Leftover forwards we could potentially chase?
by ajlabdik on Jul 28, 2010 2:52 PM EDT
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Scanning through the free agent listings and a few names jumped off the page...
Cheechoo? with Ottawa buying out his contract could he be gotten on the cheap, like McKee last year? A one year deal less than a million? He at least has some top2 line forward experience. Big question mark on chemistry, though.
Afinogenov? How much of a pay raise is he due? Probably too much for us but again he has some top line exp. He potentially might be interested in playing on a contender instead of big money.
Selanne has been mentioned for PP help by other posters and his price range probably could be met.
On an unrelated note, Hulu is streaming our cup victory game over the North Stars and Mario's 4 goal All-Star game in Pittsburgh for you puckheads starving for action like myself.
The content expressed in fanposts does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the staff here at Pensburgh.com. FanPosts are opinions expressed by fans of various teams throughout the league but may be more Pittsburgh-centric for obvious reasons.
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Media...
Ok, as much as I HATE to refer to what the media is saying because let’s face it, they know about as much, honestly, as I do when it comes to everything that is happening in the world. Pens seem to be favoring holding what they have and seeing what the young guns can do on the wing. Championship Pedigree’s would lend towards building from the net out and down the middle up front. Needless to say, the Pens have done that quite well. It doesn’t mean much, but I don’t think they need to do anything else unless someone is to fall into their lap for an absolute bargain. Outside of that, let’s see what this defensive stalwart of a team can do now.
IMO, and I stress MY opinion – Cheechoo, PLEASE NO!
Afinogenov – Less than a million or dead on a million, DEAL! Any more, NO!
Selanne – Retiring or Anaheim if they are going to contend as opposed to rebuild.
Just my thoughts is all.
by Wags24 on Jul 27, 2010 1:54 PM EDT reply actions
Cheechoo isn’t worth a look at any price. His injuries completely destroyed any value he had in the past.
agreed.
and i love your icon.
we're not trading jordan staal.
by katielynn906 on Jul 27, 2010 3:01 PM EDT up reply actions
I only like the potentially low price and that he could be banished to the Baby Pens if he doesn’t produce. We got McKee real cheap in the same situation and I feel that he was worth what he was paid. At between 600k-800k he’s what we pay other prospects and he put up 57 goals (24 of them PP) in his most produce season. I am a bit biased because the Sharks are my west coast team and it was painful to watch his fall.
the only reservation i have about the goal stat is that i think his stats were a bit inflated by playing with thorton. you could argue that he’d be playing with a better linemate in crosby, but i wouldn’t put him on the first line, or even the second with geno. i just wouldn’t trust him enough. i’d much rather give a prospect a try.
just my two cents.
we're not trading jordan staal.
by katielynn906 on Jul 28, 2010 7:35 PM EDT up reply actions
don’t ask me why i’d trust a prospect more, hah. i guess i’m not a cheechoo fan in general.
we're not trading jordan staal.
by katielynn906 on Jul 28, 2010 7:35 PM EDT up reply actions
The only thing more annoying about people wanting the Pens to sign Cheechoo is people who wanted Shero to sign Stempniak or Higgins.
by Mario's Mullet on Jul 27, 2010 11:03 PM EDT up reply actions
NOT saying they should sign him, but...
Kariya is still out there as well. Coming off a nice contract, near the end of the line and might want to take a shot at the Cup for cheap. But I’m not sure if it’s worth it for the Pens or if Shero wants to bring in an aging forward on a guaranteed contract (even if it’s for $1M or so). I can see a camp tryout or two, but I’d wager Shero is more likely to sign a veteran D-man on the cheap at or around the time of camp (like picking up Skoula).
I think Afinogenov wants more money after playing for 850K last year and he could always go to the KHL if he doesn’t like his NHL options.
Gotta agree on Cheechoo. He might get a camp tryout with someone, but I think his NHL career is all but over.
Selanne is highly unlikely, even if he decides Anaheim isn’t a good fit for him.
I’ve been reading lots of rumblings that Boston may buyout Michael Ryder after Blake Wheeler’s contract status is determined (arbitration scheduled this week). If that were to happen, it’d be worth kicking the tires to see if he’d do a McKee and sign for a year at a low salary while he counts his buyout money and receives passes from Crosby. He’s certainly not worth the $4M+ he’s making now, but he can score some goals and is a natural RW (right-handed). Just a little speculation for fun…
D'oh
Wanted a line break after the Kariya part and before the camp tryout stuff. Not saying I could see Kariya getting a tryout or two… sorry for confusion.
A veteran D-man on the cheap is feasible. With the injury trouble on defense last fall, we all know how valuable those can turn out to be, even if it didn’t work out long-term with McKee & Skoula.
The Michael Ryder speculation is interesting, and it’s certainly someone I’d give a shot for a mil, if possible.
I’d enjoy seeing Selanne or Kariya on a line with Crosby or Malkin.
They both have the necessary talent to make the most of wacky passes, unlike most wings we’ve seen with them.
Selanne seems unlikely, though. Trying to make him move across the continent when he’s already contemplating retirement seems a bit of a stretch to me.
Alternately, Afinogenov on a line with Malkin could be fun. There’s some familiarity there from the Russian national team, even if they didn’t play on the same line.
I am a skeptic here too, though. Afinogenov finally had a good season again, and with him being on the wrong side of 30, I’d imagine it’s pretty much his last chance for a decent payday.
Conclusion: Get Kariya!!
If none of those work out, I say save the money for the trade deadline and give the noobies a shot.
There’s been a lot of talk of getting a 3C and while a face off specialist wouldn’t hurt, in my opinion we have too many bottom six centers as it is.
Conclusion: Get Kariya!!
If only it were that simple.
1- No one (including Kariya) is even sure if he’s playing next season
2- He’s said to be interested in Anaheim or a West Coast team, if he’s even coming back
3- He made $6 million last year. He won’t sniff that this season, but the max the Pens could offer, as it stands now, is probably about $1.5 million. Big drop, and surely Anaheim/LA/SJ could do a little better if they wanted.
I’d love to see it happen, great fit for the player and the team, but I’d say it’s about 5% likely, and that’s because I’m an optimist.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
Kariya hasn’t even decided if he wants to play next season…And there are some reports that he’d prefer to stay on the West Coast. Selanne’s in the same boat, but almost definitely will be playing for Anaheim assuming he plays anywhere next season.
I’d like to see Afinogenov get a chance, he’s got skill and it’s badly needed.
I’m resigned to the fact they probably will go for most the season like this until looking to add a winger at the deadline and shift the 3C’s back.
Kunitz-Crosby-Dupuis
Malkin-Staal-AAAA
Cooke-BBBB-CCCC
Rupp-Adams-DDDD
(Godard the usual scratch)
A = Kennedy or Talbot or maybe an outside shot guy like Johnson, Tangradi
B = Talbot or Letestu or Jeffrey or a cheap free agent
C = Kennedy or Jeffrey or Johnson/Tangradi
D = Talbot/Johnson/Tangradi/Jeffrey/Letestu (whoever’s left)
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
I’m not sure how sensitive Malkin is to the LW/RW issue, but he played RW with the russian team during the IIHF world championships and did fabulously. But, with his style of play and talent he could probably make either work.
I’m more accustomed to seeing him line up on the right side when he moves up to play with Sid.
by PensAreYourDaddy on Jul 28, 2010 2:07 PM EDT up reply actions
I'd be happy with this
Kunitz – Crosby – Kennedy
Dupuis – Staal – Malkin
Cooke – Talbot – Tangradi
Rupp – Letestu – Adams
It’s time Kennedy and Staal move up in the world and get more ice time with the superstars.
I’ve been on board with bumping up Kennedy too. Why not give him a shot to see. He’s a solid part of a good 3rd line, but it’s time to see if he can stay healthy and produce, but it’s toug to find that out when he only gets 11-13 minutes a night, all even strength.
Of all the lineups I’ve seen on here this summer, this is one I personally like the most. I’m not sure if it’ll actually happen — they might keep Cooke/Kennedy together which probably bumps Tangradi back to WB/S, but anything’s possible depending on who has a good camp.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
Is anything dropping though?
Shaone Morrisonn just got a modest raise up to above $2 million to play in Buffalo
Andy Sutton just got $2.25 million for Anaheim
UFA Contracts aren’t coming in fast and furious, but the money has still been there.
Belanger’s agent has been doing a lot of negotiating through the French Canadian media, sounds like there is some interest but it seems Belanger may be waiting on the Habs to make him an offer. (Whether or not that’s gonna happen, I have no idea).
I’d love to see Belanger as as 3C here, but I suspect he still will sign for more money and years than would work here.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
Mirtle tweet on UFAs...
There are 70 unrestricted free agents who played 40 or more games still available. My guess is only 20-30 of those find NHL homes.
Price is determined by supply and demand.
If Mirtle is right—and only 20-30 out of 70 UFAs on his “best available” list find homes—then, salary demands should drop.
Belanger...
I asked Mirtle what kind of $ he thought Belanger would get
This is his reply:
$1.5- to $2-million is my guess. More than Dominic Moore.
strange-brew — i like your rosterbation, too
one tweak: i’d move Tangradi to the 2nd line (if he plays well in camp, of course) and Dupuis on the 3rd line (better defensively).
if they are somehow able to land Belanger, move him to 3C and Talbot to 4C (and/or let Mad Max compete w/ TK at 1RW).
I got to watch Kariya for a few years while I was living in the STL. When he was on his game it was evident he was the best player the Blues had by a mile. If he can get back to the Kariya of old and stay healthy, he would be a great 1-year deal sort of guy.
BRENT
(by the way if anyone needs a Condo near Wash U please let me know!)
Poni To LA
In Case you didn’t already hear we lost Poni to LA, I’m not disappointed but from here on out I’m guessing we’re focusing on our attention on Guerin.
Yup, I just caught wind of that too. I’m glad he’s off the market, so there’s no risk in us re-signing him. Though I know Shero’s not that stupid.
Hockey Blogger at Pensburgh.com
i thought resigning guerin was pretty much dead?
we're not trading jordan staal.
by katielynn906 on Jul 27, 2010 3:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Supposedly Boston and Pittsburgh have mild interest in Guerin.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
Yeah it would not surprise me in the least if we got Guerin in the next month or two. The only way I would be surprised if it’s for more than a million.
So when's October you ask? Well, here's your answer.
I wouldn’t be shocked if it was in the $1.25 million range, but I sure hope they don’t go any higher than that.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
:-\ I dunno. One mill flat would be my offer.
Or we could play deal or no deal with a number of suitcases, one of which includes league minimum and the highest includes league max with a few other random salaries thrown into the mix. I’d be down for the entertainment of that. Pierre Maguire can host it. He looks a little like Howie Mandel.
Follow the Penguins on SBN @ Pensburgh.com and twitter.
Pierre can stand uncomfortably close to Guerin and then BIlly G can attack him. We all win.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
Pierre can stand as far away as possible.
Then we all win.
So when's October you ask? Well, here's your answer.
i’d watch it.
we're not trading jordan staal.
by katielynn906 on Jul 28, 2010 4:24 PM EDT up reply actions
That’s odd, at least to me. I can’t see Bylsma playing Guerin as a top six forward next year, and we already have plenty of bottom six guys. Guerin seems like he’d be overkill.
Hockey Blogger at Pensburgh.com
The Penguins have 1 guy who can play wing that’s a 20 goal scorer, and that’s Malkin. Guerin, though clearly slowing down, still has more proven and reliable skill than the guys like Dupuis, Talbot, Johnson/Tangradi at this point.
I don’t think it’s a slam dunk Guerin returns, but I could see him playing a top 6 role better than a lot of other options for 2010-11.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
by Hooks Orpik on Jul 29, 2010 7:06 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Did you forget Kunitz? I’d be shocked if he stayed mostly healthy and didn’t score 20 or more goals.
I like Billy G, he’s a great guy, but, after last season, I’d prefer Dupuis on Crosby’s right over Guerin.
That would bump Guerin down to the Staalkin line. If, for a minute, we assume Malkin wouldn’t have any problems playing LW instead of RW, then there’s still the problem that Malkin and Guerin showed absolutely no chemistry the times they were put together last season. Granted, given an entire season to work with, that could change. But, if you’re going to take a chance anyway, why not do it with a prospect?
With all that said being said, I’d still be happy to see Guerin back in a Pens shirt, I’m just not sure it’s the best fit, but, we could do a lot worse.
, then there’s still the problem that Malkin and Guerin showed absolutely no chemistry the times they were put together last season.
Well, if you look at it one way, maybe Malkin just wasn’t willing to drag Guerin through the neutral zone like Sid was. I’ve noticed that Malkin has a pretty specific style, whereas Sid can almost accommodate for his line mates.
So when's October you ask? Well, here's your answer.
For $3M, too.
Ha.
Hey, an out is an out - unless you're Mario, in which case it's probably two outs. -UtesFan89
Hard work always beats talent if talent doesn't work hard.
Kariya or Selanne would be nice pickups, but I don’t see either happening.
Afinogenov is an intriguing idea; he’s sort of a faster, less-skilled version of Alex Kovalev. Meaning that he’ll wow you with his play for weeks at a time, and then completely disappear off a cliff for weeks at a time. He could have great chemistry with a guy like Sid, or we could be signing on for a full season of Poni-like ineptitude.
P is for Latrobe.
Here's My List - $M/1 year, in order of preference
Maxim Afineganov — speed and goal scoring on Sid’s RW
Owen Nolan — solid leader, tough, good size, RW or LW, 1st to 3rd line
John Madden — perfect 3rd line defensive center
Patrick O’Sullivan — upside goal scoring LW for Staalkin
Raffi Torres — Kunitz clone LW for Staalkin
Eric Belanger — 2 way 3C
Marek Svatos — upside RW for Sid
Jeff Halpern — solid defensive 3C with leadership ability
$500K/1 year 7th Dman
Paul Mara
Mike Mottau
Freddy Meyer
Oof, Owen Nolan doesn’t have much left in the tank. I’d rather have Guerin.
Nice bring-up of O’Sullivan’s name though, he’s got some skill. I’m also high on Svatos, he’s a good goalscorer, but his lack of size and other abilities kinda make you wonder if he’d be worth it.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
Svatos would be worth it at 1.5 mil or less, the only affordable amount for the Pens. Some food for thought:
Svatos’ numbers for the past 5 years. Note the Aves conference ranking. Also note the big Centers on the team and the numbers of games they played(because Sakic/Stastny had lots of injuries- and we all know injuries typically affect teammates performances)
05/06 61GP, 32 goals, 12 PPG, 9 GWG, 19.4 S%, 13.5 ATOI
Centers Sakic(82GP)
Team standing(7th in Conf)
06/07 66GP, 15 goals, 8 PPG, 2 GWG, 8.4 S%, 12.5 ATOI
Centers Stastny(82GP)/Sakic(82GP)
Team standing(9th in Conf)
07/08 62GP, 26 goals, 3 PPG, 6 GWG, 18.6 S%, 13.5 ATOI
Centers Stastny(66GP)/Sakic(44GP)
Team standing(6th in Conf)
08/09 69GP, 14 goals, 6 PPG, 1 GWG, 10 S%, 13 ATOI
Centers Stastny(45GP)/Sakic(16GP)
Team standing(15th in Conf)
09/10 54GP, 7 goals, 3 PPG, 1 GWG, 8.4 S%, 11.5 ATOI
Centers Stastny(81GP)/Duchene(81GP)
Team standing(8th in Conf)
Note: 11.5 minutes of ice time ranked 14th among Colorado forwards(not including defense) this past season…
The important things to notice are:
~Svatos has consistently missed 10-20 games every year of his career (injury prone? Knee injuries are bad news)
~Svatos saw limited ice time every year of his career (about 12-13 minutes per game)
~Svatos’ goal production does not seem to be consistent with Colorado’s big center’s past injuries.
~Svatos’ past roles seem to have been mainly 3rd/4th liner with some powerplay time (based on his PPGs and ATOI)
~Svatos had two years with a great Shooting percentage (05/06 and 07/08) and three years with a mediocre shooting percentage. He is most likely a product of the players around him. This isn’t exactly a bad thing! I wouldn’t mind him getting PPGs/garbage goals off of Crosby/Malkin/Staal/and company. Every winning team needs those 3rd line players who can contribute a goal every now and again.
~I realistically feel Svatos would be a “slight Fedotenko upgrade”
~* If you only look at his goals and his ATOI stats, you realize that he is Capable of scoring goals with limited ice time. This is important because IF the penguins were to sign him—> This is the exact role they would be signing him for! So this begs the question of “Would Svatos take 1.5 mil or less to play for Pittsburgh” and “Would Shero be interested in signing him?”
by lampshade9909 on Jul 28, 2010 2:42 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
First of all, that’s some great info and I rec’d it.
~I realistically feel Svatos would be a "slight Fedotenko upgrade"
In terms of production, I agree — but it’s not too tough to improve on Fedotenko’s dreadful production from last season — so virtually any NHL top-6 level player ought to make a slight upgrade, at the very least.
The problem is what you can’t quantify: Fedotenko’s forechecking, his very sound and reliable defensive position, etc. I’d be a whole lot more confident if, say, Staal and Geno get caught down low if Fedotenko was the 3rd man high rather than Svatos. Just throwing that out there to consider, I know Staal’s responsible, but I think Malkin’s linemates sometimes need to shoulder extra defensive responsibilities (or at least the knowledge and ability) to carry a bigger load when Malkin is driving hard to score.
Svatos had two years with a great Shooting percentage (05/06 and 07/08) and three years with a mediocre shooting percentage. He is most likely a product of the players around him.
That caught my eye too. It looked like some years he was getting really lucky and getting some bounces or catching some goalies napping and able to post really high percentages. But then he falls back down to the mean.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
Question
(for whoever. you’re not the only one who’s suggested a $1.5M-ish salary)
Can we really afford $1.5M? According to capgeek, if Lovejoy and Tangradi make the cut then we have $2,174,355 left for a forward and a seventh defenseman, not to mention space for call-ups and possibly for the trade deadline.
Legend has it that Shero likes a $1M cushion. So that leaves a mere $1.174 for two players. Which, if you’re keeping up with the math, is less than $1.5M.
I’m missing something, right?
Shero gets an A. Burkie gets a checkmark.
I don’t think it’s a slam dunk Tangradi makes the team — I could see them going with Johnson, Letestu or Jeffrey (all of whom have more pro experience) and let Tangradi continue to play in the A a while longer. All three latter choices are ~300k cheaper.
By my count, there’s approx. $56.5 million spent on 19 players (11 forwards, 6 defense, 2 goalies). These numbers include Godard and Lovejoy — but not fringe players like Tangradi, Johnson, Letestu. Cap is $59.4 million, so that leaves just south of $3 million, if my count is right.
Add a $1.5 million forward, and a bargain basement $500k 7th d-man and that leaves about a million in cap space. Of course, that also means Godard is in the lineup every night, so unless they plan on waiving him and his $750k, they either have to squeeze closer to the cap with a young player.
They definitely could add a $1 million UFA forward and get Letestu/Johnson as 12th forward, Lovejoy as 6th D, Engelland/Wagner/Hutchinson as 7th D and keep Godard as the primary scratch. $1.5 million is a little more of a tight fit.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
I agree with you on Tangradi.
And Lovejoy, because I’ll be saddened (and surprised) if he gets shoved down to the minors again.
But the prospect of playing with just 12 forwards on the roster is … well … I think it’s bad for the team. There should be at least some reason for the players to think their spot in the lineup might be in jeopardy.
So yes, $1.5M is out of reach, in my opinion. I suppose it could happen, but I hope it doesn’t.
Shero gets an A. Burkie gets a checkmark.
If the the Pens are serious about a Staalkin line
then John Madden HAS to be the target, $1M/1 year. I’ve been watching the great Carolina-New Jersey series on the NHL network from 2 years ago, and Madden is a GREAT 3rd line defensive center ,which is critical with moving Staal off of that line. Soiidify that, and let Dupuis,Tangradi, Johnson,Connor Jeffrey, and Sterling compete for the open Sid RW and Staalkin LW positions.
$1.5M is out of the question, even $1M is stretching it.
I watched John Madden last month and he looked shot.
Maybe he was just pushing through an injury but he looked a step slow and in an uptempo style didn’t look that great at all to me.
Chicago has a great group of forwards, but I think now at age 37 John Madden’s a 4C on a championship team — just like he was this year.
Amongst Chicago players Madden played 11:31 a night in the playoffs, 11th best for forwards on that team.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
yeah, but he was still in for a lot of the important Dzone faceoffs… and this is something that we need… one more good FO center (aside from Sid).
That doesn’t mean that I think Madden is The Solution or the best option, but he could be a possible one.
You have to see it for yourself...
lol at what point does the amount of playoff experience on this pens team as a whole mean that we can no longer have to worry as much about adding playoff experience via trade/free agency? i’d argue we’re past that point already, and that playoff experience, while significant, should not really be a make or break factor when they’re looking at a player
I agree with your general point that the Pens no longer “need” playoff experience. But Poni didn’t know how things changed as we saw last season, Madden does. Have to be concerned about that with guys who have little or know playoff experience.
Agreed.
Our most important players already have playoff experience, but bringing guys in that already “get it” should make it an easier transition to the post season than those who don’t
So when's October you ask? Well, here's your answer.
I am sold on a 7th D-man after reviewing this thread and think we would be best served by the D-men suggested by phineasfog:
Paul Mara
Mike Mottau
Freddy Meyer
Our blue line is in danger of a few minor injuries of having a rookie in the top-4 and that could be a show stopper for a week or two – which is much scarier than a few forwards getting banged up. The injury bug is pretty much guaranteed to cycle through rosters at some point in the season. With the question of who to move up from the Baby Pens in terms of forwards the answer could be all of them over the season and have a regular scratch at D-man.
Having watched him for a couple years, the Pens would be smart to sign Lee Stempniak (at the right price, of course). He’s not the guy who scored 13 with Phoenix (he was shooting like 40% or something when he did that). He’s not a guy who would make those around him better, but the Pens have those guys. He would be a handy top 6 forward at the right price, and probably pot 20-30 with Malkin or Crosby.
He’s a half decent player. It’s just the leafs need guys who can make an impact; the Penguins need guys who can score 20-30 playing with the world class players they already have. And woth those sparkly new defensemen, all the Penguins can fit is filler guys on the wing. At the right price, Stempniak is good filler.
Artyukhin
Although not a great goal scorer, Artyulhin is a big (6’4" 260 lbs) 27 year old right wing who can crash the net and play low to make space and deflections for more skilled shooters. He will also be inexpensive.
Kunitz – Crosby – Artyukhin
Tangradi – Malkin – Dupuis
Cooke – Staal – Kennedy
Rupp – Talbot – Adams
Godard
Orpik – Letang
Martin – Michalek
Goligoski – Lovejoy
You still have Veilleux, Jeffrey, Letestu, Conner, Wallace, Sterling, etc. left to try to beat those forwards out in camp.
He’s been on my radar , someone I don’t think the Pens are considering but should. Apparently has good speed for his size, and likely isn’t going to be signed for much more than the minimum unless it’s the KHL. The way the markets is coming in, however, I thinkShero can almost certainly sign a better player.
It would be a concern to have a guy who’s scored 19 goals in 199 career NHL games on Sidney Crosby’s line. I wouldn’t mind Artyuhkin as a cheap grinder, but I don’t see what he does that Mike Rupp doesn’t.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
Sheor Has So Many Options
The reason I came across Artyukin is that it occurred to me that instead of signing 1 forward for $1M, Shero could sign 2 at $500K. He’s said he wants to give the WBS guys a legit shot, and he really needs to keep these guys motivated. Shero needs to upgrade from Feds and Billy G, and he can probably addequately fill thos 2 positions from Tangradi, Johnson, Jeffrey, Letestu, Sterling, and/or Craig (don’t count him out, he’s big, rugged, drops the gloves, and had 15 goals in 48 games with Tampa a few years ago, and Shero said he thought he had a chance to play with the Pens). If Shero signs a forward for $1M he almost certainly takes 1 of the 2 positions away. So instead he might sign 2 Fs at $500K, 2-way contracts or just offer them camp try-outs, and let the competition begin. There’s likely to be some decent players in that “no chairs left” category at the end of the day, guys like Ryan Potulny, Artyukin, maybe O’Sullivan or Svatos. I don’t think Shero will do this, since the Pens are in the hunt this year and it would be safer to go with a more proven player, but it IS an option. And a trade is not out of the question either (I’m hoping that Nieme gets a big arbitration award and the Hawks decide they HAVE to keep him, and will trade Troy Brouwer to the Pens for Tyler Kennedy to save $300K).
(I’m hoping that Nieme gets a big arbitration award and the Hawks decide they HAVE to keep him, and will trade Troy Brouwer to the Pens for Tyler Kennedy to save $300K).
Every penny counts, but that’s a drop in the bucket for the Hawk’s problems.
I agree there are a lot of options. I also think it’s very possible guys like Svatos or O’Sullivan aren’t going to be interested in a tryout deal or a sub $1 million salary. So there may not be any movement. Guess we’ll find out.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
Artyukhin
Hooks, the difference is that Artyukhin is a good, speedy skater and Rupp is not. He is big, hits and can dominate the crease.The Pens need two such players, one on each of the first two lines (Tangradi and Artyukhin). A net front presence is vital and Guerin was a poor replacement for Malone. Put Artyukhin in front of the crease and he will score twenty goals without even touching the puck with his stick.
the difference is that Artyukhin is a good, speedy skater and Rupp is not. He is big, hits and can dominate the crease.
Your outlook of Artyuhkhin differs great from mine. I’d give him an upgrade over Rupp in skating, but I’d never never to Artyukhin as particularly good for the NHL level. He can be disruptive at times, but I don’t think he’s consistently forceful enough to be even a passing thought to play first line minutes with Crosby.
And if a guy can dominate a crease, he usually doesn’t bounce around from one team’s 4th line to another, scoring 49 points (19 goals) in 199 NHL games.
Put Artyukhin in front of the crease and he will score twenty goals without even touching the puck with his stick.
I really doubt that. He’s got 19 goals in his entire NHL career, expecting 20 goals (I’d even provide him the stick) is a huge reach.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
Artyukhin
Rupp outscored his record with the Pens, I suspect Artyukhin would as well. He is as big as Byfuglien and a far better skater. Perhaps playing with an elite center as a net crasher would improve his offensive stats. There is no reason he cannot play the same role as Holmstrom has for years, and he is a far bigger load to move from the crease than Holmstrom or Guerin, and, unlike Rupp, who could play that role, he is fast enough to keep up with our top two lines. Admittedly it is a gamble, but not at a great investment of cap space.
My impression of Arty is that he’s dumb as a box of rocks. If he could think the game at all he could dominate. But dude is 27; if he hasn’t put it together by now, he’s probably not going to.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Aug 5, 2010 6:10 PM EDT up reply actions
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