If Orpik Leaves
Mike Adams | Pittsburgh Penguins
Jun 6, 10:30 AM | 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
Tom
Jun 6, 11:51 AM
Mike, Letang is certainly a physical presence and loves to hit. He is not as big as Orpik, but is a much faster skater and skilful passer and puck handler (assuming that he can regain a starting position with the Pens). I should make a large offer to Orpik because he is an important player in the Pens defensive mix. With Letang and Goligoski, Whitney and Sydor become expendable and tradable if Sydor waives his no trade clause (I should think he would because he spent much time on the pine). Defensive lineup: Gonchar and Orpik; Letang and Gill; Goligoski and Scuderi? A savings of $6,500,000 against the cap, some good prospects and an improvement of the defense and offense. Goligoski needs the weight room and diet to gain ablut 20 pounds. Seems like a winning plan.
Dabich
Jun 6, 12:23 PM
Tom, I don’t think the Pens should give up on Whitney just yet. Something tells me there were issues between coaches and players big time this season. I say give him another whirl.
That said, I feel Letang is going to be a great defenseman for us. As you said, his speed is great, as is his puckhandling. We definitely should hold onto him.
But as to the issue…I hate to see Orpik go. he’s blossomed this year, just as Malone and Fleury have. The Pens should try everything they can to keep Brooksie.
stefanh
Jun 6, 12:28 PM
I wouldn’t replace him this summer. I do believe Goligoski is ready for the big club and with Letang, Whitney, Gonchar, Scuderi, Gill and Sydor under contract and so many other holes to fill I wouldn’t rush to get another expensive D. I expect Orpik to get 3.5-4M$ as a free agent I don’t know if he’s really worth that.
Jesse Marshall
Jun 6, 12:43 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, 01:40 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, 01:41 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.
Tom
Jun 6, 02:35 PM
Mike, Anyone who believes that Whitney or Sydor can play defense is clearly smoking something that I need to try. The whole cap problem is solved by ridding the Pens of their combined salary of $6,500,000. Goligoski is a better offensive defenseman that Whitney. He is faster, distributes the puck better, shoots as well and plays more responsiby without the many giveaways. Better still, he will be on a cheap rookie contract. My boxer Maggie plays better defense than Sydor.
Proposed defensive pairings:
Gonchar and Orpik
Letang and Gill
Eaton or Scuderi and Goligoski
Seven good defensemen, each line with a defender and an attacker (Letang is actually both), and at a cost savings of at least $5,000,000 which permits the Pens to keep Orpik, get a high draft pick and a top prospect. In my comment to Mike Wilson’s article, I point out how this works out financially.
Eric
Jun 6, 02:43 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, 02:49 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.
Tom
Jun 6, 02:51 PM
Eric, Sydor is slow. He constantly gives the puck away due to his weak passes and lack of vision for open forwards. He does not hit with any authority. He cannot clear the crease. His game has clearly seen better days. By the way, I thought he played miserably during the playoffs, making one give away after giving up takeaways and watching Wings pass by him to the goal like an express. I need what all of you apologists for these two stiffs are smoking.
Tom
Jun 6, 05:30 PM
Mike, Orpik is a uniquely physical player. $4,000.00 is certainly not an overpayment as is evidenced by your list of possible replacements. Can you get Pronger? (lol) (I can just imagine Letang playing in a pairing with Pronger. Who wants to skate against those two?) We must keep Orpik, Hossa and Fleury. For 2009-2010 we must keep Malkin and Staal.
Eric
Jun 6, 05:45 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.
Tom
Jun 6, 06:49 PM
Eric, I wasn’t suggesting a great return other than ridding the Pens of his salary and horrible defensive play. Whitney, Sydor, Sabourin and the right to deal with Conklin for a good prospect from Juniors or the AHL and a first round draft pick (e.g. Esposito and Atlanta’s first — not the one that came from the Pens). Orpik wants to stay, but cannot stay for peanuts.
Dabich
Jun 8, 10:17 AM
Someone please pass Tom some of that stuff to smoke, he’s literally begging for it ;)
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