Ryan Wilson: Kris Letang's Ability To Reach Personal Ceiling Depends On Playing Partners Kris Letang's Ability To Reach Personal Ceiling Depends On Playing Partners

I agree, pair an asset with a liability does not change the fact you still have a liability. Letang should be with a decent partner.

Great write up gunner , agree 100% can't wait to see them in a real game. Those two together are gonna be a force to be reckoned with ...

I agree with this 100%. There is no one in the league I enjoy watching skate more then Letang.

His chemistry with Ehrhoff was almost instant as well. They both understand the game in a similiar fashion, know when the other is going to pinch and when they need to sit back. They have a knack in the defensive zone of where the other is going to be, mostly because that's probably where they themselves would be if the situation was flipped. I think we will see Letang's best season to date.

I would go as far to say that Letang and Ehrhoff have the highest combined point production of any defensive pairing in the league. Between the two I expect to see 100 points. Yah, Letang should be in the 55-60 range (a .7 ppg pace is right on target and he could get 60-70 this season as well) and I expect Ehrhoff to register 40-45 points.

Any possible way we see ehrhoff with the numbers and he becomes a Norris candidate? How the tables have turned...

His chemistry with Ehrhoff was almost instant as well.
- usethe1-2-2

That's what has excited me most. This is just a natural pairing. Can't wait to see what they do on the ice with the top 2 lines. Once the top 2 lines finally play that is.

That's what has excited me most. This is just a natural pairing. Can't wait to see what they do on the ice with the top 2 lines. Once the top 2 lines finally play that is.
- JoeAvg

Will they ever not have the puck?

All I see here is that Letang is great when healthy... and we need to keep Bortuzzo because he is the second coming of Orpik :D

That's what has excited me most. This is just a natural pairing. Can't wait to see what they do on the ice with the top 2 lines. Once the top 2 lines finally play that is.
- JoeAvg

Yeah they don't just look like there playing great, they also look like they're having a blast ! They appreciate the others skill and playing style , what a great pick up by JR!!

I distinctly remember the Letang-Niskanen pairing being a disaster defensively. It was as if both players managed to be out of position at the same time.

Anyone know at what time Samuellson officially clears waivers?

Anyone know at what time Samuellson officially clears waivers?
- s0rcerer1984

Noon today.

Noon today.
- powerhouse

Not sure if he gets claimed or not, but it would be nice to retain him at least at the WBS level.

Noon today.
- powerhouse

What a crap 45 minutes for that kid! With the logjam at D he's gotta be hoping somebody picks him up. Like maybe his Dad!

What a crap 45 minutes for that kid! With the logjam at D he's gotta be hoping somebody picks him up. Like maybe his Dad!
- Topshelf Mountain

From what i've read recently his ceiling is a 6/7 Dman. He is most certainly on the wrong team to make it to the NHL all considering.

Still, from the Pens point of view, I'd love to keep him around for another season or two. He'd be a nice, cheap call-up to have in case players like Bortuzzo, Dumoulin, or Harrington (ie, more defesive Dmen) get dinged up. Plus, having a player like him in WBS can't be bad for the development of guys like Harrington or Pouliet either.

"Health will be the only potential factor holding Letang back."

While I generally agree with that statement...there is a maturing between the ears that needs to take place too.

"Health will be the only potential factor holding Letang back."

While I generally agree with that statement...there is a maturing between the ears that needs to take place too.
- icedog97

Such as...

Such as...
- usethe1-2-2

I'm not sure that requires further explanation...does it?

I'm not sure that requires further explanation...does it?
- icedog97

Yah, I'm not sure where this is coming from.

Samuelsson cleared waivers

Samuelsson cleared waivers
- cap1681

Sucks for him, good for us.

Samuelsson cleared waivers
- cap1681

Surprised, but happy. He can shore up WB's defense and maybe later can be used to sweeten the pot a bit in a trade. Would've hated to lose him for nothing.

I'd be interested in seeing Orpiks, Scuds, Eatons, Nisk numbers with other players to see if they had a similar effect. For example, when Martin was paired w/Orpik, what did that do to his numbers?

I think you need that to complete the analysis.

But, good stuff indeed.

So Markstrom, Elliot and Samuelsson clear waivers? Not one team in the league wanted these guys for free? I smell collusion...