2024-2025 Season Random Penguins Fodder

[FLPensFan]

Are there players in WBS that are terming out on their contracts to be concerned about? Two new contracts awarded to the two defensemen; maybe to replace two headed to the big club.

RFA: Ansons, Ponomarev, Gauthier
UFA: Koppanen, Laferriere, Huntington, Johnstone, Clurman, Hollowell, Král, Poolman

And in Pittsburgh:
RFA: Dewar, Tomasino, Bemström, Timmins, POJ
UFA: Bokondji


So basically, there' just Ponomarev and Gauthier in the minors.

Thanks for the info. I wonder how KD proceeds with any of the UFA's in the minors.

There seems to be a lot of hype around Hollowell, but I wouldn't mind seeing Kral get a chance as a 7th d-man. He's got good offensive numbers at WBS and most types I'm watching highlights of McGroarty or Koivunen goals, he's often one setting them up. Hollowell has more points, but all but one are assists while Kral has 7 goals. 6'2", LD

[largegarlic]

I still think the best case short term turnaround goes something like this:

--Top-5 pick in 2025
--Trade Karlsson and maybe Rakell for more 1st rounders in summer '25
--Sign filler vets as needed and get paid to take on bad contracts in summer '25

--Hope that the '25 top pick is NHL-ready for the 25-26 season to start getting acclimated
--Get the current crew of prospects (McGroarty, Broz, Koivunen, Pickering, Blomqvist, etc.) significant NHL time during the 25-26 season to see who can be part of a new, solid supporting cast

--Top-5 pick in 2026
--Go big in free agency in summer '26. There should be tons of cap space with Malkin and probably Karlsson off the books, if not Rakell as well. Maybe, if we're dreaming, Jarry has a good run to end this season and can be dumped before then. They could theoretically sign a legit all-star (or maybe even two).

--Go into the 26-27 season with the two top-5 picks from 25 and 26 plus whoever proves worthy from the other younger guys, add in the old guys (probably Crosby, Rust, and Letang), and maybe serviceable not-so-old vets like Lizotte and Novak, and I could see that team being a playoff team that would be a tough out for anyone, even if not necessarily a true Cup contender.

[FLPensFan]

I still think the best case short term turnaround goes something like this:

--Top-5 pick in 2025
--Trade Karlsson and maybe Rakell for more 1st rounders in summer '25
--Sign filler vets as needed and get paid to take on bad contracts in summer '25

--Hope that the '25 top pick is NHL-ready for the 25-26 season to start getting acclimated
--Get the current crew of prospects (McGroarty, Broz, Koivunen, Pickering, Blomqvist, etc.) significant NHL time during the 25-26 season to see who can be part of a new, solid supporting cast

--Top-5 pick in 2026
--Go big in free agency in summer '26. There should be tons of cap space with Malkin and probably Karlsson off the books, if not Rakell as well. Maybe, if we're dreaming, Jarry has a good run to end this season and can be dumped before then. They could theoretically sign a legit all-star (or maybe even two).

--Go into the 26-27 season with the two top-5 picks from 25 and 26 plus whoever proves worthy from the other younger guys, add in the old guys (probably Crosby, Rust, and Letang), and maybe serviceable not-so-old vets like Lizotte and Novak, and I could see that team being a playoff team that would be a tough out for anyone, even if not necessarily a true Cup contender.

Unfortunately, it's going to be a timing and age problem. Kind of like this year, there isn't an overly large high-end UFA class at forward in the summer of 2026. The top 5 forward UFAs by points this year:
--McDavid
--Kyle Connor (turns 30 Dec 9th 2026)
--Jack Eichel (turns 30 Oct 2026)
--Martin Necas (turns 27 Jan 2026)
--Atemi Panarin (currently 33)
Others in the mix and their age today....Kaprizov(27), Tuch(28), Tolvanen (25)

This is the problem for a "quick turnaround." We have some better prospects, but we still don't have any guaranteed top 6 forwards. Anyone we add in UFA is going to be close to 30, and that becomes the issue...the team is still too old.

This team needs to go all in on an NHL ready center. Malkin is on pace to be under 20 goals for the first time in his career (non-injury season). I think Dubas should make a push for Trevor Zegras, Mason MacTavish, Barrett Hayton, Shane Wright, Shane Pinto or Marco Kasper. Someone who hasn't reached their upside yet and a team is considering moving on. Zegras, Pinto and MacTavish are probably the most likely on this list, for different reasons. The longer it takes for them to fill this role, the harder it is going to be for them to compete.

The other thing they need to do is fix the the defense. Jettison EK65 this summer. Can we do something around EK65 to DET for Kasper? EK65 to UTA for Hayton? EK65 to OTT for Shane Pinto?

Can we get someone like Bowen Byram out of Buffalo to help fix the defense? Pickering should be a mainstay on defense next year, and hoping Brunicke comes in and forces his way onto the team.

I still think it is going to be tough for Dubas to acquire the pieces he needs in two summers and one trade deadline. He can't sit back idle this summer. He has too many big moves needed to get this roster where it needs to be. If he isn't going to go big on a UFA forward, then he should work on revamping the defense in summer 2025. Go big game forward hunting in 2026.

This summer, sign some top 9 UFAs to one year deals. Move Rust or Rakell to Geno's line, or, stick Koivunen with Geno and tell Koivunen to rip it non-stop. Someone on the 2nd line needs to be the goal scorer, and it won't be Geno. Or go with a kid 3rd line like RMG-Novak-Koivunen.

I dunno how this will work out. Need to wait and see what Dubas does this offseason and how much of the heavy lifting he does this summer versus next summer.

[FLPensFan]

Becoming a broken record. Both of these guys need to be on the NHL roster next season. Koivunen is the leading rookie point producer in the AHL, with an 8 point lead over 2nd place. McGroarty is up to 12th in rookie scoring. RMG 15 points in last 13 games; Koivunen 15 points in his last 11 games.

[Michael74]

Becoming a broken record. Both of these guys need to be on the NHL roster next season. Koivunen is the leading rookie point producer in the AHL, with an 8 point lead over 2nd place. McGroarty is up to 12th in rookie scoring. RMG 15 points in last 13 games; Koivunen 15 points in his last 11 games.

Those two along with Murashov are the three I have the highest hopes for.

[KG]

Becoming a broken record. Both of these guys need to be on the NHL roster next season. Koivunen is the leading rookie point producer in the AHL, with an 8 point lead over 2nd place. McGroarty is up to 12th in rookie scoring. RMG 15 points in last 13 games; Koivunen 15 points in his last 11 games.

Those two along with Murashov are the three I have the highest hopes for.

I have high hopes for them as well. I just cringe that they will be the next Bemstrom under Sully. Really hope Sully agrees to move along this off-season. Bruins job will be available.

[KG]

Hallander is another player to keep an eye on. We still own his rights. There were rumors that the Pens were looking to bring him back over next season. Could be another option. That's some company he's keeping with Zetterberg.

[Michael74]

Becoming a broken record. Both of these guys need to be on the NHL roster next season. Koivunen is the leading rookie point producer in the AHL, with an 8 point lead over 2nd place. McGroarty is up to 12th in rookie scoring. RMG 15 points in last 13 games; Koivunen 15 points in his last 11 games.

Those two along with Murashov are the three I have the highest hopes for.

I have high hopes for them as well. I just cringe that they will be the next Bemstrom under Sully. Really hope Sully agrees to move along this off-season. Bruins job will be available.

You have to have concerns when Sullivan is around no question. I doubt he's here beyond next season. At a minimum I hope not.

[Zalapski33]

Becoming a broken record. Both of these guys need to be on the NHL roster next season. Koivunen is the leading rookie point producer in the AHL, with an 8 point lead over 2nd place. McGroarty is up to 12th in rookie scoring. RMG 15 points in last 13 games; Koivunen 15 points in his last 11 games.

Koivunen and McGroarty have continued to blossom as their Seasons have progressed.The Skill they have has been able to develop under MacDonald.Their Combination of Skating,Scoring Touch and Competitiveness are what the Penguins must have going forward.

Completely Agree that they have to be Forwards who are on the Penguins Team in 2025-26.

[Zalapski33]

Hallander is another player to keep an eye on. We still own his rights. There were rumors that the Pens were looking to bring him back over next season. Could be another option. That's some company he's keeping with Zetterberg.

Worth being given an opportunity.Still only 24 Years Old with a nice scoring touch.

[FLPensFan]

Madden actually shows concern in print about Sullivan coaching this team in the future with young guys on it.

https://triblive.com/sports/mark-madden ... -the-hero/

Let them develop a winning environment they can bring with them. Summoning them to Pittsburgh to lose does no good.

But next season, any of the Penguins’ prospects who prove themselves ready for the NHL between now and then should play in Pittsburgh.

That’s where I get a bit worried.

Coach Mike Sullivan prefers and trusts veterans.

For example, forwards Noel Acciari, Kevin Hayes, Danton Heinen and Blake Lizotte are signed for next season.

How many youngsters are they going to block? How much ice time will they steal from those promoted? I could see Hayes playing 15 minutes while Ponomarev gets five. (Or gets scratched.)

It makes me wonder if a lot of the Penguins’ prospects are ticketed for another season in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

[Daniel]

Madden actually shows concern in print about Sullivan coaching this team in the future with young guys on it.

https://triblive.com/sports/mark-madden ... -the-hero/

Let them develop a winning environment they can bring with them. Summoning them to Pittsburgh to lose does no good.

But next season, any of the Penguins’ prospects who prove themselves ready for the NHL between now and then should play in Pittsburgh.

That’s where I get a bit worried.

Coach Mike Sullivan prefers and trusts veterans.

For example, forwards Noel Acciari, Kevin Hayes, Danton Heinen and Blake Lizotte are signed for next season.

How many youngsters are they going to block? How much ice time will they steal from those promoted? I could see Hayes playing 15 minutes while Ponomarev gets five. (Or gets scratched.)

It makes me wonder if a lot of the Penguins’ prospects are ticketed for another season in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

WBS is still a very young team and some might depend on how they do in the playoffs. I know the AHL playoffs aren’t that important, but if they can keep pretty much the same team for 2 playoff runs how much would it help them in the NHL when they are in the playoffs? Two seasons with MacDonald, bring him up with about 5-6 from the AHL club to replace Sullivan and see what happens.

[BigMcK]

Penguins need to address the lack of a physical force on defense and offense to shield against the NHL toughest a hole players who will cheapshot a young guy who loses the puck in his skates along the boards.

Sullivyn must be gone for that to happen.

Set the tone with a bark and bite player... Or, two.

[Wyopen]

I know a number of experts don’t put much credence in +/- but Pickering leads the WBS Pens with a +19.

[pens_CT]

Hallander is another player to keep an eye on. We still own his rights. There were rumors that the Pens were looking to bring him back over next season. Could be another option. That's some company he's keeping with Zetterberg.

Thanks for mentioning him. I thought I read somewhere a month or so ago about the Pens interest in signing Hallander. I doubt he translates in the top 6, but might be a good 3C, something we have lacked since Bonino.

[Puck-Lurker]

Hållander would be interesting only if he there is space for him. No need to add another Riikola.

[FLPensFan]

Hållander would be interesting only if he there is space for him. No need to add another Riikola.

There was a report from Taylor Haase about a month or two ago that there was mutual interest in Hallander returning to the Penguins. Article also says Hallander signed a 5 year deal with Timra, but it sounds like he can get out of it (just not mid-season). Hallander was set to be an NHL regular for 23-24, but he had already made up his mind several months earlier to return to Sweden. Similar to Kasper Bjorkqvist (who was also supposed to be an NHL regular for the 22-23 season), I believe he got tired of the few callups and chances to prove himself. Hallander is only 24, and he's 2nd in scoring in the SHL this year. At worst he could be a 4th line center option.

I'd link to it but the ability to search and link to old articles on their site is trash. Posting the 1st and last paragraph from the report, which are the most important.

Taylor Haase
1:30 pm - 12.11.2024Montreal
Report: Penguins looking to bring back Hallander
The Penguins have offered former Penguins forward Filip Hallander a two-year NHL contract, the Swedish outlet Expressen reported on Wednesday.

Hallander can't get out of his current contract and accept an offer from the Penguins until the offseason, though he and the Penguins are allowed to come to a verbal agreement. Expressen said Hallander, his agent, and Timra's sports manager declined to comment on the matter but reported that Timra is planning as if Hallander will be gone next season, and Hallander is preparing to make the move.

[FLPensFan]

Also, a report from NJ Hockey Now through Spector's, adding more speculation on the future Simon Nemec or Seamus Casey in NJ. While Hamilton is out for the year, he's not going anywhere. I thought both he and Pesce were several years older, but Hamilton is 31, Pesce is 30. Hamilton has 3 more years left, Pesce has 5. They just signed Jonathan Kovacevic to a 5 year extension. All 3 of those players are RD, which is where Nemec and Casey play. NJ has essentially blocked their path, and Nemec has already been frustrated.

Both players are really good, but I'd prefer Nemec over Casey. Dubas should go hard after this at the draft.

https://www.spectorshockey.net/2025/03/ ... h-13-2025/

[Michael74]

I know a number of experts don’t put much credence in +/- but Pickering leads the WBS Pens with a +19.

I absolutely do put some credence in +/-. It's not the be all end all, but it is a useful tool relative to others on a given team.

[100565]

I still think the best case short term turnaround goes something like this:

--Top-5 pick in 2025
--Trade Karlsson and maybe Rakell for more 1st rounders in summer '25
--Sign filler vets as needed and get paid to take on bad contracts in summer '25

--Hope that the '25 top pick is NHL-ready for the 25-26 season to start getting acclimated
--Get the current crew of prospects (McGroarty, Broz, Koivunen, Pickering, Blomqvist, etc.) significant NHL time during the 25-26 season to see who can be part of a new, solid supporting cast

--Top-5 pick in 2026
--Go big in free agency in summer '26. There should be tons of cap space with Malkin and probably Karlsson off the books, if not Rakell as well. Maybe, if we're dreaming, Jarry has a good run to end this season and can be dumped before then. They could theoretically sign a legit all-star (or maybe even two).

--Go into the 26-27 season with the two top-5 picks from 25 and 26 plus whoever proves worthy from the other younger guys, add in the old guys (probably Crosby, Rust, and Letang), and maybe serviceable not-so-old vets like Lizotte and Novak, and I could see that team being a playoff team that would be a tough out for anyone, even if not necessarily a true Cup contender.

Heck ya! I agree. They gotta draft well is their first rounders in 2025 and 2026!

top 6: Crosby (39), Rust (34), 2025 pick (19-20), 2026 pick (18-10), McGroarty (22) or Koivunen (23), high end UFA (30)
3rd: McGroarty (22) or Koivunen (23), Novak (30), Tomasino (25)
4th: Ponomarev, Broz, Poulin,

D: Pickering (23), Brunicke (20), Letang (36), high end UFA (30), maybe resign Grzelck, Graves (ouch),

fill in 4th line and 3rd pairing as needed.

Would still have EK, Rakell, NYR fisrt 2025 draftee, maybe Howe, 2 extra second round picks 2026 to help fill some voids. Maybe Rakell for Nemec (as a base), Maybe EK for Pinto (as a base - he seems to be destined for 3C on Sens)

It depends on the Pens top picks in 2025 and 2026. If they (atleast 1 of them) can play (they would be very young and not too great yet) in top 6, I think 2026-27 season is certainly an attainable time to compete again. Certainly not preseason cup favorites, but a chance to compete. That team has nice age range, too. Some old vets (all time greats!), some 30ish, some mid 20s, and a bunch of youngsters. Certainly a good foundation to build on after Sid while perhaps giving Sid one last chance to compete.

[Pens4Life]

Madden actually shows concern in print about Sullivan coaching this team in the future with young guys on it.

https://triblive.com/sports/mark-madden ... -the-hero/

Let them develop a winning environment they can bring with them. Summoning them to Pittsburgh to lose does no good.

But next season, any of the Penguins’ prospects who prove themselves ready for the NHL between now and then should play in Pittsburgh.

That’s where I get a bit worried.

Coach Mike Sullivan prefers and trusts veterans.

For example, forwards Noel Acciari, Kevin Hayes, Danton Heinen and Blake Lizotte are signed for next season.

How many youngsters are they going to block? How much ice time will they steal from those promoted? I could see Hayes playing 15 minutes while Ponomarev gets five. (Or gets scratched.)

It makes me wonder if a lot of the Penguins’ prospects are ticketed for another season in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

Heinen and Acciari must be offloaded in offseason, hard to do, but at least Dubas must try. Sullivan should be fired. Hayes and Lizotte traded midseason as expirings..

I hope we start season with something like this :
Rakell - Crosby - Rust
Novak - Malkin - Tomasino
McGroarty - Hallander - Koivunen
Lizotte - Hayes - Ponomarev
x - Bemstrom

Pickering - Letang
Shea - Brunicke
Kolyachonok - Timmins
x - Graves (try to trade tho)
EK65 traded with 3M retention..

Jarry, Larsson (If Jarry trade is possible,do it)..
Nedeljkovic traded, Murashov no.1 AHL, Blomquist backup

Let it be some transition season to get younger and learning curve for new kids..

[KG]

He's earned it. Hayes has had a strong season. Good for him.

[FLPensFan]

Madden actually shows concern in print about Sullivan coaching this team in the future with young guys on it.

https://triblive.com/sports/mark-madden ... -the-hero/

Let them develop a winning environment they can bring with them. Summoning them to Pittsburgh to lose does no good.

But next season, any of the Penguins’ prospects who prove themselves ready for the NHL between now and then should play in Pittsburgh.

That’s where I get a bit worried.

Coach Mike Sullivan prefers and trusts veterans.

For example, forwards Noel Acciari, Kevin Hayes, Danton Heinen and Blake Lizotte are signed for next season.

How many youngsters are they going to block? How much ice time will they steal from those promoted? I could see Hayes playing 15 minutes while Ponomarev gets five. (Or gets scratched.)

It makes me wonder if a lot of the Penguins’ prospects are ticketed for another season in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

Heinen and Acciari must be offloaded in offseason, hard to do, but at least Dubas must try. Sullivan should be fired. Hayes and Lizotte traded midseason as expirings..

I hope we start season with something like this :
Rakell - Crosby - Rust
Novak - Malkin - Tomasino
McGroarty - Hallander - Koivunen
Lizotte - Hayes - Ponomarev
x - Bemstrom

Pickering - Letang
Shea - Brunicke
Kolyachonok - Timmins
x - Graves (try to trade tho)
EK65 traded with 3M retention..

Jarry, Larsson (If Jarry trade is possible,do it)..
Nedeljkovic traded, Murashov no.1 AHL, Blomquist backup

Let it be some transition season to get younger and learning curve for new kids..

My current line of thinking for next season:

1) Be in a position to draft Desnoyers or Frondell at worst.
2) Make a trade for a young RHD, going to use Nemec for now; 2nd, 3rd, and a mid-prospect, or the 2025 1st rounder from the Rangers for Nemec
3) Trade EK65 with no more than 3M retention; no idea what the return looks like, but it shouldn't be awful.
4) Maybe make some fringe signings.

Rakell-Crosby-Rust
Tomasino-Malkin-Koivunen
McGroarty-Novak-Heinen
Hayes-Lizotte-Acciari
x-Ponomarev, Hallander

Shea-Letang
Kolyachonok-Nemec
Pickering-Brunicke
x-Graves, Aho

Jarry
Larsson/Blomqvist

Give Koivunen and McGroarty a chance to earn a top 6 spot. I think Koivunen is more of a shooter between the two, and with Malkin's goal total going down, getting a pure shooter on his line would do some good. Let Ponomarev and Hallander rotate into the mix instead of playing Acciari and Hayes as every game players.

Not sold on Shea on the first pairing, but I like putting less pressure on Pickering, and sheltering Brunicke a bit if he has to make the team. Also not a big fan of Graves but doubt we can dump him.

[Daniel]

I know a number of experts don’t put much credence in +/- but Pickering leads the WBS Pens with a +19.

I absolutely do put some credence in +/-. It's not the be all end all, but it is a useful tool relative to others on a given team.

I think it's good to judge the progress of a defensemen as a compare and contrast tool. +19 in 33 games on a team with only 4 more than +10 in at least 10 more games is pretty impressive. Only 8 PIM might be even more impressive. Those two tell me he's playing good positional defense and not taking grabby penalties.

Considering he was a -9 in 8 games last year (albeit on a not very good team) that's quite a leap in his 1st full professional season.

[Michael74]

I know a number of experts don’t put much credence in +/- but Pickering leads the WBS Pens with a +19.

I absolutely do put some credence in +/-. It's not the be all end all, but it is a useful tool relative to others on a given team.

I think it's good to judge the progress of a defensemen as a compare and contrast tool. +19 in 33 games on a team with only 4 more than +10 in at least 10 more games is pretty impressive. Only 8 PIM might be even more impressive. Those two tell me he's playing good positional defense and not taking grabby penalties.

Considering he was a -9 in 8 games last year (albeit on a not very good team) that's quite a leap in his 1st full professional season.