2024-2025 Season Random Penguins Fodder

[Puck-Lurker]

So now if Sully gets fired, we can hire Quennville??

Can't we just hire Quenneville and demote Sullivan to assistant head coach of empty boxes?

[KG]

Makes sense now that Dubas brought his own guy in, Wes Clark

[Daniel]

So now if Sully gets fired, we can hire Quennville??

I'll bet you they hire Jagr to replace Sullivan.

[Pitts]

So now if Sully gets fired, we can hire Quennville??

I'll bet you they hire Jagr to replace Sullivan.

Have to wait a year. I just read Jagr's been working out hard and plans to play every game for his Czech team this season. For real.

[Daniel]

So now if Sully gets fired, we can hire Quennville??

I'll bet you they hire Jagr to replace Sullivan.

Have to wait a year. I just read Jagr's been working out hard and plans to play every game for his Czech team this season. For real.

I was making fun of the Jagr gambling thing, kinda like Phil Kessel for assistant.

But I think he actually would be a good coach.

[Pitts]

So now if Sully gets fired, we can hire Quennville??

I'll bet you they hire Jagr to replace Sullivan.

Have to wait a year. I just read Jagr's been working out hard and plans to play every game for his Czech team this season. For real.

I was making fun of the Jagr gambling thing, kinda like Phil Kessel for assistant.

But I think he actually would be a good coach.

Gotcha!

[Pens4Life]

Jagr coaching Pens,wowzer, that would be phenomenal down the road in couple of years..

[FLPensFan]

This is the latest forward line layout I am seeing as (barring injuries) the opening night roster.

DOC-Crosby-Rust
Bunting-Malkin-Rakell
Beauvillier-Hayes-Puustinen/Puljujarvi
Lizotte-Eller-Acciari
x-Poulin

Poulin and one of Puustinen or Puljujarvi as extras.

Still has the Rakell with Malkin problem.
Hasn't really added youth, or where it has (ie Lizotte), it has done so by taking youth from youth (ie Poulin taking the spot if Lizotte wasn't brought in)

[KG]

This is the latest forward line layout I am seeing as (barring injuries) the opening night roster.

DOC-Crosby-Rust
Bunting-Malkin-Rakell
Beauvillier-Hayes-Puustinen/Puljujarvi
Lizotte-Eller-Acciari
x-Poulin

Poulin and one of Puustinen or Puljujarvi as extras.

Still has the Rakell with Malkin problem.
Hasn't really added youth, or where it has (ie Lizotte), it has done so by taking youth from youth (ie Poulin taking the spot if Lizotte wasn't brought in)

Agreed on the lines. Poulin is no longer eligible to be sent down without going through waivers. If he has a strong camp I could see them making room for him on the 4th line by moving one of Eller/Acciari. KD should probably look to move both Eller and Acciari to free up some roster flexibility. If Poulin doesn't impress then maybe trade him for a similar struggling prospect type.

[dark_forces]

This is the latest forward line layout I am seeing as (barring injuries) the opening night roster.

DOC-Crosby-Rust
Bunting-Malkin-Rakell
Beauvillier-Hayes-Puustinen/Puljujarvi
Lizotte-Eller-Acciari
x-Poulin

Poulin and one of Puustinen or Puljujarvi as extras.

Still has the Rakell with Malkin problem.
Hasn't really added youth, or where it has (ie Lizotte), it has done so by taking youth from youth (ie Poulin taking the spot if Lizotte wasn't brought in)

Agreed on the lines. Poulin is no longer eligible to be sent down without going through waivers. If he has a strong camp I could see them making room for him on the 4th line by moving one of Eller/Acciari. KD should probably look to move both Eller and Acciari to free up some roster flexibility. If Poulin doesn't impress then maybe trade him for a similar struggling prospect type.

Could Bemstrom, with a solid camp, make a claim on a bottom six wing role, or is the deck stacked against him?
I'm thinking specifically about 3rd line RW competing with Puustinen/Puljujarvi.

[Pitts]

I saw nothing from Bemstrom to be excited about.

[FLPensFan]

This is the latest forward line layout I am seeing as (barring injuries) the opening night roster.

DOC-Crosby-Rust
Bunting-Malkin-Rakell
Beauvillier-Hayes-Puustinen/Puljujarvi
Lizotte-Eller-Acciari
x-Poulin

Poulin and one of Puustinen or Puljujarvi as extras.

Still has the Rakell with Malkin problem.
Hasn't really added youth, or where it has (ie Lizotte), it has done so by taking youth from youth (ie Poulin taking the spot if Lizotte wasn't brought in)

Agreed on the lines. Poulin is no longer eligible to be sent down without going through waivers. If he has a strong camp I could see them making room for him on the 4th line by moving one of Eller/Acciari. KD should probably look to move both Eller and Acciari to free up some roster flexibility. If Poulin doesn't impress then maybe trade him for a similar struggling prospect type.

Could Bemstrom, with a solid camp, make a claim on a bottom six wing role, or is the deck stacked against him?
I'm thinking specifically about 3rd line RW competing with Puustinen/Puljujarvi.

I think it will be tough for Bemstrom to earn a spot without an injury. The only plus I see for him is, he's a "skilled guy" that can play on any line short term. I think he has the defensive capabilities to be ok on a 4th line, or the offensive potential to play on the 3rd line, or a short game or two stint in the top 6. I don't necessarily view him in that skillset, but I think the team does.

I'd expect Gruden, Bemstrom, Ponomarev, Imama, Andonovski, and Koppanen to be our main callups this year. I'd give an outside shot to Broz or Koivunen if they get off to a hot start and there is more of a top 6/3rd line need.

[Puck-Lurker]

This is the latest forward line layout I am seeing as (barring injuries) the opening night roster.

DOC-Crosby-Rust
Bunting-Malkin-Rakell
Beauvillier-Hayes-Puustinen/Puljujarvi
Lizotte-Eller-Acciari
x-Poulin

Poulin and one of Puustinen or Puljujarvi as extras.

Still has the Rakell with Malkin problem.
Hasn't really added youth, or where it has (ie Lizotte), it has done so by taking youth from youth (ie Poulin taking the spot if Lizotte wasn't brought in)

Agreed on the lines. Poulin is no longer eligible to be sent down without going through waivers. If he has a strong camp I could see them making room for him on the 4th line by moving one of Eller/Acciari. KD should probably look to move both Eller and Acciari to free up some roster flexibility. If Poulin doesn't impress then maybe trade him for a similar struggling prospect type.

Could Bemstrom, with a solid camp, make a claim on a bottom six wing role, or is the deck stacked against him?
I'm thinking specifically about 3rd line RW competing with Puustinen/Puljujarvi.

I think it will be tough for Bemstrom to earn a spot without an injury. The only plus I see for him is, he's a "skilled guy" that can play on any line short term. I think he has the defensive capabilities to be ok on a 4th line, or the offensive potential to play on the 3rd line, or a short game or two stint in the top 6. I don't necessarily view him in that skillset, but I think the team does.

I'd expect Gruden, Bemstrom, Ponomarev, Imama, Andonovski, and Koppanen to be our main callups this year. I'd give an outside shot to Broz or Koivunen if they get off to a hot start and there is more of a top 6/3rd line need.

Gruden and Bemström are known quantities though, I'd sooner call up any of the others to see where they stand.

We don't need to be playing types like Hinostroza, White, Gruden, Zohorna and Harkins, as much as Poulin and Ponomarev

[Pruezy11881]

This is the latest forward line layout I am seeing as (barring injuries) the opening night roster.

DOC-Crosby-Rust
Bunting-Malkin-Rakell
Beauvillier-Hayes-Puustinen/Puljujarvi
Lizotte-Eller-Acciari
x-Poulin

Poulin and one of Puustinen or Puljujarvi as extras.

Still has the Rakell with Malkin problem.
Hasn't really added youth, or where it has (ie Lizotte), it has done so by taking youth from youth (ie Poulin taking the spot if Lizotte wasn't brought in)

If he shows well in camp and preseason, why not give Poulin a try on Sid's LW? Sid has shown the ability to elevate players around him and Sam isn't void of talent. It'd be interesting to see. In regards to Rakell, I'd like to see if he does gel with Malkin and it was just his injury that was limiting him. Otherwise, I thought Puustinen showed well with Geno and should play there. And DOC on the third line makes the team a bit deeper w/ Rakell.

[FLPensFan]

This is the latest forward line layout I am seeing as (barring injuries) the opening night roster.

DOC-Crosby-Rust
Bunting-Malkin-Rakell
Beauvillier-Hayes-Puustinen/Puljujarvi
Lizotte-Eller-Acciari
x-Poulin

Poulin and one of Puustinen or Puljujarvi as extras.

Still has the Rakell with Malkin problem.
Hasn't really added youth, or where it has (ie Lizotte), it has done so by taking youth from youth (ie Poulin taking the spot if Lizotte wasn't brought in)

If he shows well in camp and preseason, why not give Poulin a try on Sid's LW? Sid has shown the ability to elevate players around him and Sam isn't void of talent. It'd be interesting to see. In regards to Rakell, I'd like to see if he does gel with Malkin and it was just his injury that was limiting him. Otherwise, I thought Puustinen showed well with Geno and should play there. And DOC on the third line makes the team a bit deeper w/ Rakell.

I think Poulin on Sid's line would be a big leap. Poulin's top weakness is still his skating. If that has somehow improved, maybe he can get there, but 3rd or 4th line would seem more likely this season.

I am hoping that the shoulder injury was a major issue for Rakell last year. Aside from the scoring being down, Rakell was fairly physical when we first traded for him, and we didn't see that last year. He wasn't throwing thunderous body checks, but he was very good stepping into an opposing player in the NZ or DZ to separate them from the puck. Didn't see that last year. Hoping it was the shoulder and not Sullivan saying "We play soft. You are playing too physical!"

[FLPensFan]

Isles avoid arbitration with Wahlstrom and sign him to 1 year, 1M AAV deal. They are now 950K over the cap with a full 23 man roster.

[dark_forces]

I watched a local Pens podcast discussing Nicholas Robertson and what it would take to acquire him.
It's been discussed before and is an intriguing topic because of the strong Penguin-Leaf connection. As far as potential moves go, it seems like it certainly falls within the realm of possibility.
Would the Rangers 2nd round pick we acquired in exchange for Smith be enough?

[FLPensFan]

I watched a local Pens podcast discussing Nicholas Robertson and what it would take to acquire him.
It's been discussed before and is an intriguing topic because of the strong Penguin-Leaf connection. As far as potential moves go, it seems like it certainly falls within the realm of possibility.
Would the Rangers 2nd round pick we acquired in exchange for Smith be enough?

I guess that depends on who you ask? Personally, I get that Robertson is only 22 years old and was a 2nd round pick, but, he hasn't done much at the NHL level to date. The other issue is, on an already crowded forward group with no waiver exemptions, this just pushes another player out and likely on to waivers.

If we have interest in Robertson, I'd rather see a Poulin or Puustinen get traded for him. If it had to be a pick, I'd give up a 3rd for him but a 2nd seems too much at the moment.

[dark_forces]

I watched a local Pens podcast discussing Nicholas Robertson and what it would take to acquire him.
It's been discussed before and is an intriguing topic because of the strong Penguin-Leaf connection. As far as potential moves go, it seems like it certainly falls within the realm of possibility.
Would the Rangers 2nd round pick we acquired in exchange for Smith be enough?

I guess that depends on who you ask? Personally, I get that Robertson is only 22 years old and was a 2nd round pick, but, he hasn't done much at the NHL level to date. The other issue is, on an already crowded forward group with no waiver exemptions, this just pushes another player out and likely on to waivers.

If we have interest in Robertson, I'd rather see a Poulin or Puustinen get traded for him. If it had to be a pick, I'd give up a 3rd for him but a 2nd seems too much at the moment.

I agree. I guess the hope would be that if given the opportunity on a scoring line, he blossoms. With the Leafs, it seems, there's little opportunity for him to do that, and he wants a change anyway.
I certainly think he's an NHL talent and—you'd think—is already better (or at least has shown more) at this point than Puustinen, Poulin, Bemstrom, etc. (others in his age range)

[KG]

Good to see some solid prospects being added into the system.

[Cow_Master66]

Beauvillier is not a top line guy..........He has only played in 60 games total over the last three years. This is our path to the rebuild on the fly? This 5'11" 180 lb guy is going to help pad Crosby's stats. Good Grief!

From my vantage point I would just say...I'd be hesitant to throw him on the top line with the struggles he has had in recent years. We haven't given the young guys top 6 minutes until they've earned it. Same should be the case here. I'd be surprised if 1LW is Beauvillier's opening night spot. Also doesn't help Rakell's trade value to push him down to the 3rd line. Rakell has been kind of up and down year over year in his career, and was reportedly dealing with a shoulder injury for the good part of the year. I'm suspecting he'll bounce back a bit this year.

The lineup is screaming for a top 6 W. Preferably LW. Dubas knows this. I'm sure he's on the hunt for one. If we believe the rumors that we had an offer out for Tarasekno that further proves the point.

I'll take the opposite stance. I think Tarasenko was a wild dart throw that he knew was unlikely to land, but he gave it a shot. There's a strong possibility that this could be our starting lineup for the season:

Rakell-Crosby-Rust
Bunting-Malkin-Puustinen
DOC-Hayes-Beauvillier
Eller-Lizotte-Acciari

In this case...where's the commitment to youth? DOC has rightfully earned a spot with his play. You add a top 6 resource, you are then pushing Puustinen out of the lineup...and you've already got Puljujarvi and Poulin sitting out of the lineup....and no chance for a Ponomarev or Koivunen type to make the lineup. Can't keep talking youth and then keep bringing in guys to shove them out of the lineup.

As much as it sucks, I think this is another throw away year. Sell off players at the deadline, be as competitive as we can be with what we have today, and be ready for next year. Gain more picks for a deep draft next year. A good year by Pickering in the AHL could have him making the jump next season. A good half season in the AHL by Yager could have him making the jump next season. Blomqvist should be in the conversation next year. I think one or two of Ponomarev, Koivunen, and Broz could be in the conversation for jobs next year. If 3 of those guys are ready for NHL duty, that's a lot of cheap cap space, and gives us the ability to sign some UFAs to short term deals at more money.

The only chance I see Dubas making another significant move before camp, is if a deal comes up for a guy like Robertson or Wahlstrom, or another younger player from a cap crunched team that needs to make a move. Otherwise, I think this is the team.

Welcome to the party buddy. We saved you a seat.

[KG]

Yager is probably the best trigger-person the Pens have right now on the active roster lol. He has great shot.

Really wonder if he will be given an opportunity to make the team.

[Ericf]

Yager is probably the best trigger-person the Pens have right now on the active roster lol. He has great shot.

Really wonder if he will be given an opportunity to make the team.

If he makes a mistake and can’t PK, Sullivan won’t play him, even if scores three goals on the PP each game lol

[FLPensFan]

Yager is probably the best trigger-person the Pens have right now on the active roster lol. He has great shot.

Really wonder if he will be given an opportunity to make the team.

Everything from all the smart people says no chance he makes this team. He still needs another year or two from everything I hear. The offense may be there, but he needs to fill out and round out his game.

[Puck-Lurker]

Yager is probably the best trigger-person the Pens have right now on the active roster lol. He has great shot.

Really wonder if he will be given an opportunity to make the team.

Everything from all the smart people says no chance he makes this team. He still needs another year or two from everything I hear. The offense may be there, but he needs to fill out and round out his game.

If he doesn't make the roster, his contract doesn't count to the limit. No way that happens unless he really impresses and shocks everyone.

This is Pens signalling he'll be in the NHL in 25-26 or 26-27 and giving the kid some money, while keeping him here.