Jake playing with Sid is allowed to just sit in the high slot because Sid has to be the best forechecker right now with the way these young players play the perimeter. Sometimes Jake has a decent forecheck but most times he’s coming in late. Playing with any of those other elite centers Jakes going to have to be more aggressive. But thanks for proving my point that no ones allowed to criticize little Jakey. Also how many games No FM? Sid will protect him though.
- Grinder47

Jake playing with Sid is allowed to just sit in the high slot because Sid has to be the best forechecker right now with the way these young players play the perimeter. Sometimes Jake has a decent forecheck but most times he’s coming in late. Playing with any of those other elite centers Jakes going to have to be more aggressive. But thanks for proving my point that no ones allowed to criticize little Jakey. Also how many games I FM? Sid will protect him though.
- Grinder47

https://youtu.be/cZDR7wq5sYU

Well that’s weird. Only 3 of Jake’s goals 13 in the 2017 playoffs were Sid setting him up in the slot. Odd indeed

I don’t think 59 is a great forechecker. When he can get in and get a hit then he’s better but lots of times his angles suck. He’s also not great on the breakout either. Having said that, his chemistry with Sid is undeniable and he doesn’t just score from the slot. He scores off the rush and he gets quite a few goals in and around the net. He’s also pretty decent at setting up Sid and their teammates, hence the 36 assists last year

Congrats Vic 🥳

I haven’t been around as much. Works been really busy and I landed the big NHL client I wanted.. doesn’t seem like a ton has changed except I guess Rino is taking a break? Don’t blame me for that because it weren’t me!

Well, if you go to the NHL site or the app they recently reviewed the Penguins

Ristolainen asked to be traded. Rumors are Buffalo, AZ, WPG, and Anaheim are the front runners for Gardiner if they can clear out other salaries and their backup plan would be to turn to Ristolainen

RW has been reading the blogs and expanding onto some topics that we wanted to see but there was one day where he created a new blog basically about nothing

There have been a bunch of prospect reports going out and lots of people have Poulin, Addison, PO Joseph, and Hallander as top prospects

Chris Tierney is projecting the Penguins to be 2nd in the Metro behind the Caps but not by much

There were some rumors about there being interest in JJ if other certain things happened

There’s some talk of Chucky maybe getting a good look with Sid and Guentzel which would likely leave McCann with Malkin and Kahun

Yzerman picked up Erne from Tampa who possibly opened enough space to sign Point, maybe

NHL camps open on 9/12 so all over Canada and the US players have already been returning to get back into their comfort zones
- WSCTeton17

You do realize that in one post you have offered more legitimate insight than Ek has in his decade+ plus on this site, right?

Congrats on landing the big client!

Interesting about Gardiner and Risto (3 non-playoff teams, although a couple could be a low seed this year). I'll be curious to see what Gardiner signs for. I anticipate being annoyed that it is lower than expected and within reach if JR had his priorities straight.

I'm excited to hear there is interest in JJ! But relating to the previous point, I think we will be very thin on D if we ship out JJ without bringing a D back. I guess we could always sign someone like Ben Hutton, but that doesn't sound very appealing. The other option is to have Riikola become the new JJ.

You do realize that in one post you have offered more legitimate insight than Ek has in his decade+ plus on this site, right?

Congrats on landing the big client!

Interesting about Gardiner and Risto (3 non-playoff teams, although a couple could be a low seed this year). I'll be curious to see what Gardiner signs for. I anticipate being annoyed that it is lower than expected and within reach if JR had his priorities straight.

I'm excited to hear there is interest in JJ! But relating to the previous point, I think we will be very thin on D if we ship out JJ without bringing a D back. I guess we could always sign someone like Ben Hutton, but that doesn't sound very appealing. The other option is to have Riikola become the new JJ.
- Hockey66

What I read is that teams are submitting lowball offers for Ristolainen because they feel Buffalo needs to move him. Teams also have cap issues

If I had to guess I’d say Gardiner has been given sizable offers but those teams aren’t his first choice so they’ve held off

I’m still ok with us being thin. With all the young talent coming into the league there are plenty of depth defenders available if someone goes down with injury and it would probably only cost a 4th or a 5th

I’m meeting a former goalie for breakfast tomorrow and I’m supposed to meet up with Chuck Kobasew who’s a realtor now, not sure if I’ll have time before I head out on vacation. I’m actually kinda bummed that I’m heading out. The Phoenix market just keeps buzzing along

https://youtu.be/cZDR7wq5sYU

Well that’s weird. Only 3 of Jake’s goals 13 in the 2017 playoffs were Sid setting him up in the slot. Odd indeed

I don’t think 59 is a great forechecker. When he can get in and get a hit then he’s better but lots of times his angles suck. He’s also not great on the breakout either. Having said that, his chemistry with Sid is undeniable and he doesn’t just score from the slot. He scores off the rush and he gets quite a few goals in and around the net. He’s also pretty decent at setting up Sid and their teammates, hence the 36 assists last year
- WSCTeton17

Another fail for Grinders eye test and memory.

What I read is that teams are submitting lowball offers for Ristolainen because they feel Buffalo needs to move him. Teams also have cap issues

If I had to guess I’d say Gardiner has been given sizable offers but those teams aren’t his first choice so they’ve held off

I’m still ok with us being thin. With all the young talent coming into the league there are plenty of depth defenders available if someone goes down with injury and it would probably only cost a 4th or a 5th
- WSCTeton17

Are you saying that BUF, ARI, WPG, and ANA are not Gardiner's first choice? That makes more sense. And if they have to clear salary to sign him, why are they considered the front runners? If I have this backward, I find it odd that those teams would be his first choice.

I am still holding out hope that the Pens still have a chance, however slim.

https://youtu.be/cZDR7wq5sYU

Well that’s weird. Only 3 of Jake’s goals 13 in the 2017 playoffs were Sid setting him up in the slot. Odd indeed

I don’t think 59 is a great forechecker. When he can get in and get a hit then he’s better but lots of times his angles suck. He’s also not great on the breakout either. Having said that, his chemistry with Sid is undeniable and he doesn’t just score from the slot. He scores off the rush and he gets quite a few goals in and around the net. He’s also pretty decent at setting up Sid and their teammates, hence the 36 assists last year
- WSCTeton17

Sid cannot touch the puck on a shift and still be deserving of an assist. Those stats don’t show the whole story to how much a player like Jake benefits from Sid. If I were the coach I’d never separate them. I would also never make them have to play with Simone either.

Another fail for Grinders eye test and memory.
- j.boyd919

If I get time later I’m gonna take a look at some of his other goals. I remember that high glove rip on Rinne though. Just filthy

Are you saying that BUF, ARI, WPG, and ANA are not Gardiner's first choice? That makes more sense. And if they have to clear salary to sign him, why are they considered the front runners? If I have this backward, I find it odd that those teams would be his first choice.

I am still holding out hope that the Pens still have a chance, however slim.
- Hockey66

There’s not much chatter but that is how it would appear and really I can’t blame him. He’s Minnesota born and raised and there’s basically a stigma around him right now that he can’t win because of his postseason blunders. He probably wants to go to a contender where he can sign long term, win, and raise a family. It’s just like Shattenkirk said - these guys take it personally

Sid cannot touch the puck on a shift and still be deserving of an assist. Those stats don’t show the whole story to how much a player like Jake benefits from Sid. If I were the coach I’d never separate them. I would also never make them have to play with Simone either.
- Grinder47

Several of Jake’s goals from that run were while Sid was on the bench. They were also glove side snipes. Is he a great play driver? No. Is he a star? No. Has he shown to be a somewhat elite shooter? Yup

I think Schultz and/or Letang missing time is almost a given at this point. This means promoting someone to the second pairing who has no business playing there. I think if we can find a competent 2nd/3rd pairing tweener, while losing JJ, we will be a MUCH better team.

And again, this relates to the discussion of who we trade for in a Rust + JJ scenario. Obviously a defenseman is a much better target than another winger. Also, there is the salary cap / roster space to consider.

I'll add that it can be easily argued that we had a disappointing season last year because of our defense. As it stands right now, our defense is worse and the Oleksiaks of the league aren't going to move the needle at all.
- Hockey66

Currently, they would probably move Gudbranson up with Pettersson on the second pair, just like they did while Letang was out last year, and it was more successful than anything they did while Schultz was out before getting Gudbranson. Ruhwedel would capably fill the 3rd RD role.

A LD injury to Dumoulin or Pettersson would create some real problems immediately.

I think Jake on PP1 is worth exploring. I don’t think he’s as good in front of the net as 72 but 59 is WAY better at retrieving pucks down low which often happens against an aggressive P.K. 72 just really struggles in that area.

I personally don’t think Jake would thrive in Phil’s spot. Call it a hunch. I think Chucky or Schultz would do better there
- WSCTeton17

From Yohe's latest:

However, from what I’ve been told, it’s most likely that Guentzel and Hornqvist will play on the top unit with Crosby, Malkin and Letang. Figuring out the specific role for Guentzel will be a key.

I could see them either putting Crosby in Kessel's spot where he isn't a threat to shoot, but could set up Malkin and Guentzel for one-timers, or play Letang and Malkin at points instead of an umbrella and have both Crosby and Guentzel roam.

I'd personally go with Schultz, but Yohe is far more connected than me.

No JR only gets credit for his bad moves. All the good moves and the last 2 back to back cups are due to Botts.
- sammy87

No one says that. Quite the reach here. Go back to your hole, donkey.
- j.boyd919

Talking incessantly about GMJR'S bad moves and never bringing up good ones like avoiding the RFA Armageddon with Guentzel other teams are facing is actually right out of RW's playbook.

Alright. Back from getting married. What’d I miss?
- Victoro311

Congrats Vic, hoping it's the start of an awesome marriage!

Talking incessantly about GMJR'S bad moves and never bringing up good ones like avoiding the RFA Armageddon with Guentzel other teams are facing is actually right out of RW's playbook.
- Tojo.

I’m not the biggest fan of RW anymore because I feel like he’s gotten lazy but he literally said in a blog that he doesn’t subscribe to the idea that Botts was behind every good move back when he was comparing BUF and PIT.

I’m not the biggest fan of RW anymore because I feel like he’s gotten lazy but he literally said in a blog that he doesn’t subscribe to the idea that Botts was behind every good move back when he was comparing BUF and PIT.
- j.boyd919

He did, but it felt real hollow to me. Dude can't compliment a move GMJR makes without burying it in negatives. I think madmike's point stands, GMJR rarely gets credit on this blog for moves like getting Guentzel's deal done early at a good rate when so many RFAs are holding out on the second deal.

He did, but it felt real hollow to me. Dude can't compliment a move GMJR makes without burying it in negatives. I think madmike's point stands, GMJR rarely gets credit on this blog for moves like getting Guentzel's deal done early at a good rate when so many RFAs are holding out on the second deal.
- Tojo.

WARNING: Political response... Well, I try to keep politics off of here but that’s a big trait amongst liberals these days. It’s not necessarily “do my actions do good” as much as it is “do my actions make me feel good.” RW is certainly liberal, which is fine but as we’ve been discussing that doesn’t mean you absolutely have to pound the same continuous narrative while ignoring other areas of good or bad

Something that bothered me about RWs GMJR blog he did awhile back was that he never mentioned how we stole Cole away from St.Louis for Bortuzzo. But he had him on the “out” side of his board. Cole leaving was obviously Sully’s doing. Good on GMJR for bringing him in in the first place

Would anyone here argue otherwise that RW clearly gets some sort of satisfaction about beating the same, dead horses repeatedly? The “I know better” mentality is strong. He used to on occasion bring up his past work and mention areas where he’s been wrong in the past, but I don’t remember when the last time that was

My roommate and I were talking about the rainforest and how it’s burning. She was outraged that people aren’t doing more to stop/prevent the fires... clearly the Amazon is huge. Reports are that local farmers are clearing forest for farmland. How can you possibly prevent that? Murder the farmers?

https://twitter.com/prage.../1165250768586166272?s=21

I wonder if anyone thinks we would’ve gotten JJ or paid as much as we did for him if he wasn’t Crosby’s buddy because I don’t. I think it was basically Sid’s call

He did, but it felt real hollow to me. Dude can't compliment a move GMJR makes without burying it in negatives. I think madmike's point stands, GMJR rarely gets credit on this blog for moves like getting Guentzel's deal done early at a good rate when so many RFAs are holding out on the second deal.
- Tojo.

The problem is that lately he’s been following up the good moves with bad ones in quick succession. We were all giving him praise after the Florida trade. How many days/weeks did it take until he managed to turn the news cycle into Gudbranson. The Guentzel thing kinda flew under the radar cus at the time 6 mil kinda seemed par for the course for what he was doing. It wasn’t for another month or so that we realized he was probably gonna hit 30 at ES and by then, again, the news cycle had turned to a ton of other issues we were having. I’ve been saying for a while that GMJR is the quintessential average NHL GM. He knows how to play the game and get trades/deals done. Some of them are inspired and some of them are total ass. That’s a double edged sword because that’s gonna get some of your good moves ignored in favor of more scandalous blunders, but it also buys you a ton of slack to recover from those bad moves without jumping on the hot seat because ownership knows you have a track record of good work in the past. I don’t really feel bad for the guy if he gets his due criticism from fans. He’s had a great career and has a ton of job security.

Anyways, appreciate the well wishes, Tojo! Will try not to screw this up!

I wonder if anyone thinks we would’ve gotten JJ or paid as much as we did for him if he wasn’t Crosby’s buddy because I don’t. I think it was basically Sid’s call
- WSCTeton17

I originally felt that notion was kind of absurd (that Sid would push to bring in his friend). After reading some things and listening to a few interviews from the beat writers over the summer, I feel completely different. I think it's likely...unfortunately.

I originally felt that notion was kind of absurd (that Sid would push to bring in his friend). After reading some things and listening to a few interviews from the beat writers over the summer, I feel completely different. I think it's likely...unfortunately.
- madmike71

Is that so? Yohe has always said that Sid Isn’t the kind of super star that pushes agendas like that or else Fleury, Kunitz, and Reaves would all still be here. At least that’s what he’s said.

Just read somewhere Edmonton wants One of the following players in a deal for Puljujarvi: Rust, Kahun or Simon.

Is it worth it?

Just read somewhere Edmonton wants One of the following players in a deal for Puljujarvi: Rust, Kahun or Simon.

Is it worth it?
- Barnaby36

Only if it’s Rust because it opens up cap space to sign Petts

I’m not a huge NFL fan but I like the Steelers. Anyone have thoughts on how they’ll do this year? From what I can tell it looks like they might sneak in