Possible Penguin Deadline Targets
Zach Boslett | Pittsburgh Penguins
Feb 8, 04:03 PM | Hype this story!
TSN has a great breakdown of each team’s upcoming free agents, top prospects, and other information.
For our purposes, we’ll stick to the Pittsburgh Penguins, whose defensive struggles have been well documented this year.
One could say they miss Rob Scuderi and Hal Gill. Or maybe they could also use some help on the wings, with an inconsistent Bill Guerin, an invisible Ruslan Fedotenko, and a bevy of grinders filling scoring roles.
Below is a list of possible players the Penguins would be wise to target. Please be reminded that this is pure speculation on my part and these names do not reflect any rumors being circulated.
On offense:
- Ray Whitney, Carolina (2010 UFA)
Whitney is likely going to be too pricey for the Penguins. Carolina is asking for a 1st round pick. He is now the top forward with Ilya Kovalchuk now gone, and the bidding war will likely put the Pens out of the picture – although there are rumors of him wanting to come to Pittsburgh.
What he would cost: 1st round pick or Goligoski
- Alexei Ponikarovsky, Toronto (2010 UFA)
Ponikarovsky would also be pretty expensive due to the lack of sellers this year. He is having a good season and could also be retained after season if he fits in with the team.
What he would cost: 2nd round pick and a prospect OR 1st round pick
- Raffi Torres, Columbus (2010 UFA)
Torres is having a very good season on a poor Columbus team. He is always a bit of an injury risk but he provides a nice scoring touch around the net and could probably be retained if the price is right. He makes the team tougher to play against and is a great playoff player – a big part of the Edmonton Cup run.
What he would cost: 2nd round pick
- Patrick O’Sullivan, Edmonton (Signed through 2011)
O’Sullivan is a very talented player who has not been a good fit in Edmonton so far in his inconsistent career. He is quick and has a good shot and might be available on the cheap. He is signed through next season and is an RFA after that so he would not be a rental but a buy low type candidate to replace Fedotenko or Guerin next season.
What he would cost: 2nd round pick and a prospect
- Keith Tkachuk, St. Louis (2010 UFA)
Tkachuk could be this year’s Guerin. Last season Guerin was acquired on the cheap and found new life on a Stanley Cup contender. The same might be the case with Takachuk, though he has slowed significantly in his older age. Even so, he remains as tough as ever and would be great in front of the net on the PP.
What he would cost: Draft pick – maybe a conditional 2nd or similar
- Nikolai Kulemin, Toronto (2010 UFA)
Kulemin has been off to a slow start in Toronto so far in his career and could use a change of scenery. He is not a Brain Burke-type player (typically N. American, big, physical, willingness to fight – see: Anaheim Ducks), making him even more likely to be traded.
What he would cost: 3rd round pick OR a mid-level prospect.
- Teemu Selanne, Anaheim (2010 UFA)
Selanne is most everyone’s dream in Pittsburgh, but he seems a very unlikely possibility. Selanne could want a last chance at another Stanley Cup ring and if so, Pittsburgh should be his #1 choice with at least 1 spot open in their top 6.
What he would cost: Anaheim will ask for Letang but a 1st or 2nd round pick is probably more appropriate for a 39 year old injury risk.
- Alex Tanguay, Tampa Bay (2010 UFA)
Tanguay is an interesting idea. He is on a cheap contract and is having a down year for an average Tampa Bay squad. He could be dynamic with Crosby because he can pass with the best of them as well as use his great shot to bury goals.
What he would cost: 2nd round pick – he’s not the same player that fetched a 1st and 2nd round pick in 2008
- Maxim Afinogenov, Atlanta (2010 UFA)
Afinogenov has been rumored to the Penguins for years and this year is no different. He signed a cheap contract with Atlanta in hopes of developing chemistry with Kovalchuk,. Mission accomplished and his value has not been this high since 2006. He could play with Malkin and his speed could be a welcome addition to the Penguins’ top 6.
What he would cost: 2nd round pick and a mid-level prospect
- Steve Ott, Dallas (2010 UFA)
Ott is another forward who is a Shero type guy – tough, physical, and likes to push the boundaries of dirty play. He is among the most hated players in the league – that is, if he plays for an opponent. While not a prototypical scoring winger, Ott would add another nasty element to the third line, allowing Jordan Staal to remain with Malkin on the second line.
What he would cost: 2nd round pick or a mid-level prospect
On defense:
- Andrew Alberts, Carolina (One more year at $1.5 mil)
Alberts was terrible last season for Philadelphia in the playoffs but has rebounded with a solid season on a terrible Hurricanes team. He’s a big, physical defensemen who is very cheap. His lack of speed can be exposed by quick teams, but the Penguins have enough speedy defensemen to over for him.
What he would cost: Mid round pick or middling prospect
- Jan Hejda, Columbus (One more year at $2 mil)
Hejda is one of the most underrated defensemen in the league. He is as solid as it gets positionally, plays physical, and he blocks shots. He is signed for next year and has a cheap cap hit. He is my choice for the Penguins to target.
What he would cost: 2nd round pick
- Andy Sutton, New York Islanders (2010 UFA)
Sutton is physical but is also big and slow. He could fit in Pittsburgh in a Hal Gill role but against a team like the Capitals, he could be a big liability. If the Islanders fall out of it, which looks like it has already happened, he will be traded, and the Penguins could be suitors.
What he would cost: Mid round pick
- Carlo Colaiacovo, St. Louis (2010 UFA)
Colaiacovo is a quick two-way defensemen who could be had for very little. If St. Louis falls short of the playoffs, they may choose to sell off some of their veterans to make room for their young players to mature.
What he would cost: 3rd to 4th round pick
- Garnet Exelby, Toronto (2010 UFA)
Exelby has been pretty poor in Toronto, making him a risk to bring in, but this could also be a “change of scenery” type move we saw with Gill a few years back. If Shero thinks he has anything left in the tank he could be very cheap.
What he would cost: Late round pick
- Dan Hamhuis, Nashville (2010 UFA)
Hamhuis, the best player on the list, is also the least likely. Nashville is in a race for the playoffs and may not be willing to move him. However, they have immense depth on defense and could seek to use him as a way to improve another area of their roster. Shero target in the offseason if not the deadline.
What he would cost: A roster player and/or prospect capable of contributing now
- Milan Jurcina, Columbus (2010 UFA)
Jurcina would come cheap but as with all of the cheap defensemen, there are significant holes in his game. At best, he should be one of the last resorts for Shero if other defensemen are too pricey or unavailable.
What he would cost: Late round pick
My Choices
If I am Ray Shero – and let’s be clear, I am not — my first call is to Columbus. They are clearly sellers at this point, and they have some attractive commodities. Their talent has been misused under oppressive coach Ken Hitchcock, and they are unlikely to move any of their young players (although I would ask for the price on Filatov just in case…).
I would ask about Hejda, their most consistent defensemen. He is physical, he blocks shots, and he is rarely out of position. He averages 3:26 of shorthanded icetime per game and would be more than welcome on this team.
I would also ask about Torres to see if a deal for the both could be worked out.
Tanguay is another player that would be high on my list. While his play of late has been less than stellar, he could ressurct his career playing alongside Crosby, who is capable of setting up linemates for goals or converting on passes from linemates.
Hamhuis is another defensemen that could be the missing piece. If he is available, then Shero should definitely ask the price.
In Shero I Trust.
Comments
SprJudd
Feb 8, 04:24 PM
Solid list you’ve put together, but if I’m Shero (and I too acknowledge I am not), I make the following calls (in this order):
1. Dallas – Ask about James Neal (W), Ott & Mark Fistric (D).
2. St. Louis – Ask about Barret Jackman (D). I mean, you never know until you ask.
3. Columbus – Ask about Jurcina, Torres & Hejda.
4. LA – Ask about Alex Frolov (who’s always rumored available) and some of their D (of which they have plenty).
I don’t know what it would take to acquire any of those guys, but you should at least ask, right?
clefevre
Feb 8, 04:30 PM
I’d take Hejda + Torres. Torres was awesome for the Oilers in their cup run. He’d be a welcome addition to Malkin’s line – and one hell of a line if it was Staal / Malkin / Torres.
Matt Bodenschatz
Feb 8, 04:40 PM
@Sprjudd, I personally like dealing with teams out of contention, as they are more likely to seek prospects and/or picks as compensation. Therefore, we’re looking at adding to the roster while not subtracting anything. For those reasons, I stay away from LA.
In Dallas, Neil would be an ideal young winger for Crosby or Malkin. Ott would be a great sandpaper addition to a third line that already is tough to play against. Fristic, I must say, I know little about.
In St. Louis, Jackman’s $3.625 per year is more than I’d be willing to add to a team already thin on cap space for defensemen. I like the idea, don’t like the subtractions necessary to make it work this season, and then for the two additional years on his contract.
In Columbus, Hejda and Torres are my targets. Torres may not be a prototypical sniper, but he has better hands in front of the net than any of the Penguins’ current players — plus he’s willing and able to take a beating in front of the goal. That’s something we’ve missed since Malone left. Hejda, as Zach says, is that defensive defenseman the Penguins need. Right now, this is my ideal trade partner.
I also wouldn’t be opposed to looking into a trade with Anaheim for Selanne and soon-to-be RFA James Wisniewski. This, however, would require a decent return, and Wisniewski is apparently seeking a near-$4 million contract extension this summer. That simply won’t happen in the ‘Burgh.
clefevre
Feb 8, 04:48 PM
If you add Ott, who is off the 3rd line (if that is where he goes)?
Mike Adams
Feb 8, 05:02 PM
Speaking of Columbus, what about Fredrik Modin? I saw they plan to ask him to waive his NTC, and he’d probably be willing to hop over to Pittsburgh. The risk with him is health, but when he plays, he’s a dangerous winger. He might be a cheap pickup.
Matt Bodenschatz
Feb 8, 05:19 PM
@Clefevre, adding Ott would come with the assumption that Staal is a permanent fixture on the second line. Therefore, my third line would be Cooke-Ott-Kennedy. That’s one nasty line.
@Mike, at $3.25, he’s not too expensive, but his injury history worries me. If Shero could swing a deal for him and also add a defenseman, I’m all for it. I just don’t want the deadline to pass without adding some much needed defensive stability.
And, I’ll be honest, the more I think about it, the more I think Shero may deal Goligoski for a young, affordable winger, then add not just one, but two defensemen to his rotation.
Chris A
Feb 8, 06:16 PM
Great read Zach. A few comments:
1. As an Oil fan I have seen plenty of O’Sullivan first hand and he definitely has some good offensive skills. His defensive game is crap though and I think his salary is a little high. If Feds was gone in his place that would mean a $1M+ increase in cap hit for the Pens next season.
2. I prefer to see Shero bring in a defenseman, so if he does go after a winger I hope it’s Afinogenov so there is also cap room left to bring in a dman. If it only takes a 2nd or 3rd round pick to get him…get it done.
3. I’d also love to see Selanne become a Pen but Letang or a 1st is waaaaaay too high a price. 2nd rounder? Get it done.
4. I really hope it’s a Dman that Shero targets. Hejda would be an amazing pickup for the Pens. As an Oil fan I really really really really miss him (and Mike Green). If the Oil had those two instead of Souray and Staios I would be a much happier Edmontonian. If the Pens manage to grab him I hope they re-sign him long(ish) term.
5. Finally, according to NHLSourcesSay on Twitter a deal is in place for the Pens to get Moreau from Edmonton. Oh God I hope that’s not true. As an Oil fan I’m dying for him to be gone but as a Pens fan I think I would curse Ray Shero’s name if this happens…unless of course there are additional pieces in the trade that make it worthwhile.
Ray aka WildcatRay
Feb 8, 06:17 PM
Sunday’s Cols Dispatch did have a mention that Shero was there last week, so, it would not be unreasonable to conclude he has interest in at least one Blue Jacket.
SprJudd
Feb 8, 06:20 PM
@Matt – Good point about LA, but I still see them as matching up as a decent trade partner because the Pens and Kings could each fill holes on the other roster. I agree about not wanting to deal much with contenders though.
As for Barret Jackman, I’m not saying it’d be an easy fit, but there’s no doubting he’s the type of defender that could help turn the defensive woes of the Pens.
As for Fistric, he’s a +15 and has a bit of a mean streak to him. He’s never going to be an all-star, but the Pens don’t need an all-star on defense right now. Frankly, they need some surly bastards who make life difficult for the opposition. And if the Pens could somehow land Neal, Ott & Fistric without giving up too much, I’d do it. With Dallas being very budget conscious, I could see some combo of TK, Max, Gogo, mid-round picks, or D prospects (like Lovejoy or Guenin) being enough to do it – though not all of those things. TK was good early and has a great motor, but he hasn’t been contributing much lately and the Pens need wingers who do more than blast a 50’ slapper into a goalie’s glove whenever they have the puck.
I agree that Columbus would be a good trade partner (I think Columbus and Dallas are the 2 teams Shero should be calling first). I don’t know too much about Hejda, but I do know Jurcina and I like him. I don’t know if it would be feasible to bring in both of those guys (Lord knows it couldn’t hurt with the defensive play of the last couple months), but I’d ask if I were GM. I like Jurcina; I thought he was good with the Bruins, and believe the Caps made a big mistake in sending him to Columbus.
Wisniewski is a guy I also like, but not for the money he wants. I believe it is more important to keep Letang around than to bring in Wisniewski and pay him that money. I think Letang will be a star, and he has been the most consistent blueliner the Pens have had all season.
Pens1967
Feb 8, 06:36 PM
I won’t be surprised if old friends Fletcher and Shero don’t work out a deal between their teams.
Of the teams mentioned, Dallas probably fits best with what the Pens need. I think Goligoski will be the trade bait. My sense is he’s the person least important to “the room” as well.
bag o' pucks
Feb 8, 06:53 PM
Great synopsis, Zach. I agree that Torres & Hejda are the likely initial targets of the Pens. Shero has shown us what he wants in scoring line wingers: character guys with a physical edge who forecheck like the devil, have decent hands, and create space for El Sid & Geno to work their magic.
He traded for Kunitz & Tangradi, he drafted Veilleux & Caputi. All of those guys, to varying degrees and ability, fit that mold. The Pens won’t be rostering any $7M wingers (har har). They’ll have to make do with this recipe.
That, to me, says Torres would be his preference. If he loses out on Torres I think he’ll accept dealing for Poni. Hejda is having an off season, I think he’s a guy for whom a change of scenery would work, as Matt mentions.
I also see Gogo as the piece gone by deadline day. That would be a certainty that a d-man will be in the return. No way do the Pens go into the playoffs with Skoula as the #6. I also hope the rumors about Moreau are false.
Pens1967
Feb 8, 06:59 PM
I think the rumors about Moreau started with Eklund. One of the hockeybuzz bloggers mentioned a potential Moreau/Brule/Fedex trade, but not sure if that was based on Eklund or visa versa.
bag o' pucks
Feb 8, 07:13 PM
If the Moreau rumors started with Eklund then we have nothing to worry about. Hockeybuzz is good comedy, that’s about it.
Moq
Feb 8, 07:18 PM
Dallas Stars have some uncertainties regarding their future, but they’re not trading Neal or Benn. Ott and Fistric may have some traction if they fall out of the playoff race.
Generally, I’ll take the “expect little and hope for a surprise” route to the trade deadline (and I usually get it wrong anyway). Hence my guess is Hnidy from Minnesota and Svatos from Colorado. Hopefully that isn’t too optimistic.
Chris A
Feb 8, 07:21 PM
@ Pens and Bag – I hope you’re right. The only way I could see Shero dealing for Moreau is if it’s a deal with some other centerpiece (O’Sully or Nilsson for example) and the Pens have to take Moreau as well. If this were the case, I’m sure Moreau would immediately be waived and sent to WBS.
Jeff
Feb 8, 07:24 PM
Ott and Brunnstrom. Playoff rental + young winger with potential we could afford to keep long term.
Matt Bodenschatz
Feb 8, 07:30 PM
I was talking to Zach as we put this piece together, and my words to him just before publishing were that I have a strong feeling Goligoski is as good as gone. I even mentioned this to Dabich in an IM conversation this evening.
As Pucks says, he seems to be the least important to the room, his defense has been regressing, and Letang’s game has been improving. Factor all of that in with that fact that his value remains high around the league (just as Whitney’s did one year ago, despite Pens fans’ claims), and he seems very likely to be dealt.
If I’m Shero — and I’m not, though some of you may think otherwise — I call Dallas first. Starting point is Goligoski for Neal. If it can’t get done one-for-one, we added pieces. “I’ll throw in a 3rd rounder if you add Karlis Skrastins,” I’d say. I’d also be fine with Fristic, as his profile fits the mold of what is needed — even though I’m more interested in veterans for the blueline.
Plan B is to call Columbus and see who can be pried. My senses are telling me and have been telling me that Torres will be a Penguin at the deadline and, hopefully, for years to come. Hejda seems to be the ideal player to include in a package. What goes to Columbus? I’m not sure — but I’d be shy about sending roster players, especially Goligoski, for such a package.
My prediction, as of right now — and let’s be honest, it will change by the time I hit the pillow tonight — is that Goligoski is traded, Skoula is waived, and Shero brings in a young scoring winger on an affordable contract, and two defensemen, prerably of the veteran mold, with at least one being signed through next season at a reasonable rate.
This team has problem areas that need patched. As a whole, the Penguins are fine, but as constructed, they won’t go far in the playoffs. Shero is keenly aware of what his team’s needs are, and I can all but guarantee he will get the team back to the way he wants it: physical and defensive, yet explosive on offense.
Lastly, regarding Ethan Moreau, scratch that. He makes $2 million per year and has one year left. He’s a fourth liner with four goals this season. The Penguins already have him. His name is Craig Adams, and he makes little over league minimum. Shero won’t be wasting valuable dollars on holes that already are being filled.
Jane
Feb 8, 08:33 PM
Matt, I’m not sure about Shero dealing Goligoski. The coaching staff seems pretty high on him. Isn’t he thought of as the future power play quarterback?
Pens1967
Feb 8, 09:00 PM
Dallas is reported to want a puck-moving defenseman. Goligoski fits that bill plus the Stars had a good experience trading with the Pens getting Zubov. Don’t forget last year in the playoffs, Bylsma chose Phillipe Boucher over Gogo. I think the surprising showing by Despres in training camp might have made Gogo expendable.
Shero might get a winger, but offense isn’t the problem, it’s defense. If Talbot can’t come back and be effective, I’d be happy with a second line of Malkin-Feds-Nick Johnson. Nick Johnson showed he has the speed and skill to keep up with Malkin and is defensively responsible. Malkin seemed to like playing with him as well. The 4th line would be Dupuis-Adams- Rupp.
Pens1967
Feb 8, 09:14 PM
Someone mentioned it on LGP, but I was also thinking about the Pens making a play for one of the Kostitsyn brothers in Montreal.
Sergei, the younger brother, seems to have fallen out of favor there.
Zach Boslett
Feb 8, 09:54 PM
Sergei fell out of favor because he couldn’t beat out Darche, Pacioretty, and D’Agostini for a roster spot at the beginning of the year and whined about it…
Pass on Kostitsyn the lesser.
Dallas has a ton of depth on the wing and almost no centers or puck moving defensemen outside the very raw Vishnevsky. If they lose Ribiero or Richards, either to trade or injury, their next top center is the rapidly aging Modano and the marginal prospect Tom Wandell.
Maybe Goligoski and a center prospect (Letestu, Jeffrey) for Neal + Fistric? Skrastins?
Also, I will riot if Moreau comes to Pittsburgh unless Shero plans on just accepting him as a salary dump he plans on waiving or as a minor part of a bigger deal.
SprJudd
Feb 8, 10:31 PM
@Zach – That is exactly why I think the Stars and Pens are perfect trade partners: they have the parts in place to fill the roster holes on the other team. With the Stars being cost-conscious and Letestu looking NHL-ready, I’d think Gogo and one of Max Talbot, Craig Adams, Dustin Jeffrey, or Mark Letestu would be the most likely to be sent out for Neal & Fistric. With Cooke’s impending UFA status, Ott may also be a good guy to add to a deal like that (though I don’t know Ott’s contract status).
If I’m Ray Shero (and I openly admit I am not), if Nieuwendyk is willing to give me Ott, Neal & Fistric for Gogo, Max/Letestu/Jeffrey & a 3rd to 5th round pick, I take it. I can understand concern that a deal like that would be taking away from the future, but the Pens are the defending Cup champs. Sure, they want to contend in the future, but you’re kidding yourself if you think they aren’t in “win now” mode right now too.
Pens1967
Feb 8, 10:54 PM
I think there would be a riot in the Pens’ locker room if Talbot was traded. He’s one of those glue guys that one might think is expendable, but is actually a key cog.
Zach, I don’t know much about S Kostitsyn, but he’s only 22 and might benefit from just a change of scenery.
bag o' pucks
Feb 8, 11:02 PM
@Moq, I saw LeBrun on ESPN.com hypothesize Svatos to the Pens and thought that was interesting, too.
@Sprjudd, the Pens are definitely in “win now” mode, but unlike some of his contemporaries (i.e., Holmgren) he will not sacrifice the entire future to win. Shero wants to win now and have sustainable success. Once he and Botteril are comfortable they’ve internally identified the best of this group of prospects, they’ll start dealing the rest to fill holes on the roster while those who remain continue to develop and are promoted intermitently. In Shero we trust.
SprJudd
Feb 8, 11:22 PM
@Pens1967 – I seem to recall people saying the same things about Colby Armstrong. I’m not saying the Pens definitely will (or definitely should) trade Max. I like him, I want him to stick around. But I also have no delusions that he’s untouchable – and I bet he doesn’t either.
@Bag – I agree that Shero won’t mortgage away the future of the Pens to win now. But think about it: they have Sid, Geno & Staal – they can trade a center prospect and be fine. I’m not advocating that Shero trade away Tangradi, Caputi, Despres, or a few others. Letestu is a prime example of trade bait: he appears NHL-ready as a scoring line center, but the best he could ever do in Pittsburgh is 3rd line C – and that is only if one of Sid, Geno, or Staal is moved to wing. These are the sorts of assets the Pens have to move and that other teams need.
The Pens have strong organizational depth at C and they have a few NHL-ready defenders to go with guys on the NHL roster who may be available. Those are the gaping holes the Dallas Stars have. And while moves may be unpopular with the fans, you have to give something to get something and fans seem to forget about it when the team wins.
I understand reluctance to see certain players go – as fans, we develop certain attachments to certain players. But at the same time, it is a business and that business is winning. If Shero thinks it’ll put the team in better position to win, he’s going to pull the trigger.
Pens1967
Feb 9, 07:59 AM
LOL! Right on schedule a glowing story about Goligoski in today’s P-G. However, Dallas’ Fistric suffered a knee injury and will have arthroscopic surgery today and be out until at least after the Olympic break.
I can definitely see a kid like Dustin Jeffrey being included in a trade. I don’t see Caputi, Tangradi or Johnson going anywhere. They’re the reason Shero has been giving 1 yr contracts to older wingers, just waiting for them to get a bit more experience in WBS. Talbot isn’t untouchable, but he’s just one of those guys who is invaluable to have on a team. Plus, he’s got a knack for playing his best when it really counts, not to mention he’s been hurt most of the year.
Jesse Marshall
Feb 9, 10:36 AM
I’m not good at guessing trades or rumors, but you gotta think that a defenseman is on the list.
What about Goligoski for one of Modin/Huselius and Fedor Tyutin?
Pens1967
Feb 9, 10:44 AM
FTR, Ott just had an emergency appendectomy and will be out for awhile. Spector reports Stars will be on about a 45M budget and might try and re-sign Neal – or maybe not. That could mean they’d entertain trade offers for him.
I think Gogo will be the bargaining chip, though.
Matt Bodenschatz
Feb 9, 10:55 AM
@Pens, I agree about Talbot. He’s tradable, but at this point, his value is so low that it makes no sense. Who wants a player that has proven incapable of staying healthy this season? This would be a classic case of trading low.
@Jesse, If Goligoski goes, I think Shero will seek young talent with affordable contracts or capable of being re-signed. Your suggestion isn’t terrible — but Huselius alone makes nearly $5 million and is locked up through 2012, Tyutin makes nearly $3 million and is locked up through 2012, and Modin makes $3.25 and is an injury prone impending free agent. Shero would have to move significant salary to add any two of those players, plus adding a player like Modin is a risk because of his injury history and the risk of losing him to free agency.
@Pens, if they’re willing to deal Neal, Goligoski is the perfect trade chip. Maybe it could be an even swap, or maybe Shero could include a 2nd rounder and a center prospect like Jeffrey to get Skrastins back in return.
Goligoski, Jeffrey, and a 2nd for Neal and Skrastins makes a lot of sense for both teams.
Pittsburgh gets an affordable shutdown defender under contract for one more year and a scoring winger for Malkin or Crosby. Dallas gets the power play quarterback they have coveted since Zubov went downhill, some center depth, and a draft pick.
Natty Lite
Feb 9, 10:56 AM
Good Stuff!
I also agree that Go-go is Go-gone at the deadline. Yes, he has great offensive talent, but on a team loaded with offensive talent, I see him being the odd man out. I agree that the coaching staff favors him, but as I’ve said before, he really doesn’t fit the Shero “mold”. He is not physical, he shies away from hits and he doesn’t go to the “dirty” spots for the puck.
With Letang looking more like the future of the Penguin defense with Depres, I really think he’s gone.
I really like Torres and Hejda. Columbus being in the west, and in sell mode, makes it ideal to get these two guys. Couple that with the recent interest over the last few games with the Penguins scouting staff in Columbus, it looks like one or both of these two could be headed across the turnpike.
Rumor was that Dallas had a scout at the last WB/S game, so it’s a good possibility one of our young centers could be heading for some fun in the desert too.
I love the trade deadline time!
bag o' pucks
Feb 9, 11:34 AM
@Matt, I don’t dislike that deal, but I’m skeptical that the Stars are willing to deal Neal. Then again, I certainly don’t know what Newie’s plans are, either. I don’t really track the Stars.
Regarding Jeffrey, I think other clubs will be aware that his offense really took off when he was moved to LW. Is he really still a centerman prospect? Probably depends on who you ask.
@Sprjudd. I agree with your assessment, though I wonder if Letestu would garner any interest outside of the org. At three years younger, Jeffrey might be more tradeable, but see above on DJ – LW or C?
Pens1967
Feb 9, 12:45 PM
I remember reading stories during training camp about how well Despres played despite being barely 18. I got the impression the Pens were happily surprised that Depres might not be 3-4 years away as they thought but maybe only a year or 2 away. I think that is what makes Goligoski a tradeable asset. Remember Shero gave him a nice 3 yr extention last year on the idea that he’d be an important part of the team going forward.
SprJudd
Feb 9, 02:15 PM
@Bag O’ Pucks – Jeffrey may be the younger guy, but I see Letestu as having more offensive upside. The problem for the Stars (as somebody noted above) is that the Stars have no offensive centers beyond Richards & Riberio. Yes, they have Modano, but he’s not what he used to be and may retire soon. The Stars are so strapped for centers that they’ve been trying to move Neal there temporarily. And really, for a cost-conscious team like Dallas, Letestu doesn’t earn much, has good offensive upside, and – in my opinion at least – looks more ready to step into a top 6 role than Jeffrey. Jeffrey projects to be a bottom 6 guy in my mind.
Bottom line is that the Pens have excellent organizational depth at center thanks to Crosby, Malkin & Staal. If another team wants a guy like Letestu or Jeffrey and can fill a big roster need for the Pens – pull the trigger.
@Pens1967 – The solid play of Despres was very encouraging for the Pens, but I think Lovejoy makes Gogo a more tradeable asset. Lovejoy doesn’t have the offensive game of Gogo, but he does have some offensive touch, he’s far more stout defensively, skates well, is a right-handed shot, and is NHL-ready. If the Pens retain Gonchar & Letang, they’ll have guys who can QB the PP in Pittsburgh with Chris Lee & Simon Despres developing.
Zach Boslett
Feb 9, 02:35 PM
@SprJudd I know what you’re trying to say but Chris Lee is awful. He is not a prospect and should never be looked at as anything other than depth for WBS.
The Stars have Morrow, Eriksson, Neal, Benn, Lehtinen, Brunnstrom, Ott all at wing this season.
Brunnstrom has been a disappointment this year but I personally don’t want him in Pittsburgh because he is not what Pittsburgh needs right now.
Depres was very impressive at rookie camp and even now in the Q. His team is the top team I believe in the entire junior ranks and he is the anchor of that team.
Grant was partnered with him last year in St. Johns so maybe when Depres makes the jump to the AHL, where he will likely start, he could allow Grant the chemistry to show off his considerable skills.
Even with Fistric getting surgery I wouldn’t rule out a deal. He is young and Shero would likely look to keep him around for quite a bit longer than just a playoff run.
Jeffrey began the first 1/3 of the season at center while Letestu was hurt so he can definitely play their – his points were more of him having a full season in the pros to adjust and the chemistry he has with Letestu, Jeffrey, and Johnson.
bag o' pucks
Feb 9, 02:46 PM
The Pens are strong at center in the NHL, not so much beyond that. Letestu has been great in the A, but DJ’s been riding shotgun on LW. Before being injured, Veilleux had been moved to RW. Vitale still plays center but he’s a 4th liner in the NHL at best (and the likely successor to Craig Adams in 2011). Zabotel has played both LW & center in his brief career.
So, outside of the big three, the Pens aren’t as solid as it appears down the middle. Understandably, they’ve focused on developing wingers.
That said, if someone wanted Letestu or Jeffrey in a deal, I agree, use them. Jeffrey’s a tweener. Some offensive talent, but not enough to be a top-sixer in the NHL, and he’s not gritty enough to be a Shero-type bottom-sixer, either. I’m not convinced I see a place for him in Pittsburgh.
As for Chris Lee, he’s a journey-man minor-leaguer, not a prospect. Lee will most likely be gone next season, either to another AHL squad or Europe.
spider lockhart
Feb 9, 02:49 PM
first time visitor to this site. very nice. great info on potential trade targets. i’ve been looking for that. thanks
SprJudd
Feb 9, 02:54 PM
@Zach & Bag O’ Pucks – I was thinking Brian Strait and typed Chris Lee like an idiot.
@Bag O’ Pucks – I’m not saying the Pens are the absolute deepest, but thanks to the guys in the NHL, they have some players who’ll be blocked in the Pittsburgh organization and it may be best for all involved (player, Pens & another team) for that player to move along. I think Letestu & Jeffrey fit that description perfectly. That being said, I pay way more attention to the NHL club than the AHL or ECHL affiliates, so I’ll defer to the opinions of others on who the tradeable assets in the minors are.
Zach Boslett
Feb 9, 03:23 PM
@Spider Lockhart
Keep on visiting this site – its the best around (although I’m biased)
Around trade deadline this site often breaks trade news before other sites so have us bookmarked when the deadline rolls around.
@SprJudd Yeah that sounds a bit better than Lee haha. Strait will never be a ppqb but he could very well become a Mark Eaton or similar type player – which every team needs.
I agree with the whole idea of moving out center prospects like Jeffrey and Letestu because we are deep at center in the NHL and AHL. We have several players in the organization that are natural centers anyway: Crosby, Malkin, Staal, Talbot, Rupp, Kennedy, Jeffrey, Letestu, Vitale, CPZ, Veilleux, Moon, Bathgate… We could easily survive the loss of one of those players.
Nashville just called up Nolan Yonkman from the AHL and Preds fans are speculating that Hamhuis is on the move…
Penguins had scouts at the Toronto – San Jose game last night as well.
bag o' pucks
Feb 9, 04:53 PM
@Zach: “Crosby, Malkin, Staal, Talbot, Rupp, Kennedy, Jeffrey, Letestu, Vitale, CPZ, Veilleux, Moon, Bathgate… We could easily survive the loss of one of those players.”
The Pens could easily survive the loss of Crosby or Geno??
I know what you meant, man, I’m just busting yer chops.
In the end, I’m in agreement, if a sweet deal comes around and the other party insists on Letestu or Jeffrey I have no problem including them. Of the current AHLers/prospects you listed, the only one I’d be pretty steadfast against moving would be Veilleux. I’d like to keep Zabotel & Moon, though, for now.
Hammer would look good in a Pens uniform but I agree with your original post, Zach, I’ll be a bit surprised if the Pens acquire him. I would guess the Pens were scouting Poni at last night’s SJ-Tor game.
Natty Lite
Feb 9, 05:00 PM
@Bags,
I agree, I’ll be surprised if they get him, but who’da thunk they’d be the team that bagged Hossa a few years ago? Shero is definitely the magic man.
bag o' pucks
Feb 9, 05:21 PM
You got that right, Nate. Shero sure has pushed the right buttons over the last couple seasons. Let’s hope that continues!
Eric Politowski
Feb 9, 06:17 PM
Ponikarovsky is a beast who will bang in goals in the dirty areas and if you pass it to him, he can snipe them for you. Leads the Leafs in hits too (113). I hope Shero finds a way to bring him to Pgh.
Zach Boslett
Feb 9, 07:34 PM
The Fourth Period – better than Eklund but still unreliable lists these players as “Speculated” interests of the Penguins:
Whitney, Pony, Kariya, and Armstrong
(They also list Kris Beech as on the Penguins roster and make no mention of any defensemen the Penguins are interested in…)
They may look pretty but you all come back here for articles and information of substance :)
@Pucks Thanks jerk haha
I mean they could afford the loss of a center outside the big 3, although Veilleux, Moon, CPZ, and Kennedy I would love to keep around.
Matt Bodenschatz
Feb 9, 10:39 PM
Dallas just traded their top prospect, Ivan Vishnivskiy and a fourth round pick to Atlanta for Kari Lehtonen.
For those unaware, Vish was the team’s only true offensive defenseman with the skills to be a powerplay quarterback. Depending on what the Stars get for Turco, who looks almost certain to be heading to Philly (Emery likely to have surgery), this could be a precursor to the Stars trading for Goligoski.
Purely, 100% speculation on my part. Please don’t take this as rumor mongering.
Zach Boslett
Feb 9, 11:43 PM
Please do know that Matt Bodenschatz said the Pens would trade Whitney for Kunitz + last year a couple of weeks before it happened…
Matt Bodenschatz
Feb 10, 12:04 AM
No pressure or anything, right? :)
bag o' pucks
Feb 10, 01:50 AM
Already a better track record than Eklund.
(Yeah, that’s a low bar, we all know, but still…)
DaBich
Feb 10, 08:37 AM
Poor Matt ;)
Haha, I love this guys, keep up the good work!
Pens1967
Feb 10, 09:45 AM
Saw Danny Briere’s name pop up on the rumor mill as the return for Turco. Philly’s 600k over the cap right now, so a roster player will have to move. Briere would fill their need for a center, but, if Dallas is serious about a 45M payroll next year, he doesn’t fit there. Maybe Dallas would ask for Coburn or Carle, then they might flip whichever for another defensive defenseman to Pgh for Goligoski.
Matt Bodenschatz
Feb 10, 10:13 AM
@Pens, Briere won’t be the return. Dallas doesn’t want to take on salary. If Philly wants Turco — and I think they do — they’ll have to give up good, young talent. Coburn or Carle were my original thoughts, but vanRiemsdyke or Giroux might also be discussed. And, to be honest, I wouldn’t put it past Philly to make this type of move. Of course, they’d have to shed salary elsewhere first.
Pens1967
Feb 10, 11:07 AM
Flyers won’t trade vanRiemsdyke. I could see them moving Simone Gagner. He’s a center by trade and miscast, imho, on the wing. He’s been kind of injury prone during his career, but he’s still a very skilled player and might reestablish himself with a change of scenery.
Carle’s got a big contract, but he could be the kind of offensive defenseman the Stars want. Coburn’s signed for 1M/yr for a couple more years. If Dallas were to get Coburn, would Shero want him? I’m not sure, but weren’t Coburn and Shero at Nashville at the same time?
Matt Bodenschatz
Feb 10, 11:34 AM
I agree about vanRiemsdyke, but I wouldn’t put anything past the Flyers, who have a tendency to focus on the now and worry about the future later. Gagne is a career Flyer with, I believe, a no trade clause. He’s a fan favorite and, despite injuries, has been extremely effective when on the ice. I don’t see them trading him.
Carle makes sense moreso for the Stars, who want that offensive defenseman, but not so much for the Flyers. Then again, see my comments above.
Lastly, Coburn is one of the players I considered initially if such a deal was to be made. And, yes, I would think Shero would have strong interest if such an opportunity would arise to trade for Coburn — but, obviously, not a direct trade with the Flyers.
One thing to keep in mind is that, while Shero went with his comfort zone early in his career, bringing in Eaton and some former management friends, this trend has faded with each year. I think, at this point, Shero’s connections with Nashville are so far removed that they mean little when it comes to his trades.
bag o' pucks
Feb 10, 04:04 PM
Coburn was Atlanta’s property, not Nashville’s. Another Waddell gem of a trade.
Matt Bodenschatz
Feb 10, 04:41 PM
@Pucks, you’re right. I wasn’t thinking. Zhitnik for Coburn. Wow. What a steal for Philly!
Pens1967
Feb 10, 05:08 PM
Even though Hicks will be selling the Stars, from what I’ve read they’re still budgeting 45M for payroll next year. As of now, they have 33M tied up in 11 players for next year, leaving only 12M to fill out a squad of 20-22. That’s important to keep in mind when speculating who may or may not be available for a the right trade.
Matt, as for Gagne, my sense, having spent many years in Philly is that the Flyers don’t consider him the kind of key player they did when he was an 18 yr old whiz kid. I don’t think they’d have trouble parting with him.
Albert
Feb 10, 11:13 PM
I agree that GoGo is the mostly likely to be dealt, and there have been some good packages speculated above, yet I think generally we are underestimating his trade value.
He’s an:
a) young,
b) mobile,
c) puck-moving defenseman
d) signed
e) to a very affordable
f) multi-year contract.
Does it get any better than that?
bag o' pucks
Feb 11, 12:23 AM
Yes, Gogo’s got great value, and a trade for Neal would be excellent, but I’m still skeptical the Stars would part with Neal. Again, Shero’s pulled off some deals many of us didn’t think he could, so who knows?
Pens1967
Feb 11, 07:07 AM
Toronto scouts reported at last night’s game vs NYI, but not which team, or both, being scouted.
bag o' pucks
Feb 11, 11:42 AM
Toronto, Detroit & Nashville had scouts at last night’s game, and Tom Fitzgerald was scouting in Columbus. Gotta figure the same names are coming up: Hamhuis, Poni, Torres, Hejda…
duff
Feb 11, 12:54 PM
Great job Zack.
I openly admit that I AM Ray Shero, and…
Nobody has a clue what I am about to do.
LGP&USA!
Matt Bodenschatz
Feb 11, 12:59 PM
Ray “duff” Shero? Makes sense! :)
Would you mind pulling off a trade to get Neal?
REBEL
Feb 11, 01:08 PM
Matt, I’m sure you realize this article has been getting comments for 3 DAYS! WOW! And it’s great stuff!
WWRSD? I guess we’ll have to ask Duff!
Matt Bodenschatz
Feb 11, 01:19 PM
@Rebel, the conversations within this and other stories right now is unbelievable. Everyone here is bringing their A game to the comments, and I love it!
Thanks to all of you who are picking up the slack as our stories are less frequent!
Steve
Feb 11, 04:44 PM
When I first saw Neal’s name pop up in discussion here, my immediate reaction was “no way they deal him”. But the more I think about it, Goligoski might tempt a cost-conscious Dallas orgaNIzation. As Albert pointed out in #56, he’d give them a promising young NHL player in a role they need (especially having dealt Vishnevsky) with a reasonable multi-year contract.
With that being said, my gut still says Dallas likely won’t part with Neal. He’s their leading goal scorer (24 to Eriksson’s 23), 3rd in points (45p in 55g), and he’s only 22 (23 in Sept). Players of that ilk generally don’t get moved. I’m not sure if Gogo and the looming spectre of RFA status is enough to make it happen.
Would someone at least fire up NHL10 to see if virtual-Nieuwendyk accepts the deal before we get too carried away? Surely that will settle this once & for all…
bag o' pucks
Feb 11, 07:43 PM
I don’t see Steve Wagner’s name listed among the defensemen targeted by the Pens.
Failblog…
Matt Bodenschatz
Feb 11, 08:08 PM
It’s over. All credibility has been lost.
Ray "duff" Shero
Feb 12, 01:21 PM
Boz Post
Day 5.
As of now, the only thing I am dealing with, is the Burger King Wopper I ate on the way to the game in Washington…
The constant running to the toilet has been giving me nightmares. In my dream’s, I look into the toilet and I can’t figure out why my crap looks like hair… Then all of the sudden Scott Hartnell Crawls out of the toilet begging me for a contract.
Terrible!
Matt Bodenschatz
Feb 12, 01:35 PM
Haha…nice
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