Pens Open up Contract Talks with Pascal Dupuis and Mike Rupp

by FrankD on May 25, 2011 6:00 AM EDT

It's been four years since the Penguins have had this long of an offseason, but it would appear as if Ray Shero isn't wasting any time in negotiating contracts. Pascal Dupuis and Mike Rupp appear to be at the top of his to-do list, according to an article in yesterday's Tribune-Review:

Agent Allan Walsh confirmed Monday night that he has started negotiations with Penguins general manager Ray Shero. Walsh represents forwards Pascal Dupuis and Mike Rupp.

Dupuis' end of the season review is obviously coming up soon, but Hooks already went into a little depth with regards to bringing the grinder back. You had to suspect that Shero would consider his in-house options first before testing the free agent market this offseason, so it's at least encouraging to see Walsh is starting to light the fire under negotiations.

There is of course the possibility that Walsh is merely showing his interest in chatting about his clients. Shero admitted just last week that he wasn't all too concerned about negotiating with free agents yet. For all we know this article in the Trib could have stemmed from one phone call along the lines of:

Walsh: "Hey it's Walsh. Ready to talk?"
Shero: "Not yet."

...but we'll take what we can get at this point.

Tweet Comment 45 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

I was thinking the same thing, Frank. A smart player agent gets his clients’ names out there early (though carefully to ensure he doesn’t annoy the manager he is negotiating with). Allan Walsh irritates me at times, but he is a smart agent. I’m sure some conversation was had, but it could have gone exactly as you described. I’d be thrilled to have it be true that actual ongoing dialogue has begun. This vaccuum we call the off-season is depressing.

by SuMac on May 25, 2011 8:06 AM EDT reply actions

Agreed, not much going on. It could be just Walsh pumping the tires, but what does he gain? A small bit to a local newspaper that the Pens are interested? This won’t really be front page news anywhere, and it’s doubtful Mike Rupp will command a higher salary just because in May the Pens were interested in signing him.

I doubt hard figures have been talked about, but I’d tend to think that Shero has had some talks. I believe he has said he would be touching base with Talbot’s agent too shortly. Given the time of year, it makes sense.

Obviously will be interesting to see if (and whom) Shero can sign prior to July 1. Personally, I’d think Rupp and Adams may be the most willing to sign before UFA. I’d think Dupuis and Talbot stand more to gain personally by at least testing the waters.

SB Nation PIttsburgh

"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."

by Hooks Orpik on May 25, 2011 10:18 AM EDT up reply actions

but then he started pimping Dupuis on twitter as the quintessential 2-way player…. doing his job (in today’s world) i guess

by AronV on May 25, 2011 11:50 AM EDT up reply actions

Yeah, that’s the way of the world.

I know pens.com just put that Dupuis piece up yesterday, but interesting Walsh pimps it now that this news is out there. He mentions Dupuis from time-to-time, but you sort of get the sense the player may be on the top of his mind these days….

SB Nation PIttsburgh

"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."

by Hooks Orpik on May 25, 2011 11:58 AM EDT up reply actions

Timeline

I think you’re exactly right Hooks.

As far as I know, Shero met with the amateur scouts last week for draft prep and is meeting with the pro scouts next week (or the week after) I believe. At this point, Shero needs to know where each UFA/RFA stands so he can gameplan before heading into those pro scouting meetings. Has to decide: do we want this guy, how much do we want this guy, what $$ is he looking for, what are we willing to give up.

Based on those answers, that drives your meetings with pro scouts as you analyze possible replacements and ultimately dozens of scenarios heading into July 1. You wouldn’t believe how many scenarios they had last year.

Unless someone (maybe Adams) is willing to take a substantial discount right now – not likely – I don’t see anyone getting signed until after those pro scouting meetings are compete. Then they can reassess how much interest they have in their FA’s and whether they’re willing to spend a little more money.

Also some big salary cap issues but too long for this space.

TheHockeyWriters.com
Twitter: @MikeColligan

by MikeColligan on May 25, 2011 12:42 PM EDT up reply actions

That’s interesting stuff. Those meetings will be very influential in shaping the outline of the team and will pay off (or fail) next spring.

SB Nation PIttsburgh

"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."

by Hooks Orpik on May 25, 2011 1:14 PM EDT up reply actions

i’d love to have both of these guys back

by AronV on May 25, 2011 9:22 AM EDT reply actions

That picture is just awesome. You must have been thrilled to find that for this article.

"Let the Rabbits wear glasses"

PensBurgh

by tehchico on May 25, 2011 9:38 AM EDT reply actions

Seriously. I peed a little.

Follow the Penguins on SBN @ Pensburgh.com, twitter and now on the official Pensburgh Facebook page

by FrankD on May 25, 2011 3:51 PM EDT up reply actions

lol

by SuMac on May 25, 2011 3:56 PM EDT up reply actions

Hell of a good picture for these fellas. I could see both of them in Pens uniforms next year easily.

Top of my list would be CFA and Duper. Then TK, Rupp and Talbo. Everybody’s got to come cheap tho. I don’t envy the decisions that Shero has to make.

by Max Powers on May 25, 2011 9:39 AM EDT reply actions

Kennedy doesn’t have to be dealt with right away since he’s restricted. Though his salary is probably going to be higher than all the other pieces, so perhaps it would be wise to know how/if he slots in.

SB Nation PIttsburgh

"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."

by Hooks Orpik on May 25, 2011 10:14 AM EDT up reply actions

Yeah, that’s why I mentioned TK. Knowing how little cap-room there is, you kinda have to have a feel for his situation before slotting in some others. I think he’s a unique case being a 3rd liner that they may want to play top-6 again. I honestly wouldn’t mind him and Duper rounding out the top 6 with Malkin, Sid, Kunitz, and Neal. Staal is awesome as a 3C and as a fill-in when Sid or Geno are out. Depth doesn’t hurt at all.

by Max Powers on May 25, 2011 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions

I have to be honest!!

I hope CFA, Duper and Rupp re-sign. If TK is supposedly asking for around the 2M mark then I say trade his rights and forget him. As for Talbot. Let him walk! He is not needed anymore whatsoever!!! Sure he is a great guy and he is funny and he is an energy guy on and off the ice but how far does that carry you? And who can forget the 2 goals against Detroit to take home the cup. The thing is, it’s not about what have you done. It’s what have you done for me lately? NOTHING! Tabot is so replaceable it’s not even funny. I dont think Talbot will receive as much on the open market as people are suggesting either! So unless Talbot takes a huge pay decrease, which I can’t see happening, I hope he is not back in the Burgh next year!

by MrChadysPens on May 25, 2011 10:40 AM EDT up reply actions

that’s fair about Talbot…but can very easily be said about Adams or even Rupp. What makes them less replaceable?

by AronV on May 25, 2011 11:51 AM EDT up reply actions

Agreed, almost every lower line player is replaceable. There’s an endless supply of them on the open market every summer (some like Asham sitting out there almost all summer). There’s a reason guys like that end up as free agents or on the waiver wire from time to time.

SB Nation PIttsburgh

"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."

by Hooks Orpik on May 25, 2011 12:00 PM EDT up reply actions

The difference is Rupp and Adams are 4th line guys and they dont command more then 1M a yr. Salary is what it boils down to! 1M+ for a guy like Talbot, nah I’ll pass ( you dont pay more then 1M for a 4th liner and thats all Talbot is). For the price you pay for a guy like Adams and Rupp, why would you go looking for replacements on July 1st? It would make no sense! Talbot can EASILY be replaced in house with a guy like Jeffrey.

by MrChadysPens on May 25, 2011 12:09 PM EDT up reply actions

Daly

And with what Daly said, the cap is going to raise anywhere from 1M to 4M sooo with that being said that 1M+ that Talbot is looking for would look so much better going towards a new top 6 guy through a trade or free agency (highly doubt the free agency though as its pretty thin pickings for forwards)

by MrChadysPens on May 25, 2011 12:14 PM EDT up reply actions

One more thing!

Adams and Rupp were never brought in for their scoring prowess! Talbot has a higher expectation to put the puck in the net and he hasn’t!

by MrChadysPens on May 25, 2011 12:20 PM EDT up reply actions

Talbots high is 13 goals, why would anyone expect more than that?

by AronV on May 25, 2011 1:00 PM EDT up reply actions

2006-07

Yes it was 5 years ago. He scored 8 goals this year in a complete 82 game schedule. He should be improving, not regressing, which he has!

by MrChadysPens on May 25, 2011 1:05 PM EDT up reply actions

I agree

I guess given his reputation as a big game player and a 2 time MVP in Juniors, people are expecting him to be a big time scoring threat. But that’s simply not the case. I remember hearing a story about his Junior coach telling him he won’t make it to the NHL on his scoring prowess. He would have to mold his game into what it was become today, a hard-working, forechecking, backchecking and PKer.

by StripesForLife on May 25, 2011 1:06 PM EDT up reply actions

I just have a hard time seeing Shero giving Talbot a raise and I dont see Talbot taking less money then what he makes already. Unless Dupuis isnt re-signed. But Dupuis is consistant. 9 straight seasons with goals in the double digits and he is just as good of an energy guy and crasher and banger as Talbot! If Dupuis signs, Talbot is gone IMO.

by MrChadysPens on May 25, 2011 1:16 PM EDT up reply actions

I don’t disagree with your conclusion (Dupuis back likely means Talbot gone, given salary cap restraints). However Talbot may be forced to take less money if no one will give him much.

Looking at raw stats, Talbot doesn’t produce points at the NHL level, he’s below average on faceoffs and isn’t big and has had durability issues (though he did play 82 games this season).

Some GM might think 2009 and over-pay, but I don’t think so. Talbot could add to any team’s PK and 3rd/4th line, but such players don’t usually get solid contract offers unless they have other talents to offer that Talbot does not have.

SB Nation PIttsburgh

"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."

by Hooks Orpik on May 25, 2011 1:55 PM EDT up reply actions

I certainly wouldn’t give Talbot a raise (or very little). He hasn’t done anything to warrent it, everybody knows that. But I wouldn’t be opposed to bringing him back for a slight discount. I think, like you said, unless someone really overpays for him, he won’t get much of a raise. Should the Pens want him back, term would likely be more of an issue than salary.

by StripesForLife on May 25, 2011 9:35 PM EDT up reply actions

This really is to be expected. I wouldn’t be surprised if Shero has reached out to all of the free agents just to touch base with them. These negotiations typically take weeks to months, so I don’t really view this as a sign of anything more than just conversation.

by StripesForLife on May 25, 2011 10:14 AM EDT reply actions

It just sucks that we won’t even begin to find out what is up for at least another 5 weeks or so.

Life is about one simple choice, get busy living or get busy dying

by Dr Tre on May 25, 2011 10:38 AM EDT reply actions

Draft is a month away at least!

SB Nation PIttsburgh

"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."

by Hooks Orpik on May 25, 2011 10:40 AM EDT up reply actions

i’m looking forward to the draft this year….I think we can find a good winger at 23.

by AronV on May 25, 2011 11:52 AM EDT up reply actions

I’ve been scouring THN’s draft preview while on the crapper for wingers who may be available. I think I have a few leads, but Shero won’t answer my phone calls.

by King Oskar on May 25, 2011 1:20 PM EDT up reply actions

I’d love to see J.T. Miller stick until 23. I’m no extreme expert of prospects, but from all reports Miller was the best player on the best line at the U-18’s and is off to North Dakota. He sort of reminds me of a poor man’s Toews at this point, plus has Pittsburgh roots.

SB Nation PIttsburgh

"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."

by Hooks Orpik on May 25, 2011 1:57 PM EDT up reply actions

I’ve been seeing a lot of Tomas Jurco lately and I really like what I see. Plus, he’s a fellow Sea Dog with Despres. I’d like to see more skill coming up the ranks and this kid has skill with a puck.

by SuMac on May 25, 2011 2:14 PM EDT up reply actions

Jurco sort of reminds me of a Galiev, flashy but not physical and a good enough forechecker to catch the attention of the Penguins. If either had the sure-fire skill ceiling to be an impact top six player I’d hope the Pens would have/ will select(ed).

Jurco also sort of scares me because he’s on an absolutely stacked team in what’s notoriously been an extremely offensive minded junior league. Once the caliber of defensive competition goes up, is he still going to be as much of a difference maker? Whoever knows the answer to that knows whether he should be drafted 5th or 105th.

SB Nation PIttsburgh

"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."

by Hooks Orpik on May 25, 2011 2:32 PM EDT up reply actions

Good questions. He has looked amazing at the 3 games I’ve seen at the Memorial Cup so far. I agree on the comments you make, though. I have seen a few hits, but not many (though to be fair, there hasn’t been nearly the hitting at this tournament that I am used to seeing in junior hockey). Who knows how he, or any of them, will far overall. But, he has made some awesome forechecks and backchecks. Galiev is amazing to watch too. He is faster than Jurco but not as switch with the small foot movements as Jurco and Jurco has been found much more in front of the net. He hasn’t shied away from the battle in front of the net (in fact, he scored off his head last night). But, you say it well when you say the person who knows how he will fare against tougher D will be the ones to determine where he falls. Sportsnet really likes him though :) I sat in front of their broadcast booth last night and listened to their ongoing comments to one another while the game played on.

by SuMac on May 25, 2011 4:02 PM EDT up reply actions

not as “swift” not switch. oops. Typing too fast while trying to work

by SuMac on May 25, 2011 4:06 PM EDT up reply actions

I’ve seen Brandon Saad also around that pick in some mock’s. He’s got Pitt roots as well. I’d also be happy with Ty Rattie, Matt Puempel or Vladislav Namestnikov or Alexander Khokhlachev. So much promise. I just hope that we draft a forward, I can talk myself into any of them at the moment and be happy.

by AronV on May 25, 2011 2:46 PM EDT up reply actions

Yeah, that’s the beauty of it- any number of guys have nice upsides and skill sets.

Saad makes me a little nervous- reminds me of Angelo Esposito as far as guys who have slipped consistently through their draft years. Saad was a top 10 pick according to rankings and has dropped like a rock and didn’t really impress as the season went on. Does it mean a lot in the big scheme of things? Who knows, but it’s got to be a red flag at this point.

SB Nation PIttsburgh

"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."

by Hooks Orpik on May 25, 2011 3:25 PM EDT up reply actions

I agree with both of you. I haven’t seen much of Ty Rattie or Brandon Saad, though what I’ve heard sounds intriguing. Rattie is picking up a bit around here in terms of where he is seen, but Saad as dropped, which is a concern. I like Khokhlachev and what he has to bring, too

by SuMac on May 25, 2011 4:04 PM EDT up reply actions

Saad has dropped that far?

It wasn’t long ago they were talking about him being a number 1 pick. He’s still young and as with any young player has ups and downs. I still think he is going to be a great player and wouldn’t mind taking a risk to pick him at 23. But then again I don’t know much about many other prospects.

by StripesForLife on May 25, 2011 9:32 PM EDT up reply actions

Most of the rankings now have him in the 22-25 range, Saad had a really inconsistent season and some have knocked his effort every night.

Could be a major red flag, could be over-blown- it was his first year in the OHL (and I think he did have some lingering injuries that he was dealing with).

SB Nation PIttsburgh

"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."

by Hooks Orpik on May 26, 2011 10:38 AM EDT up reply actions

From what I can gather, scouts are starting to see Saad as more of a role player down the road. He has “an NHL body”, but not sure if he has the skill & smarts to make an offensive impact in the NHL.

You guys named most of the guys that caught my eye… Puempel, Rattie, Jurco. Plus there always seems to be someone who slips, so maybe a higher ranked guy like Bartschi (sp?) drops. Don’t recall seeing JT Miller in the THN preview, not that it means anything. Russians seem to last longer than their skill level would otherwise suggest these days, so perhaps one of those guys hangs around.

by King Oskar on May 26, 2011 12:12 PM EDT up reply actions

I like Huberdeau, too, though. He isn’t flashy with the skill like Jurco, but is steady in all situations. He still has growing to do, as do they all, but he has been clutch throughout the playoffs, end of season and now in the Memorial Cup round robin heading to the final. I wouldn’t be surprised if he and Jurco combine for another winning goal on Sunday (fingers are crossed for that, I admit)

by SuMac on May 26, 2011 1:45 PM EDT up reply actions