Could Ray Whitney Be A Realistic Option?
Matt Bodenschatz | Pittsburgh Penguins
Feb 2, 08:21 PM | Hype this story!
With a no trade clause in his back pocket, Carolina Hurricanes winger Ray Whitney, widely believed to be the second most coveted commodity leading to this year’s trade deadline, is in a position to call his shots — which is exactly what he has done thus far, says TSN’s Bob McKenzie.
McKenzie reports the Los Angeles Kings have inquired about Whitney and have advanced so far that the Hurricanes gave the Kings an opportunity to discuss a contract extension.
But Whitney balked at talks that were believed to revolve around a one year extension. McKenzie, however, believes that, though Whitney sought a three-year extension from the Kings, the same may not be true across the board.
He writes: “Some believe Whitney is simply calling his shot here, raising the price and stakes for teams that he’s not really interested in playing for until the team he desires puts in a call to the Hurricanes.”
He goes on to write: “...many think that team he is waiting on at the deadline is none other than the Pittsburgh Penguins.”
McKenzie clarifies, though, that the Penguins have not yet inquired about Whitney, who almost surely would serve as a playoff rental should he be traded to Pittsburgh.
As McKenzie says: “Whitney might look pretty good patrolling Sidney Crosby’s wing in the playoffs. He certainly fits the bill of what the Penguins need – a goal-scoring winger with clutch qualities and Stanley Cup experience.”
Just so he doesn’t serve as a roadblock for the addition of a physical defenseman.
Comments
Moq
Feb 2, 10:00 PM
Whitney would be an above average addition given your actual assets. I think he wants to stay in Carolina, and Pittsburgh would be satisfied with a rental. That could keep the asking price within reason.
But addition of Whitney and defensive help requires trading and/or waiving a couple of players (at least). We can do that.
Ray aka WildcatRay
Feb 2, 10:16 PM
Saw Whitney mentioned in the same notes column by Aaron Portzline a week ago Sunday that also mentioned the possibility of Torres to the Pens. I agree with the consensus. Either or both are likely be too expensive once the other “bidders” come to the table.
But, like you said, Matt, our most pressing need is a physical shutdown defensemen. With McKee out of last night’s Buffalo game, the physical element was missing. That lack will make a successful defense of the Cup more difficult.
Matt Bodenschatz
Feb 2, 11:18 PM
@Moq, for a team looking to build, Pascal Dupuis might be interesting. He’s under contract for one more year, affordable, and capable of playing up and down the lineup. All of which make him valuable to the Penguins as well — and are reasons I personally would hate to see him go. But if the trade off is bringing in a guy like Whitney for the stretch drive and playoffs, I’d be all for it.
@Ray, the thing that is intreguing about Whitney is that, if he does have his eyes set on a specific destination, a bidding war cannot and will not exist. How can teams bid up his value when he will simply say “no”? I’m not saying this is definitely the case, but based on McKenzie’s story, it seems like a possibility that he plans to choose his destination.
Regarding physicality on defense, it’s something needed — but maybe something that could be had at a reasonable price, too.
One thing we must all keep in perspective is that Shero has a plan to upgrade his team, then has a backup plan, and following that he has a third plan. He may even have one or several other plans to fall back on. While his primary plan may be to bring in defense, if he can’t find the right trade at the right price, he may choose instead to seek offense. So, as we move forward, and Shero’s moves come to light, we have to remember that what we see may not be what Shero truly wanted, but rather his only option…
Pens1967
Feb 2, 11:37 PM
Ray Whitney might want to come to the Pens, but I don’t think they really need him. Should Crosby be stuck with a 38 and 39 yr old winger? That didn’t work out all that well with Roberts and Recchi.
Also, Kunitz will be back in a week or so and that’s almost like a trade addition.
Further, if Bylsma doesn’t like Malkin’s defense now, how’s he going to like Malkin and Whitney on the same line, even with Staal at center?
As others have pointed out, offense isn’t really the problem what with Crosby picking up his goal scoring and contributions from guys like Dupuis, Cooke, Rupp, Kennedy and Dupuis.
If I’m Shero, I’m looking for defense not offense.
Matt Bodenschatz
Feb 2, 11:53 PM
Per Darren Dreger’s TSN Chat Transcript:
“...Ray Shero always finds a move at or near the deadline and in the case of Guerin, obviously it couldn’t have worked out better. We (media) seem to have made a connection between Carolina and Pittsburgh and see Ray Whitney on a line with Sidney Crosby. There’s not question Whitney would be a nice add for the Penguins, however, unless something changes, there is no evidence to suggest this could happen. That said, as I’ve pointed out, this is exactly the type of deal Shero traditionally has looked for.”
DTanna
Feb 3, 04:00 AM
Just because Shero has made a veteran move or two at the deadline doesn’t necessarily mean that’s his MO. He also brought in Hossa, Craig Adams and Kunitz. He’ll try to make the team stronger and that doen’t necessarily mean an aging winger. Last I checked we were tied for 3rd in goals scored in the NHL...we are 2nd to last in goals given up amongst the current 16 playoff eliglble teams. Our success in the playoffs last year was being gritty and grinding teams down..not sure how well Whitney fits into that equation. Last I checked Flower has zero shutouts…the blueline needs some reinforcements..scoring is doing just fine.
Brad
Feb 3, 09:04 AM
When playing the top 10 teams in the league (Capitals, Sharks, Blackhawks, Coyotes, Devils, Sabers, Kings, Canucks, Avalanche)
Goals for – 24
Goals against – 51
Just looking at the Capitals & Devils (5 games)
Goals for – 5
Goals against – 20
The 5 biggest problems I see against the better teams are:
1. Poor power play
2. The breakout (defense moving the puck too slowly, wingers can’t make the play along the boards, poor puck support)
3. Turnovers in the neutral zone
4. Limited puck possession
5. Goaltending (Fluery needs to step it up when playing these teams)
The better teams aren’t beating the Pens with a Thomas Holmstom in front of the net screening Fluery on every shot – they are beating them with quick transition goals. Some better wingers may solve 4 of the 5 problems as I see it. A big defensemen wouldn’t hurt as long as he could move the puck & join in the rush (can you say expensive) but wingers are the weak link.
Let’s face it Shero isn’t trying to figure out how to beat Carolina or Toronto. To get out of the Eastern Conference playoffs he is trying to figure out how to solve the Capitals & the Devils.
bag o' pucks
Feb 3, 11:11 AM
@Pens67. Whitney may have a say in where he’s traded, but once he’s arrived he would not have a say in where he plays in the lineup (save for his own performance), regardless of what McKenzie thinks. If the Pens acquire a winger I think there’s a fairly safe bet he’d start with Malkin. Kunitz & Guerin will most likely remain on El Sid’s line.
Robbie
Feb 3, 11:36 AM
Why would any think we need another defenseman. Right now our biggest glaring hole is a scoring winger for Sid and Whitney brings that ability with him. this would be a great deal for the Pens.
You say in this post that we need another physical defenseman, have you never seen Orpik play and we have Lovejoy down in WB/S who is primed to be in the NHL next season full time.
Right now I’m more concerned about getting a scoring winger for Sid than I am another man on defense.
Matt Bodenschatz
Feb 3, 12:28 PM
@Robbie, don’t fall into the fanbuzz. the Penguins are scoring at a high clip and have scored at a high clip regardless of their wingers for the last few years. That’s what happens when the centers have enough skill to account for two normal players.
The defense, meanwhile, is in the bottom third of the league — and that is a concern. The Penguins’ defense, as a whole, is not that physical. Orpik adds a very physical element, but he’s just one of six. Letang and McKee also can play physical, but often don’t. As for Lovejoy, don’t expect to see him finally get a permanent NHL role during the most difficult time of the season.
Shero has proven during his tenure as general manager that his late season acquisitions are to add experienced players, not young players. Last year he even used Boucher over Goligoski in the playoffs. His acquisitions over the last few years: Laraque, Roberts, Gill, Dupuis, Hossa, Adams, Guerin, Kunitz. None of these moves suggests Shero will be interested in adding a young player — especially a rookie with fewer than 20 games on his resume.
But back to defense, Shero specifically mentioned during the Versus broadcast Monday that he has a plan. He then followed it up with an unsolicited comment that the team lost a lot over the summer when Gill and Scuderi left via free agency. I’ll be very surprised if defense isn’t Shero’s top priority — but, again, that doesn’t mean he will be able to upgrade the defense. It’s all about what’s available at the right price.
Natty Lite
Feb 3, 01:16 PM
The Ol’ 29er seems to think that the way a deal may go down with Whitney is a playoff rental, kind of like how the Pens “lent” Carolina Recchi for their cup run a couple years back. He says he sees it more of a 2nd-third round pick if anything.
The consensus is not to look for much until after the Olympics.
First, GMs and agents have two weeks to talk during the break.
Second, too much risk in a guy getting hurt during the Olympic games.
Third, if they pick up an Olympic player, they have to pay him two weeks for nothing.
Makes sense to me.
Brad
Feb 3, 02:26 PM
@Matt
I don’t disagree that they need a Scuderi type defenseman however my point in my erlier post is that they are not scoring at a high clip against the better teams. In fact 2/3 of the game they are in the neutral zone or defensive end. 1.6 goals per game against the top 10 teams isn’t going to get you very far in the playoffs. The D isn’t playing physical because the forwards aren’t covering for them. It is the team defense that is really faultering. Not playing in the other end, turnovers & missed assignments on defense by the forwards. I think they need to scratch some guys for a couple of games, pick up a skilled winger that can help carry the play and a Scuderi type defenseman and they will be all set.
REBEL
Feb 3, 02:36 PM
I agree with Brad’s analysis. A skilled winger who is willing to forecheck and backcheck makes it easier on the defenders. I believe the D are capable of playing a more aggressive game if they have more help from the wings. I believe they actually played that way earlier in the year.
It is difficult to say what impact injuries have had. Even though a player comes back to play, psychologically he may not want to hit as hard fearing, albeit unconsciously, another injury. There are numerous examples of this in boxing and football. It is harder to determine in hockey because there are more skills involved than just knocking the stuffing out of your opponent. Nevertheless, if a player is not checking as hard as he was prior to injury, it may be more than the lingering physical effects, but rather the psychological ones at work. I suggest this may be a factor in the play of some Penguins.
Casey
Feb 3, 04:18 PM
How much do we really want to give up for a 37 year old winger who’s eclipsed the 30 goal mark twice in his career?
Pens1967
Feb 3, 06:45 PM
Why not Nate Guenin for the role of 6th/7th defenseman? He’s been around for awhile and does have some playoff experience from his days in Philly. He’s got good size and seemed to play well in the exhibition season.
Casey
Feb 3, 10:18 PM
Pens1967 – I liked Guenin for his two games here. Sure, he was a -2, but that was during the team’s worst stretch. I thought he had good presence in his own zone, and was pretty decent at putting the puck on the net for a stay-at-home d-man.
Albert
Feb 4, 08:03 PM
Nate Guenin? Surely you jest.
Matt explains above how Lovejoy won’t get called up at the most critical time of the year…that goes double—or more like quadruple—for Guenin.
D is the #1 priority. A gritty, stay at home type to pair w/ Eaton to form a shutdown pair like Gill/Scuds last year. We need Gonchar/Orpik for other scenarios.
The Penguins ALSO need a winger to play on Malkin’s line…OR…a Center to take Staal’s spot on the 3rd line. The wing situation has been addressed above, and someone like Whitney would be most welcome, however…the better, and CHEAPER, option is a 3rd line checking center who is good at faceoffs.
That solidifies the D of the 3rd line:
Cooke – New ADD – Kennedy. They don’t score all that much anyhow, except for Staal. And he’ll score centering Malkin and Tenk—and they’d be MUCH better defensively. The Penguins also desperately need help in the FO circle.
Remember the final seconds of Game 7. Crosby was inj’d and the team had NO ONE to take the draw. The draw was lost. Lidstrom had a great look at a yawning basket.
I am sure Shero remembers this.
Look for the Pens to acquire a C, not a Wing, and move Staal up w/ Malkin.
Pens1967
Feb 4, 08:46 PM
Metzer over at hockeybuzz reports Pens’ director of pro scouting(?)is taking in tonight’s CBJ game, fwiw on the trade rumor front.
bag o' pucks
Feb 4, 10:04 PM
Kovalchuk is a Devil.
Pens1967
Feb 4, 10:25 PM
I wonder how Kovalchuk will fit in NJ’s system? One thing, the Phaneuf trade and this one got rid of two pesky Penguin killers, Blake and Bergfors, to teams the Pens won’t see very often. :)
Albert
Feb 4, 10:34 PM
Anyone have any targets that fit that description: a 3rd line/checking Center that is good on draws?
Imagine if you could throw out a 3rd line that could win FOs AND keep the other team’s 1st line contained…
...and have a line of:
Malkin – Staal – Fedotenko
this “#2” line would force teams to pick their poison: either focus on the Kunitz-Crosby-Guerin OR deal w/ Malkin-Staal-Fedotenko.
the 3rd line would lose SOME defensive prowess w/o Staal, but if it was centered by someone who could actually WIN >50% of draws, that’d be an offset.
suggestions?
DaBich
Feb 5, 08:11 AM
Albert, therein might be the problem…IS there a third line checking center available? Maybe that’s why the Wing is what might be acquired….just sayin…
DaBich
Feb 5, 08:13 AM
Kovy to the Devils, dear Lord, that can’t be good.
Pens, it will be nice to be rid of those guys for sure!
DaBich
Feb 5, 08:23 AM
Interesting thing…I see Cormier is part of the deal between NJ and Atlanta…wonder what will become of the monster?
Also, Ryan Whitney and Tim Gleason have been named to replace Mike Komisarek and Paul Martin for TEAM USA hockey team.
Pens1967
Feb 5, 08:24 AM
The Pens have 3 quality and highly paid centers. They also have 4th line centers in Talbot, Adams and Rupp. They won’t be trading for anymore centers.
I realize coach Disco seems obsessed with making Malkin a winger – probably getting to the point of ticking off Shero – but Malkin is going to be back at center sooner rather than later. Letsgopens.com, has a link and rough translation of an interview Malkin gave to SovietSport. In it, Malkin says he wants to play center rather than wing with Sid, so you can imagine how much he likes playing wing with Staal. Shero is likely to bring in a winger for Malkin or a vet d-man. Right now, the Dallas Stars franchise is up for sale so trades with them might be a lot easier. Pgh scouts were at the Dal-CBJ game last night.
nick
Feb 5, 09:43 AM
This would never happen but how fantastic would it be to get Eric Staal. I would give up Gogo Talbot Fedostinko and a first round draft pick. The Staal brothers playing together would be a force unmatched in the NHL. Carolina will never part ways with him but wow what if they did?
Pens1967
Feb 5, 10:45 AM
If Shero is going to pursue a Staal brother, it should be Mark in NY.
Albert
Feb 5, 01:01 PM
well…you could keep “Malkin the Middle” (wasn’t that a TV show?) for everything except FOs.
Bottom line: Malkin’s line doesn’t scare anyone as presently comprised, so teams can/do/will focus on the Crosby line. Malkin isn’t good at FOs and doesn’t seem bothered by it. Staal scored 29 goals playing primarily on Malkin’s wing as an 18 y.o. rookie. Staal makes too much $ to stay on a 3rd line.
The Pens do have a lot of pivots, but apparently none that can win FOs with any regularity AND provide D that even approximates what Staal provides, hence the need.
Seems like there are some good targets on Dallas and/or Columbus. They’d also be cheaper than a “goal-scoring winger.”
Pens1967
Feb 5, 02:11 PM
Winning face-offs isn’t the be all and end all of hockey. In fact, on the last radio post-game show, Phil Borque cited the stats that when the Pens “win” the face-off battle, usually they lose the game and visa versa.
Also, Shero has built the Pens to have 3 strong centers, not 2 strong centers and 1 playing the wing. So your argument is moot.
Matt Bodenschatz
Feb 5, 04:12 PM
Just got back from Pittsburgh, where I was without internet (aside from my Blackberry) the last few days. I’m now caught up on all 29 comments and have the following to say:
1. Despite what TSN, ESPN, and the other media outlets are saying Shero will be looking to add a defenseman as his priority. Jay McKee as the sixth defenseman is fine for the regular season, but the Penguins need a more reliable defender come playoffs, pushing McKee to the seven spot and Skoula to waivers. Shero even alluded to such a move earlier this week when he said his team lost a lot when Scuderi and Gill left.
2. Just because defense is the priority doesn’t mean the defense will be upgraded. If no trade is there to be made, Shero will shift all of his focus to offense.
3. There’s also a real possibility Shero adds a scoring winger and a defenseman.
4. I honestly can see the Staal experiment becoming a permanent solution. Malkin wants to play center, but that doesn’t mean he has to line up as a center for faceoffs. Positions are fluid, and Malkin could be “listed” as a winger, but actually fill a center’s role after the faceoff. Combining Malkin and Staal makes good use of existing assetts, especially if there is a center capable of filling in for Staal on the third line.
5. There’s also a possibility the lines revert back to the previous format, with Staal playing on the third line. I don’t think there is a true right or wrong answer, as there are valid points to both sides of the argument. Calling one idea ridiculous is, well, ridiculous.
My watch list for the Pens…
- At forward: Raffi Torres, Alexei Ponikarovsky, Ray Whitney, Nikolai Kulemin, and possibly James Neal (though this is a longshot).
- On defense: Jan Hejda, Andy Sutton, Pavel Kubina, Dan Hamhuis, Garnet Exelby, Milan Jurcina.
Albert
Feb 6, 12:52 AM
Thanks, Matt. esp. appreciate the “watch list.”
i haven’t been following the baby Pens. is there any chance Letestu could stay up?
Matt Bodenschatz
Feb 6, 12:08 PM
@Albert, Shero has shown a desire to add experienced, proven players to his roster as the season comes to a close. That is why I believe Lovejoy will remain in WBS, as will Letestu, once the dust of the trade deadline settles — of course, assuming injuries don’t force such promotions.
I’m a firm believer that young players should not be thrown into the fire unless absolutely needed — regardless of how well they have played. Lovejoy and Letestu combined have less than one half of a season’s worth of NHL games under their collective belt. They’re inexperienced, and putting them on the ice in the middle of the most mentally and physically difficult portion of the season makes no sense to me — especially when there is cap room to add players who have plenty of experience.
Now, please don’t take this as an anti-rookie stance. I’m all about promoting from within. I simply feel permanent internal promotions are best if done prior to Christmas, giving the player(s) enough time to adapt to the NHL life, let alone the game.
Lastly, Shero’s frequent promotion/demotion pattern of late is a strong indication he is saving every possible cap dollar. If his intentions were to keep Letestu and/or Lovejoy, they would simply stay on the roster.
Pens1967
Feb 7, 07:10 AM
The Pens have an experienced NHL forward in WBS in Ryan Bayda. He’s the perfect 4th line player, too. Maybe because he’s been hurt for most of the year and just returned to action, Shero is waiting to recall him. Bayda would also add more grit to the team.
Also, over on hockeybuzz, the Dallas Stars blogger/beat writer(?) says the Stars want a puck moving defenseman. There might be a match with the Pens moving Goligoski for one of the Stars big defensemen (Fritche?). Gogo would assume the same role Zubov did for many years there.
Albert
Feb 7, 12:33 PM
that doesn’t sound like a good deal for the pens—Gogo for Fritsche.
sounds similar to the Zubov for Kevin Hatcher travishamockery
Matt Bodenschatz
Feb 7, 02:58 PM
I actually think if the Pens are looking to trade Goligoski, they should look for a young forward. With Guerin and Fedotenko coming off the books next year, Kunitz is the only top line winger returning. And let’s be honest, Caputi and Tangradi don’t appear to be NHL ready just yet. I’d rather have a young player capable of growing with the team than a veteran on the downside of his career.
James Neal is the guy I want out of Dallas. If they covet a puck-moving defenseman as much as they do, they will have to pony up to get him. Goligoski for Neal is equal value to me.
The interesting aspect of the trade is that the Pens would save nearly $1 million in cap space this year, freeing up more money to add to the roster without cutting a current player.
Plus, in a way, it saves money to retain Gonchar and/or Letang. While Neal, an RFA due for a decent raise, likely will get as much as or more than Goligski’s $1.8, his salary will count toward the offense, where players are leaving. If the Pens stuck with Goligski, they’d need to retain Letang and/or Gonchar AND a scoring line forward or two. Essentially, the Penguins would basically replace the salary of Guerin or Fedotenko by trading Goligoski for a forward.
Pens1967
Feb 7, 04:39 PM
Matt, I did read a rumor that the Pens want Neal in return for Goligoski. It’s probably a fair trade and the two teams’ needs seem to be a match for each other. The Pens did scout Dallas-CBJ and while many thought they were there to see CBJ, but it may have been to see Dallas.
I do think they need another big defenseman rather than a young winger, though. Fristic is only 23 and signed at 1M for the next 2 years. That’s about half what Goligoski makes.
Pens1967
Feb 7, 07:23 PM
Scratch Bayda, he injured his knee again and might need surgery.
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