Free Agency Begins....

Tuesday at noon, Eastern time, NHL free agency officially begins.  This is a big deal.  Everyone knows it, no one more so than Ray Shero, GM of the Penguins.  This time next week, even before that, the Pens roster will have undergone a complete facelift.  The Pensblog has a comprehensive list of potential targets for the Pens, much more detailed than the shitty list I gave you earlier this week.  Many names will hit the market who suited up for the Pens last year.  

• Marian Hossa
  
• Brooks Orpik
  
• Adam Hall
  
• Pascal Dupuis
  
• Jeff Taffe
  
• Ty Conklin 
  
• Kris Beech
  
• Jarkko Ruutu
  
• Georges Laraque
  
• Marc Eaton
  

All of them will be testing the market.  Some will stay here, some will go, and we thank them all for their contributions.

But for every negative, Shero must work to find a positive, and he will do so in the form of aggresively pursuing UFA from other teams.  That list.  New and revised, is as follows, and in no particular order.

• Ladislav Nagy
• Radim Vrbata
• Darcy Tucker
• Cory Stillman
• Kristian Huselius
• Pavol Demitra
• Andres Lilja
• Sean Avery
• Miroslav Satan
• Mark Streit
• Jason Williams
• Ruslan Fedotenko
• Brian Rolston
• Markus Naslund
• Steve Montador
• Jaromir Jagr
• Michael Ryder
• Mike Commodore
• Ron Hainsey
• Pat Rissmiller
• Brian Campbell
• Eric Boulton
• Branislav Mezei
• Peter Forsberg
• Mats Sundin
• Brad Stuart
• Todd Bertuzzi
• Martin Gelinas
• Paul Mara
• Andrew Brunette
• Joe Dipenta
• Teemu Selanne
• Doug Weight
• Marty Lapointe
• Jason Smith
• Ryan Caldwell
• Brendan Morrison
• Niko Kapanen
• Mike York
• Andy Wozniewski
• Mike Weaver
• Byron Ritchie
• Glenn Metropolit
• Dmitri Kalinin
• Teppo Numminen
• Wade Brookbank
• Michael Ryan
• Bret Hedican
• Trevor Letowski
• David Hale
• Daymond Langkow
• Sergei Fedorov
• Matt Cooke
• Brad Isbister
• Owen Nolan
• Curtis Glencross
• Sean Hill
• Wade Redden
• Rob Blake
• Jimmy Vandermeer
• Jeff Finger
• Antti Miettinen
• Mattias Norstrom
• Oleg Tverdovsky
• Keith Carney
• Rob Davison
• Josef Vasicek
• Darius Kasparaitis

If the Penguins can land 2, 3, maybe 4 of the guys on that list, primarily the upper half of it,

 it will add skill and/or depth to this team.

We have options.  

Let the games begin.

Deja Vu in Tampa Bay

Over the last few days, the Tampa Bay Lightning acquired the negotiating rights to Pens forwards Gary Roberts and Ryan Malone.  They burned a higher round pick to do so, likely a third rounder, but that is not what is startling, and the Bolts gave themselves a real opportunity to sign Roberts and Malone, which apparently they have done already or are close to doing.  

And now, crushing my dreams, the Lightning has pulled off a deal for early negotiation rights with Mr. Brian Rolston.  Shame.  

Link here.  

 

Really a shame.

What is startling is the realization that the same Lightning franchise just made this same mistake only a few years ago.  As you probably remember, Tampa locked up three elite players, Vinny Lecavlier, Brad Richards, and Marty St. Louis.  When the salary cap era came along (and we are in its midst right now), Tampa had its entire payroll devoted to three men.  Now, they face the issue of how to pay the likes of Lecavlier, St. Louis, Rolston, Stamkos, and the disgustingly overpaid Ryan Malone and Vaclav Prospal.  Oh, and I didn't even mention that they have made no commitment to defense, and don't have a proven goalie with much starter experience.  

The only difference between the new Lightning is that this team will never win a Cup.

They'll make the playoffs this year, and then dump everything, and everyone, very, very soon.

Good luck to Ryan Malone and Gary Roberts.

I know this is not Pens related.  Roberts and Malone are the extent of it.

Go Pens.

Peace.

Brian Roltson

The Pens need wingers.  They need scorers.  They need team players who can be compatible with Sidney Crosby and Geno Malkin.  Brian Rolson meets all the criteria.

I just want to throw it out there again.  BRING HIM HERE.

BRIAN ROLSTON PLAYER PAGE.

Short posts.  I'm in Philthy right now, so give me a break.

BRIAN ROLSTON PLAYER PAGE.

DO IT SHERO.

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Possible Targets In Free Agency

In addition to the pole at top right, I have compiled a little shopping list of sorts consisting of possible players to fill in as top six wingers, playing beside Crosby and Malkin.   Keep in mind that the Pens could use players from within in some spots as well, namely Max Talbot on Crosby's left wing, but they will need to sign some players.  So here we go.  

Cory Stillman/Ottawa- A quality player who can give you top six minutes, and has done so in the past.  Stillman does have Stanley Cups to his resume, provides veteran leadership, and has proven a solid team player and goal scorer.  [Player Page]

Radim Vrbata/Nashville- Vrbata is a reliable player who is somewhat of a stranger to playing with superior playmakers like Crosby and Malkin.  He has still put up respectable numbers consistently over his career.  He is a defensive presence as well, making him even more attractive.  [Player Page]

Markus Naslund/Vancouver- Naslund has said in the past that he would enjoy playing with the likes of 87, and he has shown to be a fantastic talent, leader, and all around player.  Could the ghost of Alex Stojanov finally be put to rest?  We shall soon see.  If Naslund can be had for three million dollars or less, he should be brought in.  [Player Page]

Kristian Huselius/Calgary- A slick puck handler with some nice dangles in the bag, a good wrister, and solid speed.  His only downfall is his consistency, or lack thereof, and that poses as a question mark.  No doubt he has the skill, and he could tear it up with the Pens.  

[Player Page]

Michael Ryder/Montreal-  He is very similar to Huselius, in that he's a skill guy who has proven a good shooter with good speed, but his inconsistency is to a greater degree than maybe any other player in the NHL.  He is a question mark at best.  [Player Page]

Jaromir Jagr/NY Rangers- He doesn't really need a description, but I'll write one anyways.  A super player who can score, skate, and still be a star in the NHL even in his old age.  I would love little more than to see JJ back here next season.  [Player Page]

Miroslav Satan/NY Islanders- Has shown flashes (and contracts) of being a top tier player in the league, but he has underachieved all along, is a cancer in the dressing room, cares more about himself than the team, and is rather greedy.  [Player Page]

Marty Sraka/NY Rangers- Was great for the Pens 7 years ago, but appears to have already passed his best days.  He is a solid player, but I'm not sure he could do anything much, even on a line with great passers like Sid and Geno.  Still though, a great defensive presence.  [Player Page]

Sean Avery/NY Rangers-  I hate this guy, but I'd love him on the Pens.  A menacing forward, though sometimes crossing the line, who can shoot, score, and do most things on the ice very well.  The only issue is how the other players would react to him being there.  [Player Page]

Ruslan Fedetenko/NY Islanders- He has also shown that, surrounded by talent, he can put the biscuit in the basket.  "Feds" turned in a clutch performance in Game 7 of the 2004 Stanley Cup Finals, scoring Tampa's two goals in a 2-1 win over Calgary to claim hockey's holy grail.  Suffered on a dismal Isles squad last year.  [Player Page]

Niklas Hagman/Dallas- Was a disappointment to an extent in his first few seasons, but broke out last year playing with Morrow and Richards in Big D.  Hagman scored 27 goals, some clutch ones, and exemplified agility and good playmaking ability at times.  [Player Page]

And Hossa.

Georges Laraque Hosts OTR

Off The Record : June 23, 2008 : Up Front: Gary Roberts

Off the Record guest host Georges Laraque talks to his Penguins teammate about his future plans.

-Laraque actually owns a WWGRD wristband, lol. I never knew Laraque was a fan of The Pens Blog. Laraque asks Gary, "Do You ever smile?".

http://watch.tsn.ca/off-the-record/off-the-record---june-23-2008/#clip61928

Off The Record : June 23, 2008 : OTR Panel

The panel weighs in on Mats Sundin possibly going to the Habs and whether Leafs fans should be upset.

-Laraque raps Ice Ice Baby, by far the funniest part in the episode.

http://watch.tsn.ca/off-the-record/off-the-record---june-23-2008/#clip61925

Off The Record : June 23, 2008 : OTR Panel 2

Georges and the panel discuss if J.P. Ricciardi's days are numbered in Toronto.

-Laraque sings once again, which is hilarious. Laraque tries to sing, "Don't be fooled by the voice that I got.. I'm still, I'm still Georges is Laraque".

http://watch.tsn.ca/off-the-record/off-the-record---june-23-2008/#clip61926

Off The Record : June 23, 2008 : Next Question: Gary Roberts

Georges Laraque asks his Penguin teammate what would happen if he fought Chuck Norris.

-Gary Roberts takes 100 vitamins a day. Pretty funny segment.

http://watch.tsn.ca/off-the-record/off-the-record---june-23-2008/#clip61927

Off The Record : June 23, 2008 : Really OTR

Does the amount of diving in soccer have a negative impact on the sport? Guest host Georges Laraque and the panel discuss.

-Laraque watches soccer, who knew?

http://watch.tsn.ca/off-the-record/off-the-record---june-23-2008/#clip61924

Laraque Makes History

"Laraque is the first NHL player to host the show and just the sixth guest host in OTR’s 11-year run of nearly 2,600 episodes. Tonight’s show marks only the 15th time Landsberg has not been in the host’s chair. Over the years, TSN personalities James Duthie, Jennifer Hedger and Jay Onrait have hosted, as well as Toronto Argonauts CEO Mike ‘Pinball’ Clemons and former WWE Superstar Chris Jericho."

http://www.channelcanada.com/Article2275.html

ABOUT ME

-

Hi I'm Jeremiah and I am a Moderator at http://www.pensunderground.com/ I am a Pittsburgh Penguins Season Ticket Holder and I sit in Section D at the Igloo. I've loved the Pens my entire life. I went to my first game when I was about 5 years old. At my first game the Pens played the Detroit Red Wings we beat the Red Wings 4-2 and it was the greatest moment of my life. I've been hooked to hockey ever since my first game and I love the game immensly.

-

My favorite Penguins were Matthew Barnaby, Jaromir Jagr, Mario Lemieux, and Darius Kasparaitis. I've always enjoyed watching hard, tough hockey. The Fighting, the Scoring, the Hitting, the Passion, the Skating, the Saves and the Atmosphere make the sport exhilarating. Currently, I am a huge Mark Eaton and Jarkko Ruutu fan. I like Mark Eaton due to his shot-blocking, he isn't afraid to get injured and I like players who don't mind getting hurt inorder to help their team win. I also like Jarkko Ruutu. Ruuts is a tremendous player who loves to cause havoc. He's a great fighter and he lays down big hits which brings the crowd to its feet.

Silver Lining, A Contingency Plan of Sorts

OK, so we know that Marian Hossa is likely gone.  Not for sure, and we'd hope he's not, but it could be time to discuss the best steps forward now, and ways to turn this initial bitchslap, into something positive.  So here I go-

This gives the Pens room to sign long term guys like Malkin, Staal, and Fleury.

Maybe extend contracts to the likes of Petr Sykora or Sergei Gonchar.  

This gives the Pens room to go after any number of quality second tier wingers, who can be made into 30 goal scorers on lines with the best passers in the NHL, Crosby and Malkin.  Don't believe me?  RYAN MALONE.  Those two words should make you.  Still don't?  WARREN YOUNG.  I rest my case with this- Hagman, Brunette, NASLUND, Fedetenko, Jagr, Straka, Avery, STILLMAN, Huselius, Vrbata, and Ryder are all names that come to mind there. 

There is still a hope that Marian stays, but if not, the world will go on. 

The Pens are still the class of the East.  

And one last thing.  Marian, sir, if you are reading this, just remember that in May of 2009, the Penguins will be playing in the Stanley Cup Finals, and you have a chance to join them there, or if you so please, you can be back in Slovakia watching the Pens hoist the Cup without you, as you prepare for another failing campaign with the Boston Bruins.  

Just think about it.  

Marian Hossa Will Test UFA Waters

Life sucks.  No fun to be a Pens fan right about now.

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/penguins/s_573988.html

NOOOOOOOOSSSAAAAA!

Draft Day Buzz

Last night, the Pens did nothing at all in the NHL Draft.  Expect them to be more active today.  It is likely that Daryl Sydor will be moved for a pick, with Chicago being the likely destination.  Also, sources say that an offer is on the table for Ryan Whitney, which would send David Booth to the Pens from Florida along with a pick.

Hossa Deal May Be Coming Soon.

I have spoken to a higher up hockey writer who will remain anonymous, and he says that the deal will come within 36 hours maybe even within the day.  It's just spec at this point, but I think this could happen very soon.

PENGUINS. ARE. NOT. TRADING. MALKIN.

There are many people out there right now saying that Geno is going to L.A.

It is really starting to piss me off now.  And it should piss you off too.

There are rumors out there, and many of them, as you know. 

Greg at Puck Daddy, who I hold in the highest regard, has an article on this situation.

However, I am not going to be able to agree that this is going to happen.

Eugene Malkin is not going anywhere.

Eugene Malkin is not going anywhere.

Do you honestly think that Mister Raymond Shero is dumb enough to dish Malkin for Mike Cammaleri and a chance to select an unproven prospect in Drew Doughty?

It is just not happening.

Sorry L.A.  

Talk about a rough week in California.  First, their Lakers lose the NBA Finals in 6 games, and now they don't get Malkin.  But they were never getting Malkin.  They still aren't.

I know this post is just saying the same thing over and over again,but it needs to be said.

EVGENI MALKIN IS NOT GETTING TRADED.

Have a nice day.

And yes, I did make that video.  

Take that to the bank.

The Dog Days Of Summer

There is not much to speak of right now with regards to the Pens.  Hossa and Orpik are close to new deals, but you already know that, of course.  I just felt like now would be a good time to leave you with this video of Sid that I made today.

Pretty good, eh?  I have filmmaking skills, yes.  Hehe.

Go Pens.

Pens Will Find Room For Hossa

This offseason it is no secret at all that the Penguins have a tough task ahead of them.  They have a dozen unrestricted free agents on July 1st, most of whom made a meaningful contribution to last season's near run to the Cup.  Among those UFA's, meaning all of them, are Hossa, Bugsy Malone, Brooks Orpik, Kris Beech, Pascal Dupuis, Adam Hall, Georges Laraque, Gary Roberts, Jeff Taffe, and Jarkko Ruutu.  

Now, let's you and me both assume that Ryan Malone will be leaving, and with him, will go his 5 million dollar estimated future contract.  Per the Columbus Dispatch, the Pens and Blue Jackets are in preliminary negotiations regarding a deal that would send the Jackets the rights to discuss a contract with Malone, and possibly Orpik as well, in exchange for Columbus's first round pick, the 19th overall pick in this year's entry level draft.    

Orpik may or may not be gone, but that is beside the point.  What more likely could have an impact on whether other guys can stay is how much is paid to Staal, Malkin, and Fleury.  Those three alone should wind up, in a few years, making for a 15 million dollar cap hit minimally.  

Where does Marian Hossa figure into this situation?  

The Pens want Hossa to stay, and even more importantly, Sidney Crosby wants him to stay.  Yes, he will cost money, but some fellows I've spoken to online who are relatively familiar with the situation, and other sources on the web and on my radio, seem to think that 18 is at the top of the Pens priority list right now.  The Pens want him, and they will find a way to keep him.

Next year, he will return to his spot on Crosby's wing, and will rip it up for 100 points.  

Just a thought.

After all, he has proven to be worth his salt, and has shed his pesky old label as a playoff underperforming, choking dog.  Do you really want to miss out on more moments like this one?-

Geno Malkin Extension Coming.

In an interview at the NHL Awards Ceremony, EM71 expressly said that he wants to sign an extension with the Pens this offseason.  He says the deal should not come long after July 1st.  Also, he implies that the deal would likely be five or six years in duration, and that he would not require more money than his captain, Sidney Crosby.  If that is, in fact, true, the Pens just hit the jackpot.  

The article can be found at the Tribune Review.

Marian Hossa Will Stay

Self explaining title.  Discuss.

Talking Therrien

The sting of the defeat has begun to subside in me.  There is no way around the harshness inflicted upon me after losing the Stanley Cup to the boys from Murder City.  Still, the Wings deserved to win, and it has been well documented.  The Penguins came a long way and will have a bright future, also documented a good bit.  

One issue I feel has to be touched on is the woeful display of coaching in this Final by Michele Therrien, the Pens bench boss.  In the Pens road games vs. the Wings in the series, Therrien played into the Zetterberg vs. Crosby matchup, played into Babcock's pocket.  He essentially had to, being as the Pens had the first change on the road.  But, when the Pens came home, Therrien figured to have an ideal opportunity to get 87 away from the Conn Smythe winner, Zetterberg.  If MT had managed to do this, which should have been easy with the second change, Crosby would have had more time to work his magic as he did in game three of the tilt.  That was the only time in the series that Michele Therrien gave Sidney Crosby an opportunity to work with space and find his open men in the passing lanes.   Without Zetterberg and Datsyuk, it could have happened, but Therrien wrecked that with his coaching.  Babcock ran the changes and his bench well.  Therrien did it.  Not to mention that Therrien seemed to spend more time bitching about calls, and making himself look like a Flyers fan, than he did focusing on the game and how to win it.  

Now let's not forget that MT has coached the Pens into the Finals just two years and change into his tenure as Pittsburgh Penguins coach, and since the team was the worst in the NHL.  But don't be fooled and think it was all Therrien's doing, though he did help the cause at times.  It had more to do with the fact that the Pens boast three of the world's top 25 forwards, including the best in the world, Crosby, than it did with the man leading his team at practice and on the bench, in the dressing room.  

And the real kicker here against Therrien is that it has been said before, and speculated even more often, that many of the Penguins despise playing under his rule.  Among those rumored to dislike him are Brooks Orpik and Jordan Staal, particularly Orpik.  If Therrien is the coach, Orpik will not sign back with the Pens this summer.  If by some chance the Pens have a new coach, Orp will give it a thought at returning and passing up a few extra bucks on the open market.  

I THINK MIKE THERRIEN WAS THE BIGGEST SCAPEGOAT THIS SERIES FOR THE PENGUINS AND MAY BE FIRED THIS WEEK.   EARLIER, I FELT THAT I WANTED THERRIEN FIRED.  I HAVE COOLED.  THERE IS AN ADRENALINE RUSH SOMETIMES AFTER A BAD LOSS THAT TRIPS THAT REACTION.  BOTTOM LINE.  THERRIEN NEEDS TO WORK ON HIS IN GAME ADJUSTMENTS.

There I said it.  

Possible replacements for Therrien if Ray Shero sees as I do would include-

JOEL QUENNEVILLE- the recently fired coach of the Avalanche.  

BARRY MELROSE- ESPN analyst, former coach in NHL

RON WILSON- recently led Sharks to second best record in NHL

JOHN TORTORELLA- respected hockey man, led Lighting to Cup

PIERRE MCGUIRE- has said he'd be interested in coaching.  Rumor mill.

There is a possibility he goes.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Resign Hossa.  Resign Fleury.  Staal/Geno need extensions.  That is pretty self explanatory.

Thank You Penguins

Just a horrific effort tonight on home ice.  There is no point in anger now.  There is nothing left.  The fact is that everything that could have gone wrong tonight did go wrong.  The Pens were just beaten by a better team this series, plain and simple.  The Penguins gave it a hell of a fight to the very end.  But when the final score of the final game came out, it just became evident that the Pens were outplayed in every facet.  Outhit.  Outshot.  OUTCOACHED.  Outplayed.  You name it, the Wings did it this series.  

All of that said, this team will be back.  You know they will.  We have seen the last of some Pens now.  I won't speculate on who they are, but you know somebody will be gone.  

UPDATE:

I stopped writing after Sergei Gonchar scored his goal with a minute and change left.  The Penguins literally fought to the last second as I said before.  Henrik Zetterberg is the Conn Smythe winner.  Well deserved.  What a player he is.  The Pens fans are being very classy, showing their appreciation for a great season.  No sense in anger as was said.  

The Pens came a long way this season.  A hell of a long way.  

Congrats Wings.

More to come.  

Chills. Thoughts On Game 5

I took this at the game.

Anyways, this was one of the most exciting moments in Penguins history.  The best game ever played in the history of the franchise.  Here were my observations.

• Sidney Crosby is the best, easily.  He just leads by example.
• MARC ANDRE FLEURY arrived in Game 5.  What an effort.
• Malkin was awful again.
• Hossa was all over the place.
• Kennedy with a fantastic effort.
• Adam Hall was consistent all the way through.
• U.S.S. played his best game as a Penguin.
• Holmstrom is better than Franzen.
• Penguins showed incredible heart.
• THIS IS A SERIES AGAIN.
• THE PENS HAVE ALL THE MOMENTUM!
• GO GETTA!  
• WHOLE NEW SERIES!
• GAME 6 IS BIG TOO.
• WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOTWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOTTT!

This Is Why The Pensblog Is A Big Deal

WE HAVE HOPE.