Ryan Wilson: Sidney Crosby might have a new role Sidney Crosby might have a new role

J.Staal was an absolute (frank)ing mess in his own end last night, like he has been most of the year.

And now he has another concussion, so that's great.

IDK Stall gets paid $6mil a year and is done working by early April every year.....Not a bad set up IMO.

Really feels like the Pens have turned a corner, good stuff.

Feel just a little bit bad for Staal. Took the same deal as he was offered in burgh to play with his brother. Now no brother, a cap-floor team and no playoffs in sight. Never been to carolina, so maybe there's something good about being there for a few months of the year.

As I mentioned in the last thread, its been nice to see HCMS finally say he's glad to deploy Sid and G on the PK. Inspite of the PP coming down from last season's greatness, its nice to see the PK be fairly solid once again.

Yeah I mean Jordan Staal did what was right for him back when he signed with Carolina, but I don't think its right for him now and you hate to see that happen. I'm not sure I've ever rooted for a divisional rival more than I've rooted for the Canes and its basically just because of Staal. I really want him to have success.

https://www.post-gazette....rade/stories/201812230191

Rutherford is nothing if not transparent. Brassard's days are clearly numbered.

The only thing that is concerning to me is that he doesn't seem to be concerned about the defense. Now, maybe that's because while the play of the defense has improved in CERTAIN aspects and he feels when Schultz comes back it's like a deadline deal.

The forwards have played better, the goalies have played better and in SOME ways the defense has played better, but I still think defense needs to be addressed. Part of it IMO is addition by subtraction.

If the Pens do seek out a 3C, one has to wonder what will be used to get said center. Clearly Brass would be moved out, but I doubt it would a lateral move. I would envision him being moved out for futures then another roster+futures for the center.

JJ should have been teaching gift wrapping 101

Solid goalie play was just what the doctor ordered. Let’s hope MM can continue his fine work. Now, if Malkin can find his way the Pens might be set for their playoff push when Shultz returns.

https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/penguins/2018/12/23/Jim-Rutherford-Derick-Brassard-Penguins-third-line-center-trade/stories/201812230191

Rutherford is nothing if not transparent. Brassard's days are clearly numbered.

The only thing that is concerning to me is that he doesn't seem to be concerned about the defense. Now, maybe that's because while the play of the defense has improved in CERTAIN aspects and he feels when Schultz comes back it's like a deadline deal.

The forwards have played better, the goalies have played better and in SOME ways the defense has played better, but I still think defense needs to be addressed. Part of it IMO is addition by subtraction.

If the Pens do seek out a 3C, one has to wonder what will be used to get said center. Clearly Brass would be moved out, but I doubt it would a lateral move. I would envision him being moved out for futures then another roster+futures for the center.
- Rinosaur

I would be fine going back to last years model. Sheahan is looking like he wants his 3C job back. I think if he’s playing with good wingers he’ll put up like he did last year.

Other than a 3-way trade with like Dallas and Chicago which sends Brass to Dallas and Anisimov to Pitt, I don’t know how many 3C deals there are out there to set us up for instant success

https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/penguins/2018/12/23/Jim-Rutherford-Derick-Brassard-Penguins-third-line-center-trade/stories/201812230191

Rutherford is nothing if not transparent. Brassard's days are clearly numbered.

The only thing that is concerning to me is that he doesn't seem to be concerned about the defense. Now, maybe that's because while the play of the defense has improved in CERTAIN aspects and he feels when Schultz comes back it's like a deadline deal.

The forwards have played better, the goalies have played better and in SOME ways the defense has played better, but I still think defense needs to be addressed. Part of it IMO is addition by subtraction.

If the Pens do seek out a 3C, one has to wonder what will be used to get said center. Clearly Brass would be moved out, but I doubt it would a lateral move. I would envision him being moved out for futures then another roster+futures for the center.
- Rinosaur

Yeah basically he just said shape up or ship out

I’m glad

Staal really put the pens over a barrel when he wouldn’t resign, and we wasted a lot of years with Brandon Sutter instead, and with Dumo in the minors and Pouliot being a bust

Screw Jordan Staal. I hope he thinks about what could have been every day

I would be fine going back to last years model. Sheahan is looking like he wants his 3C job back. I think if he’s playing with good wingers he’ll put up like he did last year.

Other than a 3-way trade with like Dallas and Chicago which sends Brass to Dallas and Anisimov to Pitt, I don’t know how many 3C deals there are out there to set us up for instant success
- WSCTeton17

I would rather have Sheahan/Cullen combo the 4c and if they move Brass get a C back. I really think they should target a winger for Brass if they keep him. At this point it looks like the 3RW is either Rust or Horny and the 3LW is either Pearson or Simon. I say stregthen the LW spot if they keep Brass.

I would be fine going back to last years model. Sheahan is looking like he wants his 3C job back. I think if he’s playing with good wingers he’ll put up like he did last year.

Other than a 3-way trade with like Dallas and Chicago which sends Brass to Dallas and Anisimov to Pitt, I don’t know how many 3C deals there are out there to set us up for instant success
- WSCTeton17

Sheahan has been looking much better over the last few games, and sure, he can probably make a serviceable 3C, but if the Pens want to have any chance of taking down Tampa or Toronto they need three above average lines.

Pens need what they were seeking when they traded for Brassard. Now, I doubt they can move Brassard for that player because it simply wouldn't make sense. The Pens have a chance to make a very smart move right now.

If they can move Brass for a 2nd + Mid-Level Prospect type deal, then they could possibly package a dman+ for an above 3C with term.

Sheahan has been looking much better over the last few games, and sure, he can probably make a serviceable 3C, but if the Pens want to have any chance of taking down Tampa or Toronto they need three above average lines.

Pens need what they were seeking when they traded for Brassard. Now, I doubt they can move Brassard for that player because it simply wouldn't make sense. The Pens have a chance to make a very smart move right now.

If they can move Brass for a 2nd + Mid-Level Prospect type deal, then they could possibly package a dman+ for an above 3C with term.
- Rinosaur

In the playoffs your weaknesses get magnified. Would you not agree that even when Schultz comes back that defense is a huge weakness for this team? It would take a ton to go through these powerhouse teams, but if we don’t have solid D then it’s a huge long shot like 2017 anyways

In the playoffs your weaknesses get magnified. Would you not agree that even when Schultz comes back that defense is a huge weakness for this team? It would take a ton to go through these powerhouse teams, but if we don’t have solid D then it’s a huge long shot like 2017 anyways
- WSCTeton17

Don't get me wrong, while Schultz is an improvement to how this team plays, the defense is still a weakness. I believe they need another RD who can move the puck.

That being said, I trust what JR says and if he's not mentioning defense as being an issue or a focus, then we have to hope he does what he can to make that forward group as potent possible to make up for all the goals they're going to let up.

EDIT: We don't know the current pecking order when Schultz comes back.

Dumo/Letang
???/Schultz
???/???

While we can assume Maatta would be with Schultz, we really have no idea and while JJ won't get moved, we don't know if he sits. Is JO still the guy they believe is a top four?

If the Pens made no moves with their defense, here's what I would like to see in terms of pairings

Dumo/Letang
Pettersson/Schultz
Maatta/Riikola
Johnson

I think this offers the best balance of mobility, transition and positional defense. However, this is all wishful thinking and will probably look more like this...

Dumo/Letang
JO/Schultz
Maatta/JJ
Pettersson/Riikola

I would look to ship Oleksiak out and sit JJ. I think a good target would be TVR from Carolina. He's an above average 3rd pairing dman who happens to be an RD.

If the Pens made no moves with their defense, here's what I would like to see in terms of pairings

Dumo/Letang
Pettersson/Schultz
Maatta/Riikola
Johnson

I think this offers the best balance of mobility, transition and positional defense. However, this is all wishful thinking and will probably look more like this...

Dumo/Letang
JO/Schultz
Maatta/JJ
Pettersson/Riikola

I would look to ship Oleksiak out and sit JJ. I think a good target would be TVR from Carolina. He's an above average 3rd pairing dman who happens to be an RD.
- Rinosaur

I think that's a solid enough defense for us to win with with our system, but you're totally right that that won't be the configuration of the lineup ever. I too think we should trade JO. Having both his and JJ's contract is absurd and we all know Johnson isn't going anywhere.

I think that's a solid enough defense for us to win with with our system, but you're totally right that that won't be the configuration of the lineup ever. I too think we should trade JO. Having both his and JJ's contract is absurd and we all know Johnson isn't going anywhere.
- Victoro311

It will be interesting to see how it all shakes out when Schultz comes back.

https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/penguins/2018/12/23/Jim-Rutherford-Derick-Brassard-Penguins-third-line-center-trade/stories/201812230191

Rutherford is nothing if not transparent. Brassard's days are clearly numbered.

The only thing that is concerning to me is that he doesn't seem to be concerned about the defense. Now, maybe that's because while the play of the defense has improved in CERTAIN aspects and he feels when Schultz comes back it's like a deadline deal.

The forwards have played better, the goalies have played better and in SOME ways the defense has played better, but I still think defense needs to be addressed. Part of it IMO is addition by subtraction.

If the Pens do seek out a 3C, one has to wonder what will be used to get said center. Clearly Brass would be moved out, but I doubt it would a lateral move. I would envision him being moved out for futures then another roster+futures for the center.
- Rinosaur

I really rather we just kept Bonino. Proven player in our system that "worked". JR thought he could do better and upgrade through a trade. Basically what we got now is Brassard when we could have Bonino, still have Gustavsson, last years 1st and received different value in trade for Cole and Reaves assuming they had to go

Poor Asset Management

I really rather we just kept Bonino. Proven player in our system that "worked". JR thought he could do better and upgrade through a trade. Basically what we got now is Brassard when we could have Bonino, still have Gustavsson, last years 1st and received different value in trade for Cole and Reaves assuming they had to go

Poor Asset Management
- RoloTahmasee

Bonino got overpaid. Hindsight is 20/20. The deal was a good deal. Brass just hasn’t panned out.

How’s your HBSL? I’m over 700 at this point.

Bonino got overpaid. Hindsight is 20/20. The deal was a good deal. Brass just hasn’t panned out.

How’s your HBSL? I’m over 700 at this point.
- Rinosaur

That's why you have to think big picture. Maybe you "overpay" Bones by 500k, but it means you'd still have a strong prospect goalie, a 1st round pick with 3 years of 900k salary plus other assets if you had

GMJR threw out his proven 3C before he had another 3C lined up, and also without knowing the cost of acquiring one. I don't think he technically "overpaid" for Brassard via trade, but I'm sure he wants a do-over

Takeaway: If it ain't broke, don't fix it

That's why you have to think big picture. Maybe you "overpay" Bones by 500k, but it means you'd still have a strong prospect goalie, a 1st round pick with 3 years of 900k salary plus other assets if you had

GMJR threw out his proven 3C before he had another 3C lined up, and also without knowing the cost of acquiring one. I don't think he technically "overpaid" for Brassard via trade, but I'm sure he wants a do-over

Takeaway: If it ain't broke, don't fix it
- RoloTahmasee

I didn't have a big problem with the trade, but Brassard basically came out and said he didn't want the 3c role after the playoffs. That's when JR should have cut his losses and traded his ass. Probably could have gotten something of value. I doubt he's worth much.

That's why you have to think big picture. Maybe you "overpay" Bones by 500k, but it means you'd still have a strong prospect goalie, a 1st round pick with 3 years of 900k salary plus other assets if you had

GMJR threw out his proven 3C before he had another 3C lined up, and also without knowing the cost of acquiring one. I don't think he technically "overpaid" for Brassard via trade, but I'm sure he wants a do-over

Takeaway: If it ain't broke, don't fix it
- RoloTahmasee

Bonino had 25 points last season and isn’t having that great a season this year either. Brassard has been a huge disappointment but Bones wasn’t the answer either. Riley Sheahan would probably be around as effective as Bonino if he got consistent 3C deployment like he did before we got Brassard last season.