Tuesday Morning Rumor Round-Up
Matt Bodenschatz | Pittsburgh Penguins
Feb 2, 11:34 AM | Hype this story!
It’s that time of year again, and rumors are beginning to swirl about what, if anything, Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Ray Shero might do to bolster his club for a playoff run.
First up, talks out of Chicago suggest the reason for Jay McKee’s absence last night could have something to do with a trade.
Tim Sassone of the Daily Herald reports the Blackhawks are shopping for a defender and McKee fits the bill.
Sassone writes: “The 32-year-old McKee is a 6-foot-3, 210-pound physical, stay-at-home defenseman who interested the Hawks last summer before he signed as a free agent with the Penguins for only $800,000 after being bought out by St. Louis.”
This is precisely why such a trade seems unlikely. The Penguins, already lacking in the big, physical defenseman department, aren’t going to be quick to send their top shot blocker to a Stanley Cup contender — that is, unless the return is worthwhile, like a scoring winger. The problem is, McKee isn’t likely to fetch a scoring winger, making this rumor unlikely to come true.
Moving eastward, Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch blogged of league-wide interest in overachieving winger Raffi Torres, specifically mentioning the Penguins as a team that is “said to be interested.”
Portzline writes: “Torres, 28, is making $2.75 million this season, and it’s hard to argue that he hasn’t earned it. Despite long stretches on the club’s fourth line, he ranks fourth in goals (16), third in power-play goals (six) and is tied for first in game-winning goals (three) in only 13:27 of average ice time.”
While not the elite winger Penguins fans would love, Torres plays a hard-nosed, crease crashing game that has been missing from the lineup since the free agency departure of Ryan Malone nearly two years ago.
Torres doesn’t have the natural skill Malone possesses, but he makes a living in front of the net and would be a welcomed addition to the team.
And, while Torres doesn’t have extensive playoff experience, Portzline writes that passion and intensity, two traits coveted on playoff teams, are there.
“On a club with only a sporadic competitive spirit, Torres, R.J. Umberger and Derek Dorsett arguably have been the Blue Jackets’ most consistently passionate players.”
This one just might have some legs, folks.
As talks heat up leading to the March 3 trade deadline, we’ll bring you more media-reported rumors that involve the Penguins
Comments
Pens1967
Feb 2, 11:40 AM
Matt, who is supposed to go to Columbus from the Pens? I could see waving Skoula to free up cap space, but Torres would be a tight salary fit.
Just a feeling, but I think there will be a trade between Shero and old running mate Chuck Fletcher in MN.
Matt Bodenschatz
Feb 2, 11:56 AM
@Pens, from what I gather, the Penguins, at the time of the trade deadline, will be able to add somewhere in the range of $2.5 million full season salary. Torres makes $2.75, so the fit definitely would be tight. The Columbus report simply says the Penguins have shown interest, which I don’t doubt in the least. Torres is a guy I’ve wanted in a Pens uniform since his days with the Islanders. I really don’t know who on the roster would be traded to make such a move — but, as much as I hate to say it, a guy like Dupuis might be considered.
Think of it this way. Dupuis is locked up for one more year, has been very productive this season, and is capable of playing up and down the lineup. He might be the kind of guy Columbus would want in a trade — though a prospect or pick would likely have to be included. Regardless, I’d hate to see Dupuis go, as he’s very underrated.
And let’s be realistic here. Torres is going to attract a ton of attention as March 3 approaches. He’s big, physical, and has enough talent to play on a scoring line — plus he seems passionate about the game, per Portzline’s comments. He may be a tough acquisition.
Also, one note. Nick Boynton has been placed on waivers by Anaheim. He’s been linked to the Penguins a few times in the past. While he’s been a bit disappointing of late, he possesses a big hit threat, a right shot, and some offensive instincts. While not ideal, he might be an upgrade over Skoula, who has really disappointed of late.
REBEL
Feb 2, 12:12 PM
Good analysis, Matt. This is somewhat off the topic, but I would just like to point out the transformation we are seeing in Sidney Crosby. It is apparent he decided in the offseason that he needed to score more goals. He changed his stick to facilitate that. He does whatever it takes to improve his game in an area he feels it needs improvement. Now he has notched his third hat trick of the season, is tied for the lead in league scoring, and is on pace for 50+ goals this year. What could be more amazing than that? I realize he has tremendous potential, but show me any other athlete at his very elite level and in any sport that can elevate ANY aspect of his game when he decides that is necessary. My hat is off to him. He is the BEST and MOST COMPLETE player in the league, not than any readers of F-F need to be convinced.
Pens1967
Feb 2, 12:23 PM
Matt, I still think a trade with MN is the most likely. Fletcher knows the Pens’ players and prospects better than anyone and it was reported that MN (and another team) had scouts at the Det game. I could see Duper going there to help facilitate the system Fletcher is putting in, but not sure what MN could offer in return.
Michael
Feb 2, 12:38 PM
We’re #5 in goals/game despite losing a lot of our offense to injuries throughout the year. I honestly think the scoring winger roles are filled pretty well by what we have right now.
On the other hand, we’re #20 in goals against/game. As far as I’m concerned, the biggest liability on our roster right now is Skoula. And considering how well Lovejoy played in his short stint with the big club, I don’t even think we need to go outside the organization to fill that hole.
Chris A
Feb 2, 12:51 PM
Kunitz is the late season scoring winger addition for the Pens. Not to mention the number of baby Pens forwards who have stepped up to play well…Caputi, Johnson, Conner, Letestu.
As much as I would like to see Torres, Selanne or Whitney join the Pens, I think it should not happen.
As Michael says, where the Pens are really hurting is on D. I hope Shero recognizes this and will concentrate on bringing in a shutdown defenseman at the deadline.
SprJudd
Feb 2, 01:13 PM
@Pens1967 – What MN could offer the Pens is salary cap relief & draft picks. Taking an NHL player off their roster – especially one making 7 figures – is enough for the Pens so they don’t have to always shuttle guys between WBS and Pittsburgh.
Matt Bodenschatz
Feb 2, 01:14 PM
@Rebel, thanks. Regarding your points on Crosby, you’re spot on. Sid is so different from the “typical” superstar. He’s simply an amazing player to watch. We’re lucky to have him.
@Pens, that certainly isn’t out of the question, though I really have no idea what the Wild could offer that would make sense for the Penguins. In fact, looking at their roster, I see nothing. I am not sure the teams match up based on needs.
@Michael, I’m entirely with you. Defense is a must-upgrade at this point. Offense would be a luxury to improve.
@Chris, I;‘m not against adding scoring, but only if it is not at the expense of defense. Also, we have to remember that Shero can only make trades that are out there. If no one is willing to send a defenseman to him for a reasonable price, we just might see a forward traded for.
Pens1967
Feb 2, 01:37 PM
Matt, what about Zanon, Hnidy or Scott from MN?
Matt Bodenschatz
Feb 2, 01:41 PM
@Pens, I know little/nothing about Scott. Hnidy, I suppose would be an okay addition — though I’m not sold on him being that much of an improvement over what we already have. Zanon would be a great pickup and he’s under contract for a few years, which is precisely why the Wild won’t be trading him.
Chris A
Feb 2, 01:49 PM
@ SPRJUDD, I highly doubt the Pens would offload roster players for picks at this point. The Pens are contenders at this point and should have no interest in being sellers at the deadline.
@ Matt, I absolutely agree with both your responses. One example of a dman who could likely be had very cheap is Steve Staios. I would prefer the Pens get someone better than him but if no one else is available, then he would provide a physical, veteran presence and add some depth as a 7th dman.
Monge15
Feb 2, 01:54 PM
I would have liked to see Alexei Ponikarovsky on a line with Malkin and Fedotenko, but I guess with all its other trades, Toronto will hold onto him.
With regard to the defense: Skoula aside, most of the problems seem to come more from sloppy or confused play, rather than the personnel itself. It strikes me that constant shifting of lines might be a factor in this. The PK, which generally keeps the same players, is solid. Also, it’s worth noting that, while the Pens are 20th in the league in GA/G, they are 8th in SA/G. That suggests that the goalies deserve more of the blame than they’re getting.
Matt Bodenschatz
Feb 2, 02:01 PM
@SprJudd, that actually could work out — if Shero deems a player with little trade value to be expendable. Off the top of my head, I can’t really think of anyone that fits the bill, which leads to Chris A’s response.
@Chris A, the Penguins don’t have too many players that don’t have a role and would be easily dumped without seeing a negative impact. So, for that reason, this type of trade makes little sense. But, if the idea is to create cap space to make a bigger move at the deadline, it does make sense. The question, though, is who would the Penguins want to trade? Tough question.
As for Staios, the problem is that he’s locked up for another year at $2.7 million. Good player? Without a doubt. What the Penguins need/lack? For sure. Worth the cap hit to a Penguins team which will be looking to resign Gonchar and Letang? Not likely.
@Monge15, don’t be so sure about that. Burke is in selling mode in Toronto, and the more draft picks/prospects he can get, the happier he’ll be. I’m of firm belief that Ponikarovsky is as good as gone come March 3.
Nice analysis with regard to GA/G and SA/G. The only hole I can see with that argument is that it doesn’t take into consideration quality of shots. It’s one thing if the goalies are letting in long range, unscreened shots. It’s another if they are letting in shots that come from in close or have blocked vision as a result of a screen. From what I see, I get a sense that the shot quality is up, which puts the blame more on the shoulders of the defense. That’s not to say the goalies are blameless — just that there is only so much they can do when getting little help up front.
REBEL
Feb 2, 02:22 PM
@SprJudd—I tend to agree with you. One of the problems, albeit a good one, that the Pens have is a logjam such that WBS players have no room on the roster, no matter how deserving. If someone could be found to take Skoula off of our hands so that Lovejoy could take his place as the 7th D man (which would represent little risk in the playoffs) I say go for it! I personally believe we could shed Duper (my apologies to Dabich) and replace him from WBS as well—there are several candidates—although with a bit more uncertainty in the playoffs. Also, I think that Matt is correct that Godard will not play again until the playoffs, so we have his remaining cap space to work with as well. These moves taken together could allow room for a winger or D-man of good quality.
Pens1967
Feb 2, 02:38 PM
I doubt there are any suitors for Skoula, but Shero needs only to release and assign him to WBS like he did with Satan last year and MN did with Sykora this year to free up the salary.
bag o' pucks
Feb 2, 02:38 PM
Boynton cleared waivers.
I agree that the talk regarding the Pens trading McKee is curious, to say the least. McKee has been a shot-blocking machine, a good PKer, and a solid citizen, all for a bargain rate of $800K. Just doesn’t add up.
SprJudd
Feb 2, 02:49 PM
@Matt & Chris A – I’m not saying the Pens should unload salary. I’m just saying that of the things the Wild would have to offer the Pens, cap relief and picks are about all the Wild could offer for the players the Pens are most likely to be willing to part with. That being said, Cup contenders are never sellers at the deadline, so I don’t foresee Shero shedding salary to acquire draft picks.
SprootsMasterFlex
Feb 2, 04:03 PM
Hello Matt, I was wondering if the rumors are true regarding the Pen’s interest in Peter Mueller. He seems to be a forward with loads of potential who could blossom playing with Malkin or Crosby. the Pens need to find a permanent solution totheir wing problem and thought Mueller could be it. Can you confirm these rumors and what do you think the Coyotes would want in return from the Pens?
DaBich
Feb 2, 04:06 PM
Rebel, thanks for considering my feelings for Duper…I sure would hate to see him go anywhere. I’m of the firm belief that he earns his keep here. But hey, I’m not Shero, and HCDB doesn’t care what I think :/
Guys, I love all this input, it’s very informative…keep up the good work of educating me =)
Matt Bodenschatz
Feb 2, 04:13 PM
@SprootsMasterFlex, I haven’t heard any definitive talk regarding Mueller and Pittsburgh, but, to me, that seems more like an offseason trade than one made at the deadline with hopes of bolstering the roster. As for return, I would say it would be marginal at this point — a fellow prospect or a mid-round pick.
Matt Bodenschatz
Feb 2, 04:18 PM
Just a bit of an interesting twist here, this afternoon. According to Blackhawks blogger John Jaeckel, forward Andrew Ladd left practice unexpected today.
He writes: “Now, there could be quite a few explanations for this: an injury, an urgent call from Ladd’s Mom, anything.”
He goes on to add: “But, with speculation swirling around the Blackhawks acquiring…Pittsburgh’s Jay McKee, Ladd being an RFA this offseason and Bolland’s impending return further complicating an already very crowded Chicago forward depth chart— Ladd could be headed to O’Hare as we speak.”
Take it with a grain of salt, as even Jaeckel admits it is pure speculation on his part — but the two coincidences (McKee’s random scratch and Ladd’s early departure from practice — and no reported injuries) are interesting, if nothing else. As Jaeckel says, “it is that time of year.”
Chris
Feb 2, 05:04 PM
Andrew Ladd left practice with a lower body injury. Doesn’t necessarily mean it’s unrelated but would make it seemingly a strange coincidence rather than a trade in the works.
Source: http://blogs.dailyherald.com/node/3365
Chris
Feb 2, 05:24 PM
Also, McKee was out after blocking a shot with his hand.
Source: http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/sabres/story/942685.html
Matt Bodenschatz
Feb 2, 05:25 PM
@Chris, thanks for the update. At the time I wrote the tidbit, there was no info on an injury. That makes a heck of a lot more sense.
Natty Lite
Feb 2, 06:28 PM
@Matt,
I’ve been racking my brain looking at different teams and trying to find something that the Pens would be looking to deal for. Do you think a Gogo for Ray Whitney deal may have legs?
I see this for two reasons.
First the Canes are looking to follow Pittsburghs’ lead and rebuild young around Staal and Ward and Gogo would fit that mold of youth + skill. With Letang and Gogo being pretty close in skill, I think Letang better fits the Shero type player, tough, chippy, doesn’t shy away for contact like Gogo tends to do.
Second, Whitney would be scary good with Sid and Guerin and seems to be the exact type of player Carolina looks to unload by March 3.
Thoughts?
Detective Dan
Feb 2, 07:09 PM
I really don’t see Goligoski going anywhere this season. I believe this strictly based on his tiny cap hit.
Chris A
Feb 2, 07:14 PM
@ Natty, I’d love to see Whitney join the Pens but the return better be more than just him if Gogo goes the other way.
This goes back to the previous discussion about adding forwards being a luxury compared to the more pressing need of shoring up the D.
Moq
Feb 2, 07:55 PM
Personally, I’m not that distraught about the defensive state of the Penguins. Much of it has to do with forward coverage in the defensive zone. There were periods last season that looked very similar with Gill and Scuderi, and I think it can be tightened up when the going gets a bit more serious down the stretch. That doesn’t mean I’m against further defensive insurance or a minor improvement over Skoula.
As I mentioned in a previous thread, we could trade one (or two) of the minor contracts and a peripheral prospect for a semi-decent winger (even a rental). Amongst the candidates are Adams, Talbot, Dupuis and perhaps Fedotenko. That would make us a bit more dangerous in the playoffs and create a little roster space for next season. The problem is finding an interested party.
All in all I’m thinking defensive addition and minor offensive exchange as ideal. According to the game yesterday, Shero already has his priorities covered so that’s comforting.
Matt Bodenschatz
Feb 2, 08:28 PM
@Natty Lite, if Goligoski goes, the return better be more long-term than Whitney. Goligoski is a young, developing player with skills to be a 50-60 point power play quarterback. Plus, as others have said, his cap hit is minimal, making him even more valuable to a very cap sensitive Penguin team. To get Whitney, we might be looking more at a Luca Caputi centerpiece, with another prospect and/or draft pick thrown in. It’s a stiff price to pay, but I’d be more accepting of that than of Goligoski, who represents one of just two defenders under contract for next season.
@Moq, the defense may not be as bad as it has appeared of late, but it’s also not as deep as it appeared in October/November. Skoula has fallen off the map, and at worst, the Penguins need to upgrade their seventh defense spot. Some may suggest calling on Lovejoy to fill this role — but I want an experienced veteran capable of stepping in without worrying whether he will have the post-season jitters.
@All, TSN is now reporting Whitney just may have his eyes on Pittsburgh — I wrote about it here.
Forgedmissionorders
Feb 2, 10:15 PM
Hey all, Haven’t seen the possibility mentioned anywhere but it seems those hated red wings are in a crunch with returning forwards and it looks like they may move or waive Ville Leino. He hasn’t worked out the way they hoped, butvthat’s the kind of affordable pickup with some potential upside that to me seems to make a bit of sense. A lower draft pick/prospect for what last year was considered an up and coming player. (personally If the price was right I’d love to see Mueller line up with Sid or Geno as well but I don’t see it happening)
Pens1967
Feb 2, 10:35 PM
I’d love to see a really big deal, like Goligoski and a first round draft choice to NYR for Mark Staal.
Matt Bodenschatz
Feb 2, 11:27 PM
@Forged, I think we can safely assume the Penguins won’t be making any trades with the Red Wings. Rival teams rarely swing deals. However, if Leino gets placed on waivers, why not put in a claim? I’m not sure he’s better than what the Penguins already have, but he also could be waived again if something better becomes available.
Regarding Mueller, I can’t recall if I wrote it in this comments section or another, but he, to me, seems more like an offseason type move. The Penguins, heading to the playoffs, want to add proven commodities, players they know will perform. Mueller is not that type of player.
Zach Boslett and I had a similar conversation earlier today regarding Ben Lovejoy. Zach was/is in favor of relying on Lovejoy as an NHL defender — possibly as a top six, maybe as a seventh. My concern is that he’s got a small sample of NHL games under his belt and the stretch drive/playoffs just aren’t favorable to adjusting players. I’d much rather see young guys and/or experiments early in the season, as I don’t think such roster additions would be beneficial at this point.
@Pens, for the same reasons I just mentioned to Forged, I think a deal for Staal is out of the question. That being said, I wouldn’t be entirely shocked if Shero moves one of Letang/Goligoski before March 3. If Gonchar signs — and I suspect he will before March 3 — Shero could have his hands tied keeping all three. Say what you will, but the Pens are in win-now mode, and if either of these two could bring something valuable to help the team now and in the future (which they could/would), one could be sent packing. There are pros and cons to trading either player, but neither is “core” and neither is untouchable if the price is right.
bag o' pucks
Feb 4, 04:27 PM
With free agency structured the way it is, everyone’s on a “win now” schedule. Even five-year plans are too far reaching. After this season, Crosby’s only under contract for three more years, Malkin four. Better win as many Cups as they can now because one never knows what could happen after those deals end. Sure, it now looks like Crosby could be a Penguin lifer, but Shero can only make decisions based on the info he has at the time. And the info Shero has is that Crosby will be a Pen for three more seasons. Load up and win now and deal with UFA in three years.
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