Pens re-sign defenseman Deryk Engelland

by Hooks Orpik on May 19, 2010 11:27 AM EDT

We interupt this week my blogging "vacation" to bring news of a signing. From the team:

The Pittsburgh Penguins have signed defenseman Deryk Engelland to a one-year contract extension, it was announced today by executive vice president and general manager Ray Shero.

The new contract goes into effect at the start of the 2010-11 season. The deal is a two-way contract and will pay Engelland $500,000 at the NHL level.

Engelland, 28, made his NHL debut this season with Pittsburgh recording two assists and 17 penalty minutes in nine games during a November call up. He played his first career NHL game at Boston on Nov 10. Engelland posted his first career point (assist) Nov. 16 against Anaheim. He also had a plus-3 rating against the Ducks.

The 6-foot-2, 202-pound defenseman played the majority of the season with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, putting up 11 points (5G-6A), a plus-10 rating and 121 penalty minutes in 71 contests

For a team that only has 3 NHL defensemen (Kris Letang, Brooks Orpik, Alex Goligoski) signed to contracts for next season, retaining Engelland -- who was set to be a unrestricted free agent -- is a good and needed move.

Engelland adds size, feistiness and played well in the brief amount of NHL minutes he was given when the Pens defensive corps was decimated by injuries.

General Manager Ray Shero's plan is to carry 10 NHL capable defensemen, and Engelland adds to that number, which is now four. It's unlikely that Engelland is really skilled enough all-around to make the NHL club full-time, but he sure is a nice insurance policy and a good leader at the AHL level.

Tweet Comment 85 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

whoo!

STAAL FOR SELKE. SIDNEY FOR EVERY OTHER ONE OR JUST THE HART. THAT IS ACCEPTABLE.

by katielynn906 on May 19, 2010 11:41 AM EDT reply actions

Who do you think some of the other defensive targets might be for us?

by CGNC on May 19, 2010 11:46 AM EDT reply actions

I’d say Hamhuis and Michalek. Both will be on a lot of teams radars. hopefully playing with a championship team, with a brand new state-of-the-art arena will help attract free agents.

by genomachine-O on May 19, 2010 11:53 AM EDT up reply actions

I know he’ll probably cost a bundle, but I’d love to see Anton Volchenkov on the Pens. He’s that shut-down d-man we need. Plus, as much as I love Gonch, if he doesn’t accept way less to stay with the Pens, we shouldn’t keep him. Save that money for some quality shut-down guys.

Follow me on Twitter http://twitter.com/marcy8771
http://marcyhockey.blogspot.com/

by GoPenguins on May 19, 2010 12:01 PM EDT reply actions

I think someones going to offer Volchenkov, Wade Redden money. I think he’ll be outta the pens price range. It will be interesting to see what the Pens do in free agency. Bylsma said in a radio interview yesterday if he had a choice to either add a winger or a defenseman he would choose a winger. Not sure what exactly that means considering the Pens have to sign players at both positions. Seems like he was hinting that he’d like a majority of the money to be spent on wingers.

by genomachine-O on May 19, 2010 12:16 PM EDT up reply actions

I think you’re right, geno, Volchenkov’s gonna get in the $5+ million range, maybe even more. Free agency is a crazy place and it only takes one GM to make a huge offer. When guys like Jeff Finger get $3.5 million, you just never know.

Pensburgh.com

by Hooks Orpik on May 19, 2010 12:19 PM EDT up reply actions

Yea just looking over the free agent list as far as defensmen go, I think the Pens might already have the guys that would be the best fit. Eaton and Leopold seem like they could be the best value for what they bring to the team. I dont think the Pens have the cap room barring a trade to go after a guy thats going to ask for $4mil+ a year.
So you look in the 2-3.5 mil range. i think Eaton and Leopold are the best in that group.
Maybe a guy like Seidenberg. Slim pickins though….

by genomachine-O on May 19, 2010 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions

Scuderi for $3M…woulda/coulda/shoulda

and i’m wondering if Bylsma is just trying to be diplomatic.
he benched some wingers that obviously won’t be re-signed, so there are clear openings there, unlike w/ the D corps (except McKee perhaps, but even he got quite a few starts after the Sutton hit on Leo).

by Diomedes7 on May 19, 2010 12:39 PM EDT up reply actions

that’s pretty much right on. It all depends on Sarge though, I’m not certain he’s a gonner. I think both Eaton and Leopold should be back. If Sarge is back then that pretty much ends any possibility of any significant D-man joining up. Lovejoy should be the 6/7 guy.

For the sake of the PP I think it’d be smart to have Sarge back…. 2yr $8 mil…. do it.

by AronV on May 19, 2010 12:43 PM EDT up reply actions

Sarge is a goner.

More on this soon, but by my count the Pens have about $11 million to sign 3 defensemen and 4 forwards for the opening night roster — (not including Tangradi, Johnson, Letestu or any other WB/S player).

Don’t see $4 million in the cards for Gonchar. Even then, I think he’ll get either more money/longer term from another team.

Pensburgh.com

by Hooks Orpik on May 19, 2010 12:54 PM EDT up reply actions

C: Crosby,Malkin,Staal,Letestu
LW: Kunitz,Dupuis,Tangradi,Rupp
RW: Kennedy,Talbot,Adams,Godard

That’s 12 forwards, 11 starters with Godard scratched. 2 top 6 wingers are needed.

D: Orpik,Letang,Goligoski,Lovejoy(RFA)

That’s 4 defenseman, 3 starters with Lovejoy being the 7th guy. 3 defenseman needed.

This lineup with the goalies leaves 11.2 mil remaining with the cap at 57.7 that’s been projected.

There’s room for Sarge under this plan….

by AronV on May 19, 2010 1:27 PM EDT up reply actions

Yeah but under this plan just look at your forwards again.

Kunitz-Crosby-Tangradi
Talbot-Malkin-Dupuis
Rupp-Staal-Kennedy
Adams-Letestu-Godard

What happens if Tangradi can’t produce? Or if Talbot has another bad reg season? Or if Kunitz gets hurt again? It’s not very deep with skill, and after a bad season for Geno it sticks him with 2 non-skilled players again.

Too many questions for my liking.

Also, I’ve never seen a 57.7 figure, most of what I heard was the cap is expected to about hold firm. Do you have a link?

Pensburgh.com

by Hooks Orpik on May 19, 2010 1:54 PM EDT up reply actions

ha, i’m pretty sure I made that number up now that I think about it. I do remember reading it was supposed to go up minimally…like 100,000. But it would probably make sense to just go with 56.8 at this point. I think i’m higher on Jeffrey than most people here…so if Tangradi struggles i’d try him out. I do agree that we need more skill for Geno’s wings, which is why i’m advocating 2 top 6 wingers for him. I think Crosby will make do with Kunitz and Dupuis on his wings.

Crap, Sarge is gone!

unless……

Kunitz-Crosby-XXXXX
Tangradi-Staal-Malkin
Dupuis-Letestu-Kennedy
Rupp-Adams-Talbot

I’m not sure i’m ready for this yet……

yikes Sarge is gone

by AronV on May 19, 2010 2:11 PM EDT up reply actions

I dont think its a given that Tangradi and Letestu start the season with the big club. I’m not sure Letestu has a position with the Pens to play full time. Talbot, Adams, Rupp, Letestu…thats 4 guys filling a 4th line center role. Wingers are a significant weakness with that list.

by genomachine-O on May 19, 2010 2:11 PM EDT up reply actions

it’s not a given, but I think with a strong camp and based on their projection, it wouldn’t suprise me if any 2 of Tangradi/Letestu/Jeffrey/Johnson make it.

by AronV on May 19, 2010 2:17 PM EDT up reply actions

I could definetly see some of those guys making the big club. I’m just not banking on the fact that they all make the club out of camp and are here for good. Its not a given that Tangradi will be on Sids wing next year and he’ll score 20 goals.
Jeffrey seems to be a guy that gets overlooked a lot. I believe he lead WBS in scoring last year, and played a full season at wing (correct?) Not sure why he wasnt higher on the Pens list of call ups this year. I wasnt too impressed with him when I saw him. I think he got more time with the Pens 2 years ago than he did last year. To me if the Pens cant find a spot for some of these guys soon they have to look at trade possibilites. Just seems like they have endless depth of 3 or 4th line guys and not enough 1st or 2nd guys/prospects.

by genomachine-O on May 19, 2010 3:06 PM EDT up reply actions

i've seen the 57.7 figure, too

by Diomedes7 on May 19, 2010 3:12 PM EDT up reply actions

maybe I didn't make it up

by AronV on May 19, 2010 3:24 PM EDT up reply actions

http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/story/2010/04/03/sp-hotstove-hnic-nhl.html

by AronV on May 19, 2010 3:24 PM EDT up reply actions

isn't Tangradi a LW?

i know there are questions about Tangradi—and Letestu (although fewer there since he has more games in the NHL)—but given the cap constraints, I think its reasonable to assume that the Pens will at least open the season w/ 2 internal promotions in the forward corps.

Which two, which lines/roles/responsibilties is yet TBD.

But even w/ 2 internal promotions, the Pens still need at least 1 (Cooke, I hope!) and possible 2 FA forward signings.

by Diomedes7 on May 19, 2010 3:24 PM EDT up reply actions

yes he’s a LW’er, and I agree that given the cap situation, it’s not unreasonable to count on at least 2 guys from WBS being promoted. For the right price i’d like to see Cooke back.

by AronV on May 19, 2010 3:26 PM EDT up reply actions

if they can sign Cooke (fingers crossed) they could be in pretty good position w/ just ONE FA signing.

given the slim pickings and tight cap, that seems like the best possible outcome.

by Diomedes7 on May 19, 2010 3:30 PM EDT up reply actions

and if that one signing

is Ray Whitney at a reasonable rate $2.5 – $3mil/yr….i would like our chances.

by AronV on May 19, 2010 3:33 PM EDT up reply actions

that would be ideal

there is going to be a LOT of competition for Whitney though — starting w/ CAR

by Diomedes7 on May 19, 2010 3:35 PM EDT up reply actions

I think he’d be the perfect fit for us this year. If it’s true that he wanted to come here at the trade deadline, then I don’t see any other competition other than Carolina…who would obviously want him back.

Other intriguing names would be Frolov, Afinogenov, even Tanguay (I know it was a bad year).

by AronV on May 19, 2010 3:48 PM EDT up reply actions

I’d say No, maybe and no. to that. geez if people think Geno wasnt trying those guys will make your heads explode

by genomachine-O on May 19, 2010 4:00 PM EDT up reply actions

it’s pretty slim pickings my friend…. the other option which i’m all for is to promote from within and make adjustments at the deadline.

by AronV on May 19, 2010 4:11 PM EDT up reply actions

While that is true, Carolina just finished way down and in a true rebuild mode with a lot of young talent replacing the old guard. The clock is ticking for Whitney. Maybe he doesn’t want to leave after all, but no one would blame him for going to more of a contender.

Pensburgh.com

by Hooks Orpik on May 19, 2010 4:39 PM EDT up reply actions

Bylsma said in a radio interview yesterday if he had a choice to either add a winger or a defenseman he would choose a winger.

This worries me a little. I know that Bylsma is all about the offense — and lives by the whole “the best defense is a good offense” thing — but I hope he pays a little more attention to the ‘defensive defensemen’ side of things. When he took over last year, his ‘offense first’ attitude was exactly what the team needed. But the team was also quite well schooled in Therrien’s defense-defence-defensce mindset. That balance is a big part of where their championship came from.

What worries me about Bylsma is a trend that I see developing in favour of offense at the expense of defence. I’m all for the style he brings to the Pens: I like it and it fits the roster pretty well. But you just don’t spend 100% of your time in the offensive zone. You have to be defensively capable, and if you’re not going to be a collapse-on-the-net-like-the-Habs sort of team, then you need a genuine shutdown pair.

And the Canadian in me no longer knows whether it’s defense or defence. Stupid British-American conflict. The Queen is on our money, but those Americans just won’t go away!

Go, Shero, Go!!! And also Brian Burke.

by PopRocks on May 19, 2010 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions

You make a lot of good points, but I think the Penguins defense (overall) was better than they production they got out of their wingers. Sure Cooke, Dupuis and Kunitz had some high points, but guys like Ponikarovsky, Guerin, Fedotenko, Talbot and Kennedy didn’t do too much with the time they got.

Also, Bylsma probably wasn’t thinking that he only has 3 NHL d-men under contract.

Just my thoughts. I’m sure the Pens will have plenty of movement on both fronts.

Pensburgh.com

by Hooks Orpik on May 19, 2010 12:41 PM EDT up reply actions

Hmm … I think I might agree. Although now you have me thinking about metrics we might use to compare wingers to defensemen (individually).

Go, Shero, Go!!! And also Brian Burke.

by PopRocks on May 19, 2010 12:47 PM EDT up reply actions

Every year I say this is the year Kennedy breaks out and scores 20 goals. This past season he was awful. I think he better have a strong camp and start to next season or it will be his spot that will be taken by a WBS guy.

by genomachine-O on May 19, 2010 2:28 PM EDT up reply actions

Due to his contract I think TK is safe for 2010-11, but his future beyond that in Pittsburgh is in serious doubt. I’m a fan of his, but he was terrible after he suffered an injury/illness earlier in the season.

Hopefully with the long summer off he bounces back and plays up to capabilities.

Pensburgh.com

by Hooks Orpik on May 19, 2010 4:40 PM EDT up reply actions

totally agree, PopRocks

during last year’s playoffs the Pens executed Bylsma’s “the best defense is a good offense” strategy. its an excellent strategy. however, there WILL be breakdowns. it seemed that Scuderi and Gill made a LOT of defensive zone “saves.” The Piece, especially. this year, they didn’t have that. and that needs to be priority #1.

by Diomedes7 on May 19, 2010 12:43 PM EDT up reply actions

Cap Space - % allocation of D vs. O

interesting to check out at nhlnumbers.com
the Pens spent 36.2M on forwards, and only 15.2M on defence
i could not find a team w/ a higher % of money allocated to forwards — not Washington, not even the idiot Rangers or Tampa Bay Lightning…

by Diomedes7 on May 19, 2010 12:47 PM EDT up reply actions

also interesting...

is to see how Burke is working to re-build Toronto
from the net out
with an almost EQUAL amount of $s to D as O

by Diomedes7 on May 19, 2010 12:48 PM EDT up reply actions

while interesting….I wouldn’t replicate anything the Maple Leafs are doing.

by AronV on May 19, 2010 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions

Soul crushing.

You will find me huddled in a corner, rocking back and forth, muttering incoherently about how the Leafs will be better next year.

/thankgoodnessimovedtopittsburgh!

Go, Shero, Go!!! And also Brian Burke.

by PopRocks on May 19, 2010 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions

ha! yeah, i’m not expecting Toronto to win the Cup or anything, but you do have to give Burke some credit. he has a track record of success.

not to mention he schooled Shero on the Ponislackerovsky trade.
that was addition by subtraction.
if Burke had only gotten a bag of pucks in return he would have “won” that deal.

by Diomedes7 on May 19, 2010 1:05 PM EDT up reply actions

I think they’re better off with Burke, for sure. The Poni trade made sense at the time, for both teams, especially for Toronto since he was a gonner anyway.

by AronV on May 19, 2010 1:07 PM EDT up reply actions

true that. i'm just bitter b/c he sucked so bad.

by Diomedes7 on May 19, 2010 1:08 PM EDT up reply actions

he definitely did dissapoint. I agree wholehartedly there.

by AronV on May 19, 2010 1:12 PM EDT up reply actions

I think the Pens were aware of the kind of player Poni was before they got him. I think Shero was banking on the fact that Poni was in a contract year, and had a chance to go from a bad team, to a team that had a shot at a Stanley Cup that Poni would be inspired. Maybe not the best idea to make a deal base a lot on hope.

by genomachine-O on May 19, 2010 2:18 PM EDT up reply actions

again, and i’m not trying to be a Shero apologist, it’s easy to say that now that we know what we know. Here’s his last 5 seasons. He was consistently a PLUS player in TORONTO, he was clearly not what we THOUGHT he was or what he should have been.

GP G A Pts +/-
81 21 17 38 15
71 21 24 45 8
66 18 17 35 3
82 23 38 61 6
61 19 22 41 5 with Tor

16 2 7 9 -6 with Pitt

by AronV on May 19, 2010 2:27 PM EDT up reply actions

Yea, from what I read I cant remember where IOPS maybe that a scout said that Poni was a bigger version of Fedotenko. I thought that was a pretty accurate description from what I saw of him.
In regards to his numbers, he looks good on a bad team, but someones got to score those goals. On a good team he looked…well bad.

by genomachine-O on May 19, 2010 2:31 PM EDT up reply actions

I guess this is the point where we’d have to agree that it’s a small sample size with the Pens and it doesn’t necessarily capture his ability. Having said that, i’ve seen enough to know that he doesn’t fit with our style.

by AronV on May 19, 2010 2:41 PM EDT up reply actions

Yea I dont think he fits at all with the way the Pens play. The more I look at the free agents out there, the more I think RS is going to make some kind of trade. NOT GENO. But some kind of trade.

by genomachine-O on May 19, 2010 2:47 PM EDT up reply actions

This can be skewed though: Letang was on his entry level deal, so he was a steal. The Pens acquired a $2+ million guy in Leopold late and didn’t have to pay him that.

Throw in Gonchar, Orpik, Goligoski and Eaton and that’s a bunch of guys making $1.8+ million.

I don’t think NOT SPENDING on the D is the cause of the woes, just how they spent it.

Pensburgh.com

by Hooks Orpik on May 19, 2010 12:57 PM EDT up reply actions

Hooks – I agree. Just offering the data in light of Bylsma’s comments. The team ALREADY spent the most in the NHL on its forwards, so it doesn’t really make sense to prioritize signing a FA forward — esp. since O wasn’t the main problem, and the D was.

by Diomedes7 on May 19, 2010 1:02 PM EDT up reply actions

Crosby and Malkin are always going to skew this number. I don’t think we need to copy other teams model at this point. Strength down the middle has worked well so far.

by AronV on May 19, 2010 1:09 PM EDT up reply actions

Interesting. I’m surprised about Washington. Does it change if you add in Backstrom’s raise (i.e. next year’s salary)?

Go, Shero, Go!!! And also Brian Burke.

by PopRocks on May 19, 2010 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions

Wash spent 32.2 on O and 17.6 on D
the new K for Backstrom adds $5M/year to their cap hit

by Diomedes7 on May 19, 2010 1:00 PM EDT up reply actions

Well, $4.3 million total cap hit for Backstrom (from $2.4 million cap hit from his ELC after bonuses to $6.7)

Pensburgh.com

by Hooks Orpik on May 19, 2010 1:02 PM EDT up reply actions

Yea, the Pens stars werent in a position or werent will to sign a real long term deal that would give the team a little more cap space. Sure you can say Sid and Geno took a hometown discount, I dont think it was much of one tho. Hopefully their next contracts they will go for the longer term deals and give the team even more cap relief. But that is a long time from now.

by genomachine-O on May 19, 2010 2:36 PM EDT up reply actions

I dont have a fear that Bylsma is going to turn into Boudreau and completely ignore the defensive side of the game. To use a Bylsmaism though, next year they need to pay better “attention to detail” in their own zone.

by genomachine-O on May 19, 2010 3:09 PM EDT up reply actions

I’m pretty happy about this signing. I like Engelland a lot. He’s no Orpik, but he deserves this extension, imo.

General Manager Ray Shero’s plan is to carry 10 NHL capable defensemen

Just curious about this one: Is it something Shero has said, what he normally does, what teams normally do, or something else?

Go, Shero, Go!!! And also Brian Burke.

by PopRocks on May 19, 2010 1:09 PM EDT reply actions

He has said publically that it’s his strategy to keep 10 guys capable of playing in the NHL. That means having guys like Engelland, Chris Lee, Steve Wagner, etc from like 8-10 in the organization depth chart.

And it proved useful in November when 5 defensemen were hurt at the same time (only Eaton survived).

Pensburgh.com

by Hooks Orpik on May 19, 2010 1:25 PM EDT up reply actions

Interesting. I figured it would be something like that …

Go, Shero, Go!!! And also Brian Burke.

by PopRocks on May 19, 2010 1:33 PM EDT up reply actions

Also … I’ll be interested to see whether Shero gives Lovejoy (assuming we re-sign him) a two-way or a one-way contract.

Go, Shero, Go!!! And also Brian Burke.

by PopRocks on May 19, 2010 1:15 PM EDT reply actions

Lovejoy is a RFA so the Penguins would have the leverage. Probably a 2-way, you’d have to think. But this could be the year when he finally makes the jump to the 6/7 role full-time, maybe he will get that 1 way contract

Given his waiver status (still exempt), I don’t think it will effect him really, just add some money to the Pittsburgh payroll if he gets a 1-way deal but they put him in the minors.

Pensburgh.com

by Hooks Orpik on May 19, 2010 1:27 PM EDT up reply actions

Those are pretty much my thoughts, too. A 2-way contract doesn’t say much, but a 1-way contract seems to say that they fully expect him to be an NHL regular next year.

Go, Shero, Go!!! And also Brian Burke.

by PopRocks on May 19, 2010 1:32 PM EDT up reply actions

I think he should not only get a 1 way deal but also an opportunity at the #6 spot. $600k ? should more than suffice.

by AronV on May 19, 2010 1:33 PM EDT up reply actions

Imo they’re generally better off to put a veteran in the 7th spot, so I agree: if he’s in the NHL, he should be playing full time. With the knowledge that he could still be scratched.

Go, Shero, Go!!! And also Brian Burke.

by PopRocks on May 19, 2010 1:35 PM EDT up reply actions

I’m all for giving Lovejoy the 6 spot and having Engelland or another minimum salary guy at the 7. Engelland would work because it’s not like he’s still developing into something better.

by AronV on May 19, 2010 1:38 PM EDT up reply actions

Yea you’d think a veteran would be ideal for a #7 defenseman. Engelland is no youngster, he is 28. To me though it still seems like hes a #8 guy. He’ll play in WBS and be the first D called up if needed. I think you put a guy, you dont mind having sit in the press box most nights as a #7. I cant imagine Lovejoy not being in the top 6 next year. The Pens need to find a spot for a couple WBS guys IMO. You draft them , develop them, you have to eventually give them a chance. We shall see.

by genomachine-O on May 19, 2010 2:25 PM EDT up reply actions

Engelland is a #9 guy. He CAN play and not totally be a disaster — he did OK during the spate of injuries last year ~~- but he’s not someone you want starting for any stretch of time. Unless, of course, he has improved~~-which is certainly possible. But bottom line is that he’s a depth signing.

by Diomedes7 on May 19, 2010 3:16 PM EDT up reply actions

Lovejoy not RFA

Lovejoy is a group VI UFA. Basically, he would be a RFA except he is too old and has played too few NHL games. He can negotiate with and sign with any team.

by Justin K on May 19, 2010 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions

not according to this

by AronV on May 19, 2010 3:35 PM EDT up reply actions

http://blogs.citizensvoice.com/penguins/?p=3119

by AronV on May 19, 2010 3:35 PM EDT up reply actions

i’ll get the hang of this eventually.

by AronV on May 19, 2010 3:35 PM EDT up reply actions

I get his status confused all the time too, Justin.

From best I can tell I believe Aron’s link to MR. Bombulie (who’s on top of this sort of thing).

Pensburgh.com

by Hooks Orpik on May 19, 2010 4:42 PM EDT up reply actions

are you guys keeping Gonchar?

Join the NLL community at http://www.nationallacrosseleagueblog.blogspot.com/
Talk about Boston sports at http://www.bestbostonsports.com/

by bestbostonsports on May 19, 2010 3:13 PM EDT reply actions

Nope. Hooks says he's good as gone...

by Diomedes7 on May 19, 2010 3:14 PM EDT up reply actions

Guerin?

Join the NLL community at http://www.nationallacrosseleagueblog.blogspot.com/
Talk about Boston sports at http://www.bestbostonsports.com/

by bestbostonsports on May 19, 2010 3:16 PM EDT up reply actions

depends. if he wants to play. how much $ he wants. would he accept a lesser role? do we need ANOTHER 3rd liner. i’d say its 50/50.

by Diomedes7 on May 19, 2010 3:19 PM EDT up reply actions

sounds like a post is a brewin….

by AronV on May 19, 2010 3:27 PM EDT up reply actions

Tomorrow morning a big time look at the numbers about who’s leaving, who’s getting a pay bump and how much is left to bring some guys back or find replacements.

Pensburgh.com

by Hooks Orpik on May 19, 2010 4:43 PM EDT up reply actions

looking forward to that.

by AronV on May 19, 2010 4:57 PM EDT up reply actions

Nick Johnson

What am I missing about Nick? He never really is brought up in these discussions, but I thought he looked the best of the WBS call ups last year, played well with Geno, seemed NHL ready.

by phineasfog on May 19, 2010 4:07 PM EDT reply actions

in 6 games, he had 7 shots. Other than the time spent in the ECHL, he hasn’t exactly been a consistent goal scorer. Of the Tangradi/Letestu/Jeffrey/Johnson crowd, i’d put him fourth.

by AronV on May 19, 2010 4:15 PM EDT up reply actions

I wouldn’t. I think Johnson has the best potential (other than Tangradi) to be a Top 6 forward of those four. I may personally be over-rating what he can do, though.

Pensburgh.com

by Hooks Orpik on May 19, 2010 4:46 PM EDT up reply actions

I guess the main thing for all of these guys is whether their scoring abilities manage to translate to the NHL. I don’t know enough about any of them to weigh in, but I think that’s the main issue, when developing potential Top 6-ers.

Go, Shero, Go!!! And also Brian Burke.

by PopRocks on May 19, 2010 4:58 PM EDT up reply actions

Engelland’s gonna be playing the same role as he did last year. He’ll spend most of his time in the AHL and be called up when someone gets hurt or their game goes to hell.

I’d be okay if Sarge doesn’t come back, as long as we spend his cap hit on Michalek. Hamhuis is the only other guy of interest but beyond Michalek’s the defensive corp on the FA window is pretty slim.

After about a year and a half, I've finally got around to giving myself a profile. Yay me!

Just so I never have to answer this again. I'm from Singapore so whenever you see me online, I'm either sleep deprived or just waking up.

by Alighieri on May 19, 2010 11:55 PM EDT reply actions

Tallinder...

Tallinder is who I would go after. Hamhuis was quoted as saying the further the preds made it in the playoffs the more money they’d make. They did last a bit longer than most people expected them to and the fact that Dan wants to stay there is hard to say if the Pens can even sign him.

Shero has ties to him from his Preds assistant GM days but that may not be enough. He’d have to over pay. Where as Tallinder is 6’3’’, skates well for his size, is a shutdown type and he’s somewhat physical. He’d be the perfect stabilizing partner for Goligoski while Orpik & Tanger partner up.

The top 4 then would be…

Orpik, Letang
Goligoski, Tallinder

With Shero needing to re-sign Lovejoy and bringing in another veteran (Boynton maybe, adds physicality). I’d love it if Shero can trade for Shane O’Brien’s rights since the Canucks have Alberts for another year and might want to open up some space to pick up more top 4 guys instead of more 3rd pairing guys. O’Brien skates fairly well, physical and has gotten better.

So a 3rd pairing of O’Brien, Lovejoy wouldn’t hurt. Then you sign Boynton as the 7th and keep Engelland as the 8th, re-sign Wagner as the 9th and you give that “10th experienced NHL ready guy” to the guy that impresses the most in camp out of Bortuzzo, Sneep, Strait, and Grant.

As for how much for Tallinder, he made something like 2.56m for his cap hit, something like 2.8 for 2yrs would be fine by me. Then Boynton at 800k-1m and Lovejoy at 800k. That’d leave Shero with more $$$ to go after 2 top 6 right wingers if Tangradi makes it as Geno’s left winger.

Kunitz, Crosby, *UFA
Tangradi, Malkin, *UFA

Svatos could be had for dirt cheap, is a shoot first guy that is kind of injury prone but would be cheap, Shero’s favourite type. Slim pickin’s for wingers. I’d love a trade for Jack Skille with the cap molested Hawks.

by Evgeni MalKING on May 20, 2010 5:47 AM EDT reply actions

i remember Tallinder from before the lockout… never envisioned him as shutdown defender of any kind then… he was the stereotypical European defenseman then… Always shying away from contact…

Even is he is any good as a shutdown, I highly doubt he’d have the same physical edge as Free Candy… that’s kinda the stuff we need in defense…

After about a year and a half, I've finally got around to giving myself a profile. Yay me!

Just so I never have to answer this again. I'm from Singapore so whenever you see me online, I'm either sleep deprived or just waking up.

by Alighieri on May 20, 2010 1:55 PM EDT up reply actions