2024-2025 Season Random Penguins Fodder

[FLPensFan]

Oh goodie. Taylor Haase has a video posted tonight of Matt Nieto doing some massive barbell squats, which would appear to indicate he is well ahead of schedule of a November/December timeline for return.

Another aging vet to take a spot from a young guy, or does Sullivan finally have a lightbulb go off and realize that's not the way to do it.

[dark_forces]

More line combinations

O'Connor-Crosby-Rust
Bunting-Malkin-Rakell
Beauvillier-Eller-Glass
Lizotte-Hayes-Acciari
xPuljujärvi-Poulin

- I think Sid, Geno, Rust, Bunting, Rakell are pretty much guaranteed to start in those spots. Same with Eller and Hayes I think.
- Next I don't see a scenario where DOC, Glass and Lizotte don't at least make the opening night roster, perhaps in different spots, but they'll be there.
- Beauvillier and Acciari I think are just likely to be there, but there are players that can push them out of the lineup.
- I put everyone with waivers exemption in Wilkes-Barre, not because I like it, but because I think that's how it will work out for the opening night and it makes some sense. Unless of course someone really stands out and forces his way onto the roster (McGroarty and to lesser degrees, Koivunen and Ponomarev)
- I put Puljujärvi in as #13 and most likely to bump down Acciari.
- I have Poulin as #14, there is cap space for 23 players no matter how you spin it and it's high time we see what he has to offer.
- Puustinen, Gruden and Bemström get waived and people will be shocked when they clear. Puustinen is closest for my money, but still not who I'd roll with.
- Nieto can go on IR, no cap relief necessary.

Pettersson-Karlsson
Grzelcyk-Letang
Graves-Aho
xLudvig

- Pair the Swedes. These are your 1A pair.
- Grzelcyk with Letang as 1B, to keep Graves out of the top 4. Fix Graves while he gets a little sheltered.
- Aho getting the nod over Ludvig, but it's very close for me.
- Ludvig in the Ruhwedel Memorial Spot. Use when a more physical defenceman is needed, needs to stay healthy.
- Again put everyone with waivers exemption in Wilkes-Barre. I could see St Ivany or, to a lesser extent Pickering (because LD logjam) force their way onto the roster.
- St Ivany in Ludvig's place if Ludvig isn't ready to play.
- Shea needs to be waived. Not really an issue. Wouldn't be my first or second call-up.

Nedeljkovic
Jarry

- I have Ned as 1A, Jarry as 1B for the time being. Jarry wants the crease back, he'll have to fight for it. Hopefully that stimulates him.
- Blomqvist, Larsson, Murashov all have waivers exemption and won't be on the roster. I think I'd put them in that order too, despite the hype for Murashov.

------------------------

The above leaves roughly 1M of free cap space by my calculations. I think it's nice enough, better than last year's. I'd personally waive Acciari to make room for a younger guy, but no way they're doing that.

-I think McGroarty has to really play awful, or just about everyone else in the bottom 6 has to play lights out for him to not make the team. They need his intensity and style of play in the lineup BADLY.
-On defense, I'd kind of say something similar about St. Ivany. He's a righty, and I think they need his size on the PK. Aho is another smallish defender who tends to get overworked easily in the d-zone. I like what I saw from Jack late in the season, and think he'll get the nod since he is a righty.
-The question then becomes, if Ludvig is healthy, are you carrying Ludvig or Aho as the extra. With Graves and St. Ivany already on the team, I'd probably go with Aho over Ludvig...but I think the Penguins really like Ludvig and don't want to risk losing him on waivers. Florida really liked Ludvig, and I wouldn't doubt they (along with another team or two) would claim him.

- Yeah, I think McGroarty and St Ivany are by far the most likely people to make the roster of everyone I didn't put on it. That would bump out Poulin and Ludvig for my money. Beauvillier and Aho would go to the press box.
- There are some not insignificant flaws in McGroarty's play. I'm not sure Sullivan will jam with that, but I'll be happy if he gets a shot on the 3rd line to start the season. From what I've seen, I don't think he should automatically dislodge DOC right away. DOC is actually a pretty good fit for Sid and Rust.
- Another route they could go, which I wouldn't prefer, is to carry 8 defenceman having Aho, Ludvig and St Ivany all at once. That does waive more forwards though and I don't think it's necessary or a good decision.

Totally in agreement with McGroarty. If he instantly hits it off with Sid, that's the only way I see him immediately displacing DOC. If he has a strong camp but doesn't mesh with Sid, I'm fine with him starting on the 3rd line. I think for him to reach his potential, he's going to have to get top 6 minutes...but that doesn't have to be this season. Also, if the Penguins decide he needs to go to the AHL...I'm fine with that IF they think there are things that they can help him improve in 3 months. I don't think sending him down just to say he needs some experience is the right move.

Ludvig, I keep thinking he is going to miss most of training camp due to injury. He may be back in time for camp but only at like 90%. I guess we'll see. I think with the glut of forwards we have right now, it seems like we almost have to carry 2 extra forwards and one extra d-man. The counter that, though, is that of their 12 games in October, 7 are on the road including a 7 day long West coast/Canada trip (Jets, Flames, Oilers, Canucks) and the team usually likes to take 2 d-men on those West coast trips.

Who are some legit darkhorse candidates who could actually make the team out of camp?
I'm thinking along the lines of Poulin, Ponomarev, Shea, even Knyzhov earning a contract.

[Daniel]

So is Kyle going to offer sheet Nick Robertson?

Why? Serious question since he doesn't seem to play much on the PK, just over 1 minute total over 56 games. Seems like he'd be a more expensive version of Puustinen. Short small guy that can't PK so what use would Sullivan have for him?

True. Dubas guy obviously. Dan Ks hypothetical trade then offer sheet makes some sense though. But who knows, maybe they like Glass as a potential center for the team. If not, from what I hear Robertson plays solid 2 way which Sullivan likes.

Like most moves that involve some kind of risk, the problem is Sullivan. If he signed Mark Jankowski, Sullivan would be sure to play him all the time. But a guy who doesn't PK, even if he plays a good two way game and will only get better, nah Sullivan would rather then scrub.

The trade does make sense, more sense than the Karlsson one actually (the Pens need youth, they really didn't need a PP QB). The same problem with bringing in Karlsson is the same one for Robertson....Sullivan. Mediocre Mike who probably didn't get lucky for 2 years but we have to ask, which is the real Mike Sullivan? The innovator who led this team to the first back to back cup wins in the free agent era or the stale coach who has led the team to nothing since?

[FLPensFan]

More line combinations

O'Connor-Crosby-Rust
Bunting-Malkin-Rakell
Beauvillier-Eller-Glass
Lizotte-Hayes-Acciari
xPuljujärvi-Poulin

- I think Sid, Geno, Rust, Bunting, Rakell are pretty much guaranteed to start in those spots. Same with Eller and Hayes I think.
- Next I don't see a scenario where DOC, Glass and Lizotte don't at least make the opening night roster, perhaps in different spots, but they'll be there.
- Beauvillier and Acciari I think are just likely to be there, but there are players that can push them out of the lineup.
- I put everyone with waivers exemption in Wilkes-Barre, not because I like it, but because I think that's how it will work out for the opening night and it makes some sense. Unless of course someone really stands out and forces his way onto the roster (McGroarty and to lesser degrees, Koivunen and Ponomarev)
- I put Puljujärvi in as #13 and most likely to bump down Acciari.
- I have Poulin as #14, there is cap space for 23 players no matter how you spin it and it's high time we see what he has to offer.
- Puustinen, Gruden and Bemström get waived and people will be shocked when they clear. Puustinen is closest for my money, but still not who I'd roll with.
- Nieto can go on IR, no cap relief necessary.

Pettersson-Karlsson
Grzelcyk-Letang
Graves-Aho
xLudvig

- Pair the Swedes. These are your 1A pair.
- Grzelcyk with Letang as 1B, to keep Graves out of the top 4. Fix Graves while he gets a little sheltered.
- Aho getting the nod over Ludvig, but it's very close for me.
- Ludvig in the Ruhwedel Memorial Spot. Use when a more physical defenceman is needed, needs to stay healthy.
- Again put everyone with waivers exemption in Wilkes-Barre. I could see St Ivany or, to a lesser extent Pickering (because LD logjam) force their way onto the roster.
- St Ivany in Ludvig's place if Ludvig isn't ready to play.
- Shea needs to be waived. Not really an issue. Wouldn't be my first or second call-up.

Nedeljkovic
Jarry

- I have Ned as 1A, Jarry as 1B for the time being. Jarry wants the crease back, he'll have to fight for it. Hopefully that stimulates him.
- Blomqvist, Larsson, Murashov all have waivers exemption and won't be on the roster. I think I'd put them in that order too, despite the hype for Murashov.

------------------------

The above leaves roughly 1M of free cap space by my calculations. I think it's nice enough, better than last year's. I'd personally waive Acciari to make room for a younger guy, but no way they're doing that.

-I think McGroarty has to really play awful, or just about everyone else in the bottom 6 has to play lights out for him to not make the team. They need his intensity and style of play in the lineup BADLY.
-On defense, I'd kind of say something similar about St. Ivany. He's a righty, and I think they need his size on the PK. Aho is another smallish defender who tends to get overworked easily in the d-zone. I like what I saw from Jack late in the season, and think he'll get the nod since he is a righty.
-The question then becomes, if Ludvig is healthy, are you carrying Ludvig or Aho as the extra. With Graves and St. Ivany already on the team, I'd probably go with Aho over Ludvig...but I think the Penguins really like Ludvig and don't want to risk losing him on waivers. Florida really liked Ludvig, and I wouldn't doubt they (along with another team or two) would claim him.

- Yeah, I think McGroarty and St Ivany are by far the most likely people to make the roster of everyone I didn't put on it. That would bump out Poulin and Ludvig for my money. Beauvillier and Aho would go to the press box.
- There are some not insignificant flaws in McGroarty's play. I'm not sure Sullivan will jam with that, but I'll be happy if he gets a shot on the 3rd line to start the season. From what I've seen, I don't think he should automatically dislodge DOC right away. DOC is actually a pretty good fit for Sid and Rust.
- Another route they could go, which I wouldn't prefer, is to carry 8 defenceman having Aho, Ludvig and St Ivany all at once. That does waive more forwards though and I don't think it's necessary or a good decision.

Totally in agreement with McGroarty. If he instantly hits it off with Sid, that's the only way I see him immediately displacing DOC. If he has a strong camp but doesn't mesh with Sid, I'm fine with him starting on the 3rd line. I think for him to reach his potential, he's going to have to get top 6 minutes...but that doesn't have to be this season. Also, if the Penguins decide he needs to go to the AHL...I'm fine with that IF they think there are things that they can help him improve in 3 months. I don't think sending him down just to say he needs some experience is the right move.

Ludvig, I keep thinking he is going to miss most of training camp due to injury. He may be back in time for camp but only at like 90%. I guess we'll see. I think with the glut of forwards we have right now, it seems like we almost have to carry 2 extra forwards and one extra d-man. The counter that, though, is that of their 12 games in October, 7 are on the road including a 7 day long West coast/Canada trip (Jets, Flames, Oilers, Canucks) and the team usually likes to take 2 d-men on those West coast trips.

Who are some legit darkhorse candidates who could actually make the team out of camp?
I'm thinking along the lines of Poulin, Ponomarev, Shea, even Knyzhov earning a contract.

I really don't think there are any dark horses unless Dubas pulls off a trade or two, and I've very skeptical that's going to happen.
--Ponomarev is a center. He's got Hayes, Eller, Glass, Lizotte, and Acciari above him right now in the pecking order. Worse, he's got waiver exemption. There's almost no reason to keep him up right now unless half a dozen guys look downright awful in camp. And if that happens, this team has bigger problems.
--Poulin's in the same boat. He can play center, but it doesn't seem like they believe he'll be a center at the NHL level, he'll be a LW. Wingers in a Sullivan system typically need to have average or better speed/skating. Not sure Poulin is at that level. Bunting, DOC, Lizotte, McGroarty, Beauvillier are his competition
--Defense in my mind comes down to a final spot between Ludvig, Shea, Aho, Kral or Knyzhov earning a contract. If Ludvig is healthy, I think the 7th d-spot will go to him because he will be claimed on waivers. Florida didn't want to lose him, and the bottom depth of their defense Ludvig would probably be an upgrade. I like Ludvig and Aho if we carry 8.

If Nieto is ready for camp, that complicates things...but quite honestly, I think Dubas/Sullivan would be stupid to give him a chance. You have a guy who used to be considered a speedster, who didn't look very fast last year, coming off both a right and left knee injury. If Nieto, Acciari, Hayes, and Eller are all in the opening night lineup, the mob should be circling PPG Arena with the pitchforks. Put Nieto in the AHL. Let him work his way back into shape, and use him as a callup if there is an injury to a guy like Acciari, Lizotte, or Puljujarvi.

[Puck-Lurker]

Oh goodie. Taylor Haase has a video posted tonight of Matt Nieto doing some massive barbell squats, which would appear to indicate he is well ahead of schedule of a November/December timeline for return.

Another aging vet to take a spot from a young guy, or does Sullivan finally have a lightbulb go off and realize that's not the way to do it.

I was just thinking it would be a shame if he fell off a (small) flight of stairs and broke a leg. Like what we didn't want to happen to JMFC.

It'd be such a shame if Nieto can't make the roster and we would have to rely on... literally anyone else.

Maybe, just maybe, management thinks that this guy can add some veteran presence to Wilkes-Barre and sends him there.

I don't think Nieto is better than Bemström and we barely remember that guy is even in the organization. Waive the guy as soon as he's healthy.

[FLPensFan]

Good article on how NHL teams are moving on from prospects quicker than ever. I think this is just touching the surface of a bigger problem (the article isn't really looking at it as a problem). Prospects are getting less and less of a shot to make teams, and teams are much quicker to move on from them. I think this last paragraph of the article sums it up best:

If a young NHLer isn't indispensable, he might be expendable. Front offices have quickened their decisions lately. They're acting fast to lock up certain players and split with others, whether that happens by choice or under pressure.

https://www.thescore.com/nhl/news/30621 ... ce=dlvr.it

I think Poulin is already on that "soon to be jettisoned" list, and Puustinen may not be far behind. Unfortunately, NHL teams would rather overpay older retreads than give younger prospects a chance to develop, especially in bottom 6 roles.

[FLPensFan]

A quick breakdown on Sam Poulin, taken 21st overall in 2019, compared to other 1st round picks in 2019:

--Only 1 2019 first round pick had failed to play an NHL game to date, 28th overall Ryan Suzuki (3.2%)
--Only 2 2019 first round picks have failed to play at least 10 NHL games, Poulin (6) and Brayden Tracey (1). (6.4%)
--10 (not including Poulin, Suzuki, Tracey) players have failed to play 100 NHL games. Broberg, Turcotte, Soderstrom, Knight, Thompson, Heinola, Pelltier, Foote, Beecher, Johnson. Of these 10, I would suspect Broberg, Knight, Heinola, and Beecher will hit the 100 game mark in the future. (32.2%)
--8 2019 first round picks have played between 100 and 199 NHL games. (25.8%)
--8 2019 first round picks have played between 200 and 299 NHL games. (25.8%)
--2 2019 first round picks have played over 300 NHL games (Jack Huges and Kaapo Kakko) (6.4%)

Overall, 58% of the 2019 NHL draft class has played over 100 NHL games already, and, counting the 4 I suspect will make it to the 100 game mark, 71% of the 1st round class will be there. Poulin is in that 9.6% that has played 10 games or less. This is another reason why it's much easier to bank on Poulin not making an impact on this team, based on the number of players who have already made a significant impact from that draft class.

[Daniel]

A quick breakdown on Sam Poulin, taken 21st overall in 2019, compared to other 1st round picks in 2019:

--Only 1 2019 first round pick had failed to play an NHL game to date, 28th overall Ryan Suzuki (3.2%)
--Only 2 2019 first round picks have failed to play at least 10 NHL games, Poulin (6) and Brayden Tracey (1). (6.4%)
--10 (not including Poulin, Suzuki, Tracey) players have failed to play 100 NHL games. Broberg, Turcotte, Soderstrom, Knight, Thompson, Heinola, Pelltier, Foote, Beecher, Johnson. Of these 10, I would suspect Broberg, Knight, Heinola, and Beecher will hit the 100 game mark in the future. (32.2%)
--8 2019 first round picks have played between 100 and 199 NHL games. (25.8%)
--8 2019 first round picks have played between 200 and 299 NHL games. (25.8%)
--2 2019 first round picks have played over 300 NHL games (Jack Huges and Kaapo Kakko) (6.4%)

Overall, 58% of the 2019 NHL draft class has played over 100 NHL games already, and, counting the 4 I suspect will make it to the 100 game mark, 71% of the 1st round class will be there. Poulin is in that 9.6% that has played 10 games or less. This is another reason why it's much easier to bank on Poulin not making an impact on this team, based on the number of players who have already made a significant impact from that draft class.

In all fairness to Poulin, he was held back by whatever mental issue he had. As much as I blame Sullivan for a lot of prospect development issues in terms of opportunity, I think Poulin had some bad issues in terms of his mental health and it seemed to happen right at the time he was ready to breakout as a player.

[FLPensFan]

A quick breakdown on Sam Poulin, taken 21st overall in 2019, compared to other 1st round picks in 2019:

--Only 1 2019 first round pick had failed to play an NHL game to date, 28th overall Ryan Suzuki (3.2%)
--Only 2 2019 first round picks have failed to play at least 10 NHL games, Poulin (6) and Brayden Tracey (1). (6.4%)
--10 (not including Poulin, Suzuki, Tracey) players have failed to play 100 NHL games. Broberg, Turcotte, Soderstrom, Knight, Thompson, Heinola, Pelltier, Foote, Beecher, Johnson. Of these 10, I would suspect Broberg, Knight, Heinola, and Beecher will hit the 100 game mark in the future. (32.2%)
--8 2019 first round picks have played between 100 and 199 NHL games. (25.8%)
--8 2019 first round picks have played between 200 and 299 NHL games. (25.8%)
--2 2019 first round picks have played over 300 NHL games (Jack Huges and Kaapo Kakko) (6.4%)

Overall, 58% of the 2019 NHL draft class has played over 100 NHL games already, and, counting the 4 I suspect will make it to the 100 game mark, 71% of the 1st round class will be there. Poulin is in that 9.6% that has played 10 games or less. This is another reason why it's much easier to bank on Poulin not making an impact on this team, based on the number of players who have already made a significant impact from that draft class.

In all fairness to Poulin, he was held back by whatever mental issue he had. As much as I blame Sullivan for a lot of prospect development issues in terms of opportunity, I think Poulin had some bad issues in terms of his mental health and it seemed to happen right at the time he was ready to breakout as a player.

I definitely think Poulin has had some bad breaks in his career. I have zero way of knowing anything, but, I often wonder if his mental health issues came from being "jerked around" by the Penguins. Rutherford was incredibly hyping up Poulin the summer before, talking about how he had a solid chance to make the team in training camp. He didn't make the team, and a year later, he left for mental health reasons. I don't think we as fans realize how stressful going up and down, failing to get a chance when you think you're ready, etc can be on these players. Last year, he was in line to finally get his shot, and he got the bug that was going around.

I think Poulin missed his window, through very little fault of his own. It would be nice to be wrong, though.

[DelPen]

I would fault Dubas for having Nieto on the roster that would even allow Sullivan to play him over a better player. His contract can be buried in WBS, I don’t see him as on of the top 15 forwards at all so bury him.

[Daniel]

A quick breakdown on Sam Poulin, taken 21st overall in 2019, compared to other 1st round picks in 2019:

--Only 1 2019 first round pick had failed to play an NHL game to date, 28th overall Ryan Suzuki (3.2%)
--Only 2 2019 first round picks have failed to play at least 10 NHL games, Poulin (6) and Brayden Tracey (1). (6.4%)
--10 (not including Poulin, Suzuki, Tracey) players have failed to play 100 NHL games. Broberg, Turcotte, Soderstrom, Knight, Thompson, Heinola, Pelltier, Foote, Beecher, Johnson. Of these 10, I would suspect Broberg, Knight, Heinola, and Beecher will hit the 100 game mark in the future. (32.2%)
--8 2019 first round picks have played between 100 and 199 NHL games. (25.8%)
--8 2019 first round picks have played between 200 and 299 NHL games. (25.8%)
--2 2019 first round picks have played over 300 NHL games (Jack Huges and Kaapo Kakko) (6.4%)

Overall, 58% of the 2019 NHL draft class has played over 100 NHL games already, and, counting the 4 I suspect will make it to the 100 game mark, 71% of the 1st round class will be there. Poulin is in that 9.6% that has played 10 games or less. This is another reason why it's much easier to bank on Poulin not making an impact on this team, based on the number of players who have already made a significant impact from that draft class.

In all fairness to Poulin, he was held back by whatever mental issue he had. As much as I blame Sullivan for a lot of prospect development issues in terms of opportunity, I think Poulin had some bad issues in terms of his mental health and it seemed to happen right at the time he was ready to breakout as a player.

I definitely think Poulin has had some bad breaks in his career. I have zero way of knowing anything, but, I often wonder if his mental health issues came from being "jerked around" by the Penguins. Rutherford was incredibly hyping up Poulin the summer before, talking about how he had a solid chance to make the team in training camp. He didn't make the team, and a year later, he left for mental health reasons. I don't think we as fans realize how stressful going up and down, failing to get a chance when you think you're ready, etc can be on these players. Last year, he was in line to finally get his shot, and he got the bug that was going around.

I think Poulin missed his window, through very little fault of his own. It would be nice to be wrong, though.

The jerking around by the Penguins front office does towards young players has to be stressful. For Poulin it's NHL or bust whereas the Europeans who got tired of the nonsense are playing professional hockey in Europe. I can imagine the frustration might have led to it for sure, but hard to tell. As much as I'd love to blame Sullivan and/or Rutherford, I'm sure the mental issues were always there for him. I truly hope he's much better now.

[Puck-Lurker]

A bleak prediction on Poulin.

He doesn't make the team out of camp, gets waived. Some team claims him, Nashville, Edmonton or something. He gets to play 12th forward.. then 13-14th forward. Then he gets waived. Penguins don't pick him back up. Poulin goes to the AHL and struggles to make an impact. Then he doesn't make the NHL team the year after, waived again. He finishes that year with a mediocre AHL season, doesn't end up with an NHL contract, or just gets one for a year or so and leaves for Europe 25 years old.

I really don't hope that's in any way accurate.

Do or die for Poulin and he has to stand out in a crowd.

[KG]

Edmonton just re-signed Draisaitl for 8 years $14mill AAV...that's some contract.

[Pruezy11881]

Good luck filling out a team next year. With LD's salary, the raise due to Bouchard next season, and then McDavid's the season after on top of Nurse's salary...

[FLPensFan]

Good luck filling out a team next year. With LD's salary, the raise due to Bouchard next season, and then McDavid's the season after on top of Nurse's salary...

75.8M already committed next year to 10F, 5D, 2G. Doesn't count Bouchard. The cap will likely go up 6-10M when the time comes to re-sign McDavid. They'll be fine. They have over 20M in cap space coming off the books after next year, and that IS NOT counting McDavid. (Skinner, Arvidsson, Kane, Henrique, and Ekholm).

They should be able to make it work

[Puck-Lurker]

Good luck filling out a team next year. With LD's salary, the raise due to Bouchard next season, and then McDavid's the season after on top of Nurse's salary...

75.8M already committed next year to 10F, 5D, 2G. Doesn't count Bouchard. The cap will likely go up 6-10M when the time comes to re-sign McDavid. They'll be fine. They have over 20M in cap space coming off the books after next year, and that IS NOT counting McDavid. (Skinner, Arvidsson, Kane, Henrique, and Ekholm).

They should be able to make it work

It'll work, but you're going to have to rely on cheap, mediocre goaltending. Good luck.

[Pensfan4life8771]

Saw Calgary is open to moving Kadri.

Any chance Dubas makes a run at him?

[Ericf]

Saw Calgary is open to moving Kadri.

Any chance Dubas makes a run at him?

The only way I’d do this is if they took Jarry and Eller/Hayes to even out the money…

[Antonio]

No thanks. This team needs to play mcg, puustinen, pom, etc for some real life extended series with 10 15 minutes a game and let them make mistakes and learn and actually see what they can bring if anything, and get rid of and stop acquiring one **** washed up cast off has been after another. IT'S OVER. There is no goddamn chance at a cup any time soon and they need to accept that and start developing and evaluating young players and talent and see if they can find some unexpected gems like Jake was etc. Of course that won't happen as long they refuse to trash the king imbecile who somehow keeps being able to sell his scam and illusion of being a good coach. No, we're going to ride to the promised land with 41 year old Letangs and a mix of Acciaris and Nietos and Hayeses and endless amounts of getting to our game.

[DelPen]

Saw Calgary is open to moving Kadri.

Any chance Dubas makes a run at him?

The only way I’d do this is if they took Jarry and Eller/Hayes to even out the money…

And Graves too

[Pitts]

Saw Calgary is open to moving Kadri.

Any chance Dubas makes a run at him?

Why? Give us one good reason. Or, even half a reason why.

[Daniel]

Saw Calgary is open to moving Kadri.

Any chance Dubas makes a run at him?

Why? Give us one good reason. Or, even half a reason why.

He's 33 and would help with the age requirements. That might be a 1/2 reason why though.

[100565]

I’d pass on Kadri too.

He has nmc this and next year
Then a NTC the last 3 years. According to cap wages, it is a 13 team ntc. Strange number. Wonder why 13.

[FLPensFan]

I’d pass on Kadri too.

He has nmc this and next year
Then a NTC the last 3 years. According to cap wages, it is a 13 team ntc. Strange number. Wonder why 13.

Columbus should inquire to see if they can get him for a relatively low cost. No ill intent here, but with Gaudreau's death and his cap hit coming off the books, Columbus has fallen below the cap floor. It also brings up an interesting question in that, what if something like this happened in the middle of the season? If a team near the floor had a player pass away or a major violation that resulted in the team going under the cap floor, what would the NHL do?

CBJ is only 1-2M under the floor, but they could use an increase in offense as well, again after the death of Gaudreau. See if Calgary will essentially give him away maybe a 3rd and a prospect or something, if Calgary is just trying to clear cap. Although, looking at Calgary, they are the 3rd lowest roster $$$ spent, and sending Kadri out without bringing $$$ back in would put Calgary under the floor, too.

[KG]

Could just be me looking through my homer-colored glasses but I'm slightly bullish on this team going into this season. I like that Dubas has brought in players who are more gritty and tougher to play against (McGroarty, Lizotte, Bunting). I also like the idea of buying low on players who have been good in the not so recent past and looking to bounce back (Beauvillier, Glass, Hayes, Gryz).

Can't deny there is much more depth on the bottom 6. No more anchors like Carter and Harkins. Getting rid of Smith is a plus too. The effort wasn't there. We should be a hungrier group this season.

Key to the season will be to get the PP righted. I would expect a bounce back year from Karlsson for sure.

I think Dubas had a strong off-season. He is balancing the tough act of trying to remain competitive while building for the future.

if McGroarty can get his way into the top 6, adding him and Bunting there will change the dynamic of the team. Adding DOC and Beauvillier will bring speed and tenacity with a skilled center like Hayes.

Real curious to see what Sullivan does to this lineup.