Penguins 22-23

[Sarge]

In Case you guys missed it, the Washington Capitals AHL franchise just won the Calder cup while the Baby Pens scrape the bottom of the league. Not good at all.

The WBS Pens haven’t been competitive for a while. They cleaned out their AHL affiliate in 2017-2018 and with a lack of draft picks never really re-stocked. Having Crosby, Geno and Letang in their twilight years coupled with this foolish idea that those three can make another cup run has lead to mismanagement of both franchises really. Gonna be a big task to rebuild both.

 

[Sarge]

Fun fact: Dan Bylsma is the HC of the Coachella Valley Firebirds, the team that lost the 2023 Calder Cup.

 

[SteelerFan448]

The WBS Pens haven’t been competitive for a while. They cleaned out their AHL affiliate in 2017-2018 and with a lack of draft picks never really re-stocked. Having Crosby, Geno and Letang in their twilight years coupled with this foolish idea that those three can make another cup run has lead to mismanagement of both franchises really. Gonna be a big task to rebuild both.

Beyond that, the types of deals and contracts Rutherford made after the championship and then Hextall followed up with did not help. Too many bad moves with little payoff.

 

[steel dino]

With Mario out and once Crosby leaves....I just hope the Pens stay in the Burgh until they become competitive again..

Would not surprise me if this is Crosby's last season with the team...

 

[Sarge]

I think Guentzel is gone at the deadline. This is the last year of his contract and rumor is he’s wanting around $9M per on his next contract. I’d move him if I could. The way the NHL game is played, fast and physical especially in the playoffs, guy is too slow and too small. Someone will bite. Could bring a nice haul.

 

[Djfan]

I think Guentzel is gone at the deadline. This is the last year of his contract and rumor is he’s wanting around $9M per on his next contract. I’d move him if I could. The way the NHL game is played, fast and physical especially in the playoffs, guy is too slow and too small. Someone will bite. Could bring a nice haul.

I think you are right. He also is very good as Sid's Tonto, but not sure he can stand on his own to the same level as he does without Sid. He reminds me of Luc Robitialle to Gretzky.

 

[SteelerFan448]

 

[Djfan]

Now get a goalie.

 

[Steelersreign]

Penguins pick is in Brayden Yager

https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/565757/brayden-yager

 

[Sarge]

Penguins pick is in Brayden Yager

https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/565757/brayden-yager

Seems like a smallish guy at 170. Hopefully he can put on about 25 pounds without hurting his game or he is going to get beat up in the playoffs like Guentzel.

 

[Sarge]

Another dinosaur, albeit a gritty one. Fortunately his contract only runs through 24-25. The Pens need to look at getting younger. A lot younger with size speed and skill. I know those guys are expensive, but I know how they can free up some cap space........

 

[TDX27]

Seems like a smallish guy at 170. Hopefully he can put on about 25 pounds without hurting his game or he is going to get beat up in the playoffs like Guentzel.

I was thinking the same thing. Read he was 5'-11" and 170 lbs which seems small. He definitely needs to add a good 15 pounds.

 

[steel dino]

I was thinking the same thing. Read he was 5'-11" and 170 lbs which seems small. He definitely needs to add a good 15 pounds.

Yeah I hear ya.....but what 18 years old?
I think I was about 165 at that age.

Anyway---he is a western Canada kid....
they make em tough as nails out there.

 

[steel dino]

Penguins pick is in Brayden Yager

https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/565757/brayden-yager

The Yagermeister!

 

[Badcat]

The Yagermeister!

Watching some of his highlights and one of the Candian announcers called his slapper a Yagerbomb!

 

[Djfan]

Hornqvist retired today.

 

[Djfan]

Zucker signed by the Coyotes

 

[SteelerFan448]

 

[SteelerFan448]

I don't understand these long-term deals for outside FAs anymore. A lot of risk involved.

 

[TDX27]

This is the one I was afraid of. Jarry is not a top net minder and won't win the big games when you need a brick wall back there. He gives up way too many easy goals.

 

[Djfan]

This is the one I was afraid of. Jarry is not a top net minder and won't win the big games when you need a brick wall back there. He gives up way too many easy goals.

My take is that he was the best available, and the goal now is to beef up the defense in front of him.

 

[Badcat]

My take is that he was the best available, and the goal now is to beef up the defense in front of him.

Has to be the reason, just HAS to be.

 

[TDX27]

My take is that he was the best available, and the goal now is to beef up the defense in front of him.

If they'll even do that.

 

[SteelerFan448]

My take is that he was the best available, and the goal now is to beef up the defense in front of him.

Still, I don't think you give him that length of deal. I agree, though, the Penguins got better defensively and will be a tougher team to play against with the moves.

Here's all the moves:
Tristan Jarry, G - 5 years, $5.375M AAV
Alex Nedeljkovic, G - 1 year, $1.5M AAV
Magnus Hellberg, G - 1 year, $785,000 AAV
Ryan Graves, D - 6 years, $4.5M AAV
Ryan Shea, D - 1 year, $775,000 AAV
Reilly Smith, F - 3 years, $5M AAV
Lars Eller, F - 2 years, $2.45M AAV
Noel Aciari, F - 3 years, $2M AAV
Matt Nieto, F - 2 years, $1.8 AAV
Joona Koppanen, F - 2 years, $775,000 AAV
Marc Johnstone, F - 2 years, $775,000 AAV
Radim Zohorna, F - 1 year, $775,000 AAV

 

[str8liner]

My take is that he was the best available, and the goal now is to beef up the defense in front of him.

5 freaking years for a guy that hasn't been healthy and played good for 2.......

I guess that is why I am not a Hockey GM.