If Orpik Leaves
Mike Adams | Pittsburgh Penguins
Jun 6, 12:30 PM | Hype this story!
I suspect Brooks Orpik has played his last game for the Pens. There are too many stories out there about his dislike of Mike Therrien, and he stands to get a huge payday. My guess is somebody is going to offer him more than Shero is willing to pay (a la Scott Hannan, Jay McKee, and we know how those turned out). So, operating on that assumption, what does Shero do?
The first option has to be the free agent market. Using the list at nhlnumbers.com, here are some guys that might be able to replace what Orpik brings to the table, along with this year’s salary:
Adam Foote: too expensive
Brad Stuart: probably too expensive, likes Detroit, and isn’t all that physical normally
Dmitri Kalinin: seems headed for Russia, but a possibility
Jason Smith: on the outs in Philly, gone if Hatcher returns
Mike Commodore: sucked in Ottawa, but a distinct possibility, plus he’s a righty
Jim Vandermeer: physical, but not very good
Branislav Mezei: possibility
Steve Montador: not good enough
Steve McCarthy: not physical, but maybe a good fit
Kurt Sauer: another possibility, but not overly physical
Rob Davison: played physical against the Pens, but not a regular type of player
I highlighted the guys I think would be the best fit. Right now, the Pens would have only Hal Gill as a physical presence on the blue line, so one more guy willing to hit is a good idea. A guy like Smith might be a great fit, if he’s cheap enough and on a short contract. Otherwise, maybe Mezei or Kalinin might work. Of course, a trade is always possible, too. In any event, Shero certainly needs to address this need if Orpik does indeed bolt.
Comments
Dabich
Jun 6, 02:23 PM
Tom, I don’t think the Pens should give up on Whitney just yet. Something tells me there were issues between coaches and players big time this season. I say give him another whirl.
That said, I feel Letang is going to be a great defenseman for us. As you said, his speed is great, as is his puckhandling. We definitely should hold onto him.
But as to the issue…I hate to see Orpik go. he’s blossomed this year, just as Malone and Fleury have. The Pens should try everything they can to keep Brooksie.
stefanh
Jun 6, 02:28 PM
I wouldn’t replace him this summer. I do believe Goligoski is ready for the big club and with Letang, Whitney, Gonchar, Scuderi, Gill and Sydor under contract and so many other holes to fill I wouldn’t rush to get another expensive D. I expect Orpik to get 3.5-4M$ as a free agent I don’t know if he’s really worth that.
Jesse Marshall
Jun 6, 02:43 PM
Mike, I’d love to see the Pens push for John-Michael Liles.
He isn’t physical like Orpik, but he’s a great defender.
Mike Adams
Jun 6, 03:40 PM
Jesse, from the things I have read, they are ready to run Liles out of town on a rail in Denver. I’m not sure whether he would be a big help or not. I always viewed him as a power play specialist who is weak defensively. We have enough of those types already. I think they need to bring in a more solid defensive presence. That is something that is certainly lacking in the organization right now.
Aron
Jun 6, 03:41 PM
Totally agree, Orpik is probably gone. However, it’s way too early to give up on Whitney. Right now going with Gonchar-Sydor, Whitney-Scuderi, Letang-Gill is not too shabby. Goligoski should spend one more year in the AHL...as the first callup guy when someone gets injured or when someone spends extended time in the HCMT doghouse. Gogo will then replace Gonchar the following year when Gonchar is a FA.
Eric
Jun 6, 04:43 PM
Tom, the notion that Sydor is an incapable defender is just absurd. He stepped in during the finals and performed admirably. Granted, there were a few mistakes and miscues, but show me a hockey player without any faults. No one is perfect, and he played exceptionally well considering he hadn’t played in a game for around 2 months or so.
Pens1967
Jun 6, 04:49 PM
FWIW, Orpik said in an interview today that he “doesn’t need a lot” to be happy. On his relationship with Therrien, he dismissed the rumor started by the Toronto Sun columnist.
If you believe Orpik has always been pretty honest with the media, then you can assess its credibility in that light.
Eric
Jun 6, 07:45 PM
The only way I see Orpik staying, and this will sound dumb to as the way it comes out. But, if they let him test the waters or get a sense of what other teams could be offering – I think he could easily be tempted to go elsewhere. If they can get to him before that, then I like his chances to stay. Pretty obvious thinking, but I think that’s the key to him sticking around.
P.S. Trading Whitney and his new salary would be tough, plus I think he’s worth more to keep than to deal. You probably wouldn’t get an equal return for him.
Dabich
Jun 8, 12:17 PM
Someone please pass Tom some of that stuff to smoke, he’s literally begging for it ;)
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