons-value-to-penguins/
- pens_4ever

Gotta pump everyone’s tires. That’s how it works. I don’t expect him to poop on his teammates lol

Really? I actually think Simon is better in the corners than Sheary every was and he doesn’t fall down as much as Sheary lol
- j.boyd919

I saw it more in front of the goal. Sheary is just more determined at getting good shots off in tight. Take a hit to make a play so to speak. When he had a second he had a good shot.

As far as the corners go, Simon also gets knocked around pretty good. At least with Simon he gets hit before he falls down.

Right? Now scrubs like Adam Hall, Craig Adams, and the likes aren’t even in the league because coaches realize they (frank)ing suck.
- j.boyd919

I’m talking about the fans. The NHL has obviously caught on at least to an extent, but a lot of fans still don’t like the way it looks so unaestheticly pleasing because it’s not grinding and hitting is being translated to “bad” by their brains.

Right? Now scrubs like Adam Hall, Craig Adams, and the likes aren’t even in the league because coaches realize they (frank)ing suck.
- j.boyd919

Popcorn is ready

I’m talking about the fans. The NHL has obviously caught on at least to an extent, but a lot of fans still don’t like the way it looks so unaestheticly pleasing because it’s not grinding and hitting is being translated to “bad” by their brains.
- Victoro311

Oh I know lol I was just cracking jokes at Grinder.