Faceoff Factor

Lovejoy Sent Down As Boucher Returns

Justin Maffei | Pittsburgh Penguins

Dec 11, 07:19 PM | Hype this story!

Seth Rorabaugh’s Empty Netters is reporting that Philippe Boucher is returning tonight after nearly two weeks out of the line-up. As well as Lovejoy played, it was tough to see him and Goligoski as a defensive pairing. It will be nice to have some more veteran leadership back on the blueline.

Lovejoy played in two games for the Penguins and was nearly invisible. This is a good thing, because it means that he did not make any big mistakes. It is great to see young guys step up and take advantage of their opportunities. It is just a shame that the Penguins consistently has had to do that for the past two years. With how well Lovejoy played, it is going to be easier for Shero to let go of a defenseman if he decides to later in the year when everyone returns from their injuries.

The defensemen who will be on the roster if everyone stays healthy:
Whitney, Gonchar, Gill, Scuderi, Boucher, Letang, Goligoski, Eaton, Orpik

If the powerplay starts improving at some point, it may make Gonchar expendable. This would be huge as a return from Gonchar would be a very good player. Rorabaugh also mentions that the Pens may attempt to trade one or more of the following soon-to-be unrestricted free agents: Hal Gill, Rob Scuderi, and Philippe Boucher. I would say that Boucher is most likely. When Whitney returns, we will have four “offensive defensemen.” Those being Letang, Whitney, Goligoski, and Boucher. Add another OD when Gonchar returns. All of these defensemen are worthy of an NHL spot. However, so are Hal Gill, Rob Scuderi, Brooks Orpik, and to a lesser extent Mark Eaton. Eaton could be kept as a seventh defensemen, but some of these guys will have to be traded. They will not accept being sent down or being healthy scratches. The best move for the Penguins would be to trade Whitney or Gonchar and Boucher. The problem with trading Whitney is that he is much younger than Gonchar and could still turn out to be an excellent offensive defenseman. However, if last year has any foreshadowing to the future of Whitney, he needs to go. In return, another solid defensive defenseman would not be a bad idea and of course we could always use a winger who can actually play with Sid.