Not gonna lie - it's a pretty slow day in the world of Penguins hockey.
Rather than force an issue or just post up links to other articles (I'll do that tomorrow - maybe), I figured it'd be interesting to see what people say about the remainder of the season. Basically, I'm asking you to act as the GM.
So here's the dilemma. And this isn't a hypothetical scenario, this is in fact where the Penguins stand right now.
We all know where Ty Conklin stands this season with his two-way contract in WBS. He's with the Pens and he's going to stay with the Pens. As far as salary and extensions go, that's all up in the air.
So let's take a look at the goaltenders first.
GOALIES
Marc-Andre Fleury, 23-years-old, is locked up till the end of this season. Last season he recorded 40 wins in 67 appearances with 5 shutouts. So far this season he has missed 17 games with a high-ankle sprain and posted a record of 9-8-1 in 21 appearances. Things were just warming up for him with four straight wins when he took the slip in Calgary back on December 6. He's up for a contract at the end of this season: do you keep him and at what cost?
Keep in mind: Dany Sabourin is still signed for next season and Ty Conklin will be a UFA.
FORWARDS
Gary Roberts, Ryan Malone, Georges Laraque, Adam Hall and fan favorite Jarkko Ruutu are ALL unrestricted free agents at the end of this season. Given Roberts' age and injuries and Adam Hall's ability to almost seem invisible on the ice, who do you re-sign and who do you drop?
DEFENSEMEN
Mark Eaton has certainly done a formidable job throughout the years for the Pens' D, but he's also spent plenty of time on the injured reserve. This year is no exception as he once again is out for the remainder of the season with an ACL tear. He is an UFA next season, and if I had to make the decision I'd say he's wearing different threads next year. Of course, that's my opinion and mine only. I'd love to hear what you have to say about that.
Brooks Orpik is the other defensive listed as an unrestricted free agent. He's had his share of scratches this year, in addition to rumors of him asking to be traded in the aftermath of the Recchi to Atlanta debacle. Where does Brooks go?
That about does it for the roster. Keep in mind this is simply hypothetical, and I also don't expect you to keep it within the salary cap. Heck, I wouldn't even know where to begin with that. I was just curious to see who would stay, who would go and who you may even consider as far as other free agents around the league go.