Ryan Wilson: Throwing Darts Throwing darts

Dubas has been known for findig gems from overseas. Does he still have the resources to continue that trend?

I said this before our fourth line is going to be very good relative to other four lines but there is not a single player on this team that’s not pegged for a top six role that I will feel comfortable putting on a third line.

Vinny is a solid depth guy. Brings speed, great in the room and can play up and down the lineup. Needs more ice.

Looks like Pittsburgh is trying to build a better skating team

Looks like Pittsburgh is trying to build a better skating team
- Glak18

Good. Much needed.

I said this before our fourth line is going to be very good relative to other four lines but there is not a single player on this team that’s not pegged for a top six role that I will feel comfortable putting on a third line.
- Victoro311

I'm not even sure about the strong fourth line. But the part about not a single player you feel confident is a third liner, sadly true. Who do we even use there? I'd probably still even put Granlund there if he's here and hope he regains form.

Like... those two guys for 4th liners at that cost I am fine with. Its paying 2+ mil for guys who might have near the same production as them that i find stupid.

I'm not even sure about the strong fourth line. But the part about not a single player you feel confident is a third liner, sadly true. Who do we even use there? I'd probably still even put Granlund there if he's here and hope he regains form.
- Tojo.

That's why I am all about taking a flier on Zadina for example. Or even Feds favorite (Tatar).

If we don't land Karlsson I am going to be really pissed we didnt buy out Granlund and keep Zucker.

I'm not even sure about the strong fourth line. But the part about not a single player you feel confident is a third liner, sadly true. Who do we even use there? I'd probably still even put Granlund there if he's here and hope he regains form.
- Tojo.

Right now the guy I’m most confident in being able to preform at a 3rd line level that’s outside the top 6 is DOC who I’m only like 25% confident in and isn’t even under contract. Lots of hopes and dreams hinge on DOC and Nylander taking jumps into top 9 players and the chances of that are so darn low for just one to hit, let alone both.

Thoughts on Jesse Puljujarvi? I think he's RFA? Either way, maybe he could be a decent 3rd line option?

Thoughts on Jesse Puljujarvi? I think he's RFA? Either way, maybe he could be a decent 3rd line option?
- mventres

He just had double hip surgery. Not good for a 25 year old.

Reading reports about development camp Yager has cemented himself as pens number 1 prospect. Incredible shot and surprised everyone with how good his skating was. 2021 2nd round pick Tristan Broz has taken big steps forwards. Sam Poulin looked good after not training or skating for a significant amount of time, easily second best prospect at camp after Yager. Luke Devlin, Luca Fantilli, and Joel blomquist also impressed. Devlin has been training with Gary Roberts and physically is a beast. For a 6’4” 200 pound 19 year old he skates “very very” well and has a very heavy shot, plays sound defensively.

Owen Pickering not standing out at all. Struggled under pressure and needs to work on his shot.

He just had double hip surgery. Not good for a 25 year old.
- burgh4life87

Ah, didn't recall that. Yeah, forget the idea, lol

Ah, didn't recall that. Yeah, forget the idea, lol
- mventres

Well while we’re throwing darts might as well. At least he has third line upside and isn’t old as dirt.

Right now the guy I’m most confident in being able to preform at a 3rd line level that’s outside the top 6 is DOC who I’m only like 25% confident in and isn’t even under contract. Lots of hopes and dreams hinge on DOC and Nylander taking jumps into top 9 players and the chances of that are so darn low for just one to hit, let alone both.
- Victoro311

I would be surprised if they try to even out the lines a bit, maybe something like:
Guentzel - Crosby - Grandlund
DOC - Malkin - Rakell
Smith - Eller - Rust

Two 2nd lines and a 3rd…. It could work, but they’re one top-six injury from being very thin…. I hope Dubas has something up his sleeve.

I would be surprised if they try to even out the lines a bit, maybe something like:
Guentzel - Crosby - Grandlund
DOC - Malkin - Rakell
Smith - Eller - Rust

Two 2nd lines and a 3rd…. It could work, but they’re one top-six injury from being very thin…. I hope Dubas has something up his sleeve.
- pier6687

I can get trying DOC in like a Jokenin thing where you put a bottom sixer on the second line and see if they can keep up enough to justify spreading the wealth but there’s no world where Granlund works on the first line.

I can get trying DOC in like a Jokenin thing where you put a bottom sixer on the second line and see if they can keep up enough to justify spreading the wealth but there’s no world where Granlund works on the first line.
- Victoro311

I know, it sucks, but where else do you put him to even things out?? I wish we signed ROR and can find a way to dump Grandlund…

I know, it sucks, but where else do you put him to even things out?? I wish we signed ROR and can find a way to dump Grandlund…
- pier6687

I just don’t think there’s a realistic way to even things out. No one that isn’t currently pegged in a top 6 role should sniff the top 6 even as a passenger.

I just don’t think there’s a realistic way to even things out. No one that isn’t currently pegged in a top 6 role should sniff the top 6 even as a passenger.
- Victoro311

Then we’ll have 2 4th lines again as it stands now. I guess we’ll see, there is still some summer left…

I can get trying DOC in like a Jokenin thing where you put a bottom sixer on the second line and see if they can keep up enough to justify spreading the wealth but there’s no world where Granlund works on the first line.
- Victoro311

How was nylander with malkin last year? It’s wasn’t long but I can’t remember that far back.

Didn’t look out of place from what I remember, but couldn’t finish the chances that were generated. I hope they try him on Malkin’s wing again to try to move Rust or Rakell to the third line. Have to imagine dubas has a move or two still to come that will shake up the forward group a little more.

Elliotte Friedman

Regarding the #LetsGoPens, I'm told any possible Erik Karlsson deal has fallen through and GM Dubas will turn to backup options. Seth Jones from CHI is a name that's out there

Hope to God this isn’t the back up plan they’re looking at…would much rather roll with Petry for the next two years.

Elliotte Friedman

Regarding the #LetsGoPens, I'm told any possible Erik Karlsson deal has fallen through and GM Dubas will turn to backup options. Seth Jones from CHI is a name that's out there

Hope to God this isn’t the back up plan they’re looking at…would much rather roll with Petry for the next two years.
- abasin

Probably the worst defensive contract in hockey. That seems more feasible.

I said this before our fourth line is going to be very good relative to other four lines but there is not a single player on this team that’s not pegged for a top six role that I will feel comfortable putting on a third line.
- Victoro311

I’d be much happier with a 3rd line of
Comtois-Suter-Zadina then what they have now. At least there is big potential there.