Pensburgh Wrapup: Sergei Gonchar
by FrankD on Jun 22, 2010 7:00 AM EDT
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Season Stats:
Playoff Stats:
Month-by-month Pensburgh grades:
October: A-
November: B+
December: B+
January: B+
February: B
March: C
Playoffs: C
Contract Status: Gonchar is an unrestricted free agent this offseason.
Interesting Stat: By the end of the playoffs, Gonch finished second on the team in points with a total of 12, one more than Evgeni Malkin and Chris Kunitz and second to only Crosby's 19.
The Good: Gonchar finished third on the team in total points, tied only with Alexei Ponikarovsky with 50. Of course, Poni came on board with most of those points, so it's not like it's an accurate measure of his play in the black and gold. For Gonch, however, it says a lot. It says that, despite the label of "aging defenseman," he's still finding ways to get it done out on the ice. Gonch may have never been the most physical of defensemen throughout his career, but his positioning and ability to play the man makes up for any sort of rough play along the boards.
The not-so-good: To kind of piggy back that last statement in the good: How long can that last? Will he begin to lose his speed or footwork? Will he start to become more liable for slip ups than reliable for big plays?
For the second straight season, Gonch put in less than 70 games worth of work. Last season, of course, he was met with the rigors of shoulder surgery and subsequent recovery before the regular season even started. He came back to put in 25 games and ultimately win the Cup with the Pens. His absence on the PP unit was more than obvious, and his return only exemplified that when he started to chip in and help pick up the team's production. This season, Gonch missed 12 games with a broken left wrist and a few games here or there with the flu. Either way, it doesn't hide the fact that he made the most of his time while on the ice (50 points in 62 games). However, the issue at this point in Gonchar's career is more focused on durability.
Final Verdict: Unless the price is right - and by that I mean, affordable and not LONG long term - then the Pens should make an effort to bring Gonchar back to Pittsburgh. He's just about as much a textbook example of power-play specialist as you're going to find, and really the Pens cannot afford to go hunting for a guy to fill his shoes. Besides, does one even exist for the right price? To kind of tie in with the quote above, the decision to bring Gonchar back should be based on what's good for the future of the Pens as a whole. Sure, he's done his share of damage in the black and gold in the past, but the Penguins cannot afford to keep a guy on the payroll for that reason alone. A lot is relying on how much Gonch still has left in the tank. If he has another season or two in him, then the Pens should not let that slip away.
Question and Discussion: Well, I guess we better just tackle this one now. Should the Pens consider re-signing Gonchar this offseason and, if so, what's the max deal you're willing to see them make (both length and price) to keep him in Pittsburgh?
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I hope he's not Sergei Gone-char
.
We should bring Gonch back for 3 years at $4 mil/year. Let’s face it, Tanger and GoGo are not ready to take over the power play; they aren’t even a few games or a half season away. They need more time tutoring under the master.
Should the first line of the Final Verdict ask “if” the price is right?
The Pens will be back.
by PensAreYourDaddy on Jun 22, 2010 8:06 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
3 years is too risky, 2 years at $4M/year max., and even 2 years worries me. $4M is a $2M winger (say Vinnie Prospal) and a $2M Dman (say Jordan Leopold), and there’s still cap room to add a second winger. Both these guys add to the power play possibilities. Yes, the Pens probably lose something on the power play, but they gain at even strength (where Sarge hasn’t areally dded anything). Plus, there’s likely upside with LeTang and Gogo on the power play over time, only downside with Sarge.
Unless Shero feels he has a legitimate shot at signing Volchenkov or Michalek long-term, I think we should bring Gonch back for 2 years at $4mil/year. I am leary of giving him even the second year because of injuries, but if you could get him at $4mil/year he will still be one of the most productive defensmen in the league for that salary.
On a side note, I have heard (and dont know if anybody else has already mentioned it) the pens resigned Cooke to a 3 year deal though to be just under $2 mil per.
Cooke Signed To 3 Year Deal
Yes—I just read this on the Trib online by Rossi.
Cooke has agreed to a 3-year deal to stay with the Pens.
C-is-for-C-O-O-K-I-E!
Yeah!
One Who Lives And Breathes All Things Penguins
by PensFanInDenver on Jun 22, 2010 9:55 AM EDT up reply actions
Rossi writes “a verbal agreement” with Cooke; that works!
One Who Lives And Breathes All Things Penguins
by PensFanInDenver on Jun 22, 2010 9:56 AM EDT up reply actions
guess I should have looked at the top of the post before posting that cooke resigned at the bottom..
regardless very happy to see this!
It just makes my day, for sure.
One Who Lives And Breathes All Things Penguins
by PensFanInDenver on Jun 22, 2010 10:25 AM EDT up reply actions
TSN's Darren Dreger reporting that Pens will trade Gonchar's Negotiating Rights
The Pittsburgh Penguins may consider trading veteran defenceman Sergei Gonchar’s negotiating rights.
Gonchar has a no-trade clause and the Pens would still like to extend his contract, but sources say there’s a good chance Gonchar will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1 – so the possibility of following a trend of trading a players rights will likely be explored.
Pittsburgh is a cap team, but on the open market, the 36-year-old Stanley Cup champion could lure upwards of $6 million.
About his durability though: his injuries during the cup year were bad luck on bad plays by other players, I mean, who can withstand a full on knee on knee by Alex?
This season his major absence came when he broke his arm on a unlucky play, to me thats not old age and injury prone like, but just bad luck.
his 50 points in 62 games and 12 in 13 playoff games is still elite, there arent many defenders out there who can top that so if he can be had at 2-3 at 4 million i’d say that would be a good deal. anything more though I’d see as an impossebility considering the cap.
There is a knack to flying: it's learning how to throw yourself at the ground and miss.
by Sid the captain on Jun 22, 2010 9:03 AM EDT reply actions
What Does Gonchar Have In The Tank
How much does Gonch have left in the tank? Who knows but this past year his 36 years was starting to show.
If Gonchar really wanted to stay a Pittsburgh Penguin, he would—at much less $$ per year. It’s always about the money……as valuable as Gonch has been in the past……..
I agree with Justin: time to let him go. Time to move on and have Gogo and Letang develop and step up. We can live in the past or look to the future.
And, if they replace Yeo with the right coach, then they can really work on the PP and our competitors wont know what Sid Or Geno are going to do with the puck on their stick….so srating over, moving forward, sounds smart.
One Who Lives And Breathes All Things Penguins
by PensFanInDenver on Jun 22, 2010 9:42 AM EDT reply actions
I meant to write: “starting over!”
One Who Lives And Breathes All Things Penguins
by PensFanInDenver on Jun 22, 2010 10:38 AM EDT up reply actions
I cringe at trying to visualize Goligoski next season as the PP QB. I just continue to see him not able to corral a pass, or make a bad pass, i just really hate this guy and hope he proves me wrong this year, but for now he’s a bum in my eyes.
by JasonGoPens on Jun 22, 2010 10:42 AM EDT up reply actions
Gogo
I am not a Gogo fan, but he has to step up, him and Letang. That’s why I am hoping whoever replaces Yeo….can get them in the right direction……
Maybe we can bring in the right D-man to help with QB the PP?
I laughed when you wrote “I cringe” because I have done alot of cringing, too, when Gogo has the puck on the PP……….but I have to believe he will improve.
One Who Lives And Breathes All Things Penguins
by PensFanInDenver on Jun 22, 2010 11:22 AM EDT up reply actions
Be patient with Gogo. This was his first full-time year with the big club and he has experience some growing pains. I expect him to improve drastically and trading him for anybody other than James Neal would be a mistake.
by stoopidtom on Jun 22, 2010 11:34 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Gogo won’t be the only pp QB, as Letang will definitely have a share in the responsibilities as well.
Author at Pensburgh.com
Cooke re-signed!
from NHL.com
“According to the Pittsburgh Tribune Review, the Penguins have re-signed Matt Cooke to a three-year contract.
Cooke, 31, was one of eight Penguins eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Finding a resolution with him and defenseman Sergei Gonchar, 36, were the top offseason priorities of Penguins General Manager Ray Shero. "
I would love to see Gonch come back but no more than 2-3 years and for no more than 4 million, which seems to be the consensus of Pens fans. If they decide to trade his rights, I think they should try to get the rights to another d-man or a draft pick. That being said I think GMRS should talk to the Devils. I have seen rumors of the Pens being interested in Paul Martin and the devils being interested in Gonch. The Pens could trade the rights to Gonch for the rights to Martin and maybe a 6th round pick. I think the Pens could get Martin to sign for about 3.5-4 million for 3 years or so. If not, the pens get a 6th rounder for nothing.
by stoopidtom on Jun 22, 2010 11:31 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
Sign him if ya can
Sarge is 36 not 46…he has plenty left in the tank. I know Sarge would like to get a long term/high dollar contract,(he’s just looking out for his family)but he also loves playing with Pens. I’m glad they got a verbal from cookie. If Sarge doesnt sign with the Pens then Tanger and GoGo will have to step up. I hope they resign Eaton. He’s a reliable D man.I just hope they can find a good winger to play with Geno.
Gamma_Connie
Valuing a high risk commodity
While I love Gonchar and what he’s done for the Pens, i don’t believe his value to the team is worth a $4 mil/year deal (for any length). He is 36, he has battled injury issues for the past 3 seasons, and most players face a precipitous drop in production after the age of 35 (yes i know guys like Pronger and Lidstrom are still going strong, but those are exceptions).
in addition, the Pens will have to replace Gonchar eventually, and they currently have the luxury of having 2 offensive d-men who can run the point. yes, Letang and GoGo are drop offs from Gonch, but i think it’s time for one of them to take over.
let me close with this: over/under 100 points over the next 2 years for Sergei Gonchar
i’m way under. if he signs, I say 2 years $5 million.
Let him walk
Guys, i hate to say it but Gonch has to go. I love what he has done for this city and how well he handles the powerplay, however this is my take…
Gonch came into this league he was a good offensive defensement with SOME defensive ability, which was why he was worth the buck he made. If you look at this past year, it seems that he no longer plays good defense. Need an example, game 7 against the canadians, he sat there and watched the play. But maybe i’m wrong, maybe its the age, and the past 3 years catching up to him.
Either way, there are some good defensemen on the market the penguins can target that won’t 1) kill cap 2) play effective hockey both ways, 3) can be just as good of a leader.
I was looking and hoping for hamhuis or whatever, but i think a player like pavel kubina can also fit in nicely with our system. Big blast, plays solid defense and knows the game.
If we aren’t worried about the powerplay and getting a defensive player (strictly defense) why not andy sutton? The guy has a mean streak and WILL get his nose dirty.
Would you say that Sarge should have taken the penalty on that play? The puck was nowhere close, so that seems to have been his only real option.
The Pens will be back.
by PensAreYourDaddy on Jun 22, 2010 1:24 PM EDT up reply actions
He was in position to make a move, but didn’t. Listen i love the man and all he has done for this organization and city, especially helping malkin feel welcomed. The question is then man… Is he WORTH 5 million? Because all indications right now point to him wanting no less than that. And if he were to take a cut, it better be in the price of 3.5million a year. Because anything more and i think that we are overpaying at his age.
I’d like to get him back for less than 5 million, certainly, but it’s also getting old hearing him bashed for the same play over and over, particularly considering that nearly the entire team failed to show up for that game.
The Pens will be back.
by PensAreYourDaddy on Jun 22, 2010 2:29 PM EDT up reply actions
this.
(also, thanks for the nice words on my pictures. =)
STAAL FOR SELKE. SIDNEY FOR EVERY OTHER ONE OR JUST THE HART AND THE MESSIER LEADERSHIP AWARD. THAT IS ACCEPTABLE.
by katielynn906 on Jun 22, 2010 2:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Gonchar gave them directions straight to our net!!!! All that was needed were blinking lights….
The entire team played poorly but Goncahr’s play was the worst out of any of the Pens, in my opinion.
If he had taken the penality, I bet we would have killed it off. Or Staal could have a shorty..
Ah, would have, should have, could have.
One Who Lives And Breathes All Things Penguins
by PensFanInDenver on Jun 22, 2010 2:20 PM EDT up reply actions
NO to Sutton. He is big, he is nasty, he’s a terrible D man if he can’t hit you. He was a windmill against the Pens in the playoffs.
If Gonch isn’t resigned then the Pens can sign both Leopold and Eaton. If I’m not mistaken Leopld ran the PP for Florida, and in any case shoots well. Think I saw someplace that he had the highest number of even strength goals for a Dman last year.
plus the whole knocking out dupuis and leopold thing could get pretty awkward.
STAAL FOR SELKE. SIDNEY FOR EVERY OTHER ONE OR JUST THE HART AND THE MESSIER LEADERSHIP AWARD. THAT IS ACCEPTABLE.
by katielynn906 on Jun 22, 2010 1:46 PM EDT up reply actions
Hey listen i’m just throwing suttons name out there because we seem to have lost a nasty edge back on the Defense… I’m really high on Pavel Kubina right now, i think he could fit in well.
As for leopold, i agree entirely. The man can step in and produce, maybe not like gonch, but still a bit above what our young guys can do right now though. I think leopold will stay for around 2, which then gives us room for some wingers… Stempniak anybody?
Stempniak anybody?
NOOOOOOOOoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!
Go, Shero, Go!!! And also Brian Burke.
leafs fans are my favorite.
STAAL FOR SELKE. SIDNEY FOR EVERY OTHER ONE OR JUST THE HART AND THE MESSIER LEADERSHIP AWARD. THAT IS ACCEPTABLE.
by katielynn906 on Jun 22, 2010 5:40 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m in a weird place with this one. I like Gonch & his play well enough, but I’m not sure he’s worth the money+years he likely wants, nor the money+years he’d likely command on the open market. I’m not thrilled at the idea of him staying with the Pens because I think we need to put some money into a solidly defensive defenseman. That said, if he ends up somewhere else I would much prefer that he ends up in the West on a team that likely won’t make the Cup Final. Because I don’t want the Pens to have to play him.
Go, Shero, Go!!! And also Brian Burke.
trade his rights to Columbus — or some other team out West
Dreger is pretty good and he’s reporting the Pens are “considering” trading Gonchar’s rights
that sounds to me like the idea is being floated to see what Shero can get in return
by Mario Lemieux #66 on Jun 22, 2010 6:21 PM EDT up reply actions
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