2019-20 Penguins and NHL Offseason

[thesteelcity]

well, I said to myself that gimme the B2B Cups and I'll be content if they start going in the tank as the price of winning. I'm affraid there are some really tough years ahead. I hope they are not totally gutted and wilted when GMJR bows out. After Sid and Geno are gone, I think we will see another Rico Fata-era type Penguins. The farm needs filled and they have no one there.
There are rumblings that Letang is on the block, so I expect him or Kessel or both will be moved. They need fresh blood in here that is young and hungry. I think that's the only way they will get there. Will be an interesting weekend in Vancouver..

 

[Uncle Ben]

well, I said to myself that gimme the B2B Cups and I'll be content if they start going in the tank as the price of winning. I'm affraid there are some really tough years ahead. I hope they are not totally gutted and wilted when GMJR bows out. After Sid and Geno are gone, I think we will see another Rico Fata-era type Penguins. The farm needs filled and they have no one there.
There are rumblings that Letang is on the block, so I expect him or Kessel or both will be moved. They need fresh blood in here that is young and hungry. I think that's the only way they will get there. Will be an interesting weekend in Vancouver..

The salary cap is set up to create parity and sadly it's working. You have to dump aging vets before they reach their expiration date. The other issue is having a strong scouting department and keeping the farm growing. Our farm is a bunch of weeds. We dealt away the future for "win now'. We've won 3 cups in the past 10 years and I'm OK with that (should have had 2 more). I think everyone of us here, knew the Pens weren't going anywhere in the playoffs. They should have sold at the deadline and focused on this year and maybe next. Who knows ? Maybe they tried and the value wasn't there.

With what is happening in the Metro. I think the pens will struggle to make the playoffs. Tonight and free agency in July will be fore telling. GMJR cannot make another mistake. The McCann, Blueger, Simon, Bujgstad all have to live up to their potential. I won't write them off yet but I pretty much agree with you.

 

[Vader]

To be honest the two cups were enough for me to be happy. I know you can't win every year. Hopefully the next few years they can re-tool before Sid retires.

 

[Uncle Ben]

To be honest the two cups were enough for me to be happy. I know you can't win every year. Hopefully the next few years they can re-tool before Sid retires.

We're spoiled. Look at the Blues 49 years.

I have followed the Pens since 67. Waited until 91 for the first one. I'll always be a fan but it is a lot more fun when you win. Seeing this teams identity age, get traded or retire will be tough. Next man up !

 

[Uncle Ben]

With the 21st Pock in the 2019 NHL Draft. The Pittsburgh Penguins select Samuel Poulin. A bit of a reach but I'm sure thr Pens are better at homework than I am. Here is the best scouting report I've seen

https://lastwordonhockey.com/2019/05/01/samuel-poulin-scouting-report/

 

[Steelr4evr]

I just want two more cups out of Sid&crew. Ok,1 more at least. If you can get the guys to play as if they've never won a thing. They can absolutely win more. "Whatever it takes!"

 

[MTC]

To be honest the two cups were enough for me to be happy. I know you can't win every year. Hopefully the next few years they can re-tool before Sid retires.

Same here. Being the 1st team to go back to back in 20 years.
I’ve become content as a fan. When the next torch is passed, I’ll want those guys to get a cup.

This season and the year prior didn’t bother as much.
Especially this season, knowing we weren’t primed for a playoff push. Getting swept didn’t sting at all

 

[Uncle Ben]

Pens trade up lesser pick to move up into the 3rd round. They select Nathan Legare. Where I thought the first pick was a bot of a reach. This long looks like a steal. Here's a good scouting report.

https://thehockeywriters.com/nathan-legare-2019-nhl-draft-prospect-profile/

 

[Uncle Ben]

Wanted to add Poulin and Legare are good friends, going back to when they were 8. Both power forwards with a high compete level. Seems like the Pens did do some homework.

 

[Uncle Ben]

Round 5 Pick 145 The Pens take Judd Caulfield

Another big power forward. The trend continues. He's not related to Cole.

https://lastwordonhockey.com/2019/06/20/2019-nhl-draft-scouting-reports/

 

[Vader]

I can't keep up with the NHL draft since I haven't seen any of these players. I just hope they find some pieces to the puzzle.

 

[Uncle Ben]

7th Round Pick 203 the Pens select

Valteri Puustinin a smaller forward from Finland.

Haven't seen a decent info on him.

 

[Uncle Ben]

Pens second 7th Rounder, pick 211 select

Santeri Airola, Another Finnish player and a Right handed D.

Can't find any scouting reports on him that are in English.

 

[Uncle Ben]

I can't keep up with the NHL draft since I haven't seen any of these players. I just hope they find some pieces to the puzzle.

Other than catching some at the World's and U18 and U20, I don't have a clue either. Beyond the Team USA guy it get's tough to find any good information. I was happy I actually knew about our first 3 picks. We should get better info as the Development Camp is next week. We usually try to get to the 3v3 tourney.

 

[MTC]

Wanted to add Poulin and Legare are good friends, going back to when they were 8. Both power forwards with a high compete level. Seems like the Pens did do some homework.

Both guys are physical to boot.
WBS and/or Pittsburgh should have some keepers

 

[Steelr4evr]

Same here. Being the 1st team to go back to back in 20 years.
I’ve become content as a fan. When the next torch is passed, I’ll want those guys to get a cup.

This season and the year prior didn’t bother as much.
Especially this season, knowing we weren’t primed for a playoff push. Getting swept didn’t sting at all

They can be content when they retire. They can be legendary if they stack another cup or two on top.


I suppose i always expect more from Pittsburgh teams.

 

[Djfan]

Sorry, but I don't get this draft. All forwards except one pee wee sized defenseman, while the defense now is not good, and being traded away or shopped. What the heck?!?!?!

 

[Uncle Ben]

Sorry, but I don't get this draft. All forwards except one pee wee sized defenseman, while the defense now is not good, and being traded away or shopped. What the heck?!?!?!

3 Big forwards that all have high compete levels and aren't afraid to be physical. It's almost like they watched the Blues win a cup. They traded next years 7th to get back in, must have seen something in Airola ? He must be the ****. None of the players fit Sully's scheme. I'm puzzled.

 

[MTC]

They can be content when they retire. They can be legendary if they stack another cup or two on top.


I suppose i always expect more from Pittsburgh teams.

I have to disagree.


Sid has won every major championship at the pro level.
That’s pretty damn legendary.

We’re spoiled enough as Pens fans to even make the playoffs now.
Sid and company have given enough.
The guy has battled concussions throughout his career. Still delivered three cups for the Pens.

They were better than the Bruins in 2013 as well, but a hot goalie saved the B’s.
I believe that Pens team would’ve whipped the blackhawks.

This was a damn good and rewarding run.
Enjoy this core while they are active

 

[JMM]

I have to disagree.


Sid has won every major championship at the pro level.
That’s pretty damn legendary.

We’re spoiled enough as Pens fans to even make the playoffs now.
Sid and company have given enough.
The guy has battled concussions throughout his career. Still delivered three cups for the Pens.

They were better than the Bruins in 2013 as well, but a hot goalie saved the B’s.
I believe that Pens team would’ve whipped the blackhawks.

This was a damn good and rewarding run.
Enjoy this core while they are active

I'll probably get tarred and feathered for saying this but while it would be great to see Sid get another Cup as a member of the Penguins, I'm more concerned about seeing the Penguins and the City of Pittsburgh get another Championship. If that means trading the core and totally rebuilding for another excellent 10-15 year run, then do it.

 

[Vader]

I'll probably get tarred and feathered for saying this but while it would be great to see Sid get another Cup as a member of the Penguins, I'm more concerned about seeing the Penguins and the City of Pittsburgh get another Championship. If that means trading the core and totally rebuilding for another excellent 10-15 year run, then do it.

The problem is that you have a better chance with Sid than you do with trading everyone and starting over. There are teams that have been in rebuild mode for decades. I would keep Sid and try to put pieces around him.

 

[Steelr4evr]

I have to disagree.


Sid has won every major championship at the pro level.
That’s pretty damn legendary.

We’re spoiled enough as Pens fans to even make the playoffs now.
Sid and company have given enough.
The guy has battled concussions throughout his career. Still delivered three cups for the Pens.

They were better than the Bruins in 2013 as well, but a hot goalie saved the B’s.
I believe that Pens team would’ve whipped the blackhawks.

This was a damn good and rewarding run.
Enjoy this core while they are active

What's the point of playing if it isn't to win. Just retire and call it a career. That's for any player not in it to win it all. You talk like it's over. They've had two years to half *** it. Time to get back on the horse and ride.

 

[MTC]

I'll probably get tarred and feathered for saying this but while it would be great to see Sid get another Cup as a member of the Penguins, I'm more concerned about seeing the Penguins and the City of Pittsburgh get another Championship. If that means trading the core and totally rebuilding for another excellent 10-15 year run, then do it.

I’d let this core run their course.
I think when this group is done, the Pens will remain competitive. I’m not expecting another Sid.
But I’m excited for the new Penguins mentality. I think like the Steelers this team will want to be tough.

And to Steelr4evr, I think this current group has a cup run left in them. I don’t see it happening though.
Just my opinion, maybe I’ll be wrong. But these guys are still competitive to an extent of having a passion and love for the game.

The core guys are grooming guys like Guentzel, McCann, Bjugstad to be leaders and hopefully the next “core” for the team.
Guys like Poulin and the physicality will open up McCann’s and Bjugstad’s game more. Guentzel is good at adapting but his game is more finesse.

This franchise will be in good standing.

 

[JMM]

MTC & Vader, I really admire your admiration for the core but the proof is in the pudding and they've pretty much average the past 2 seasons (relatively speaking). Nowhere close to being the superstars they once were. They're getting older...it happens.

Sell now before its too late. Just my .02 and having lived through the Bonds and Bonillas and other PGH players who should have traded before they were worthless or free agents.

 

[Uncle Ben]

Today's laugh

The Pens have invited a Matt Murray to development camp. WTF you say ?

This Matt Murray is really an invite from UMASS. He had a pretty solid season last year.

I'm hoping he is great. Picture the Pens having two goalies named Matt Murray on the NHL roster.