Penguins GM Speaks About Injuries, Trades
Matt Bodenschatz | Pittsburgh Penguins
Dec 27, 08:31 PM | Hype this story!
Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Ray Shero made an appearance on the pregame show this evening and had several interesting tidbits to share.
Possibly the most significant was his discussion of the goaltending situation while Marc-Andre Fleury recuperates from a high ankle sprain.
“When Marc went down, I said we’ll evaluate things as they go along,” Shero said to host Stan Savran. “You’re always looking. Whether that puts pressure on guys, thats beside the point. We’ve given big roles to players and we’ll see how they respond to it.”
That statement also pertained to the defense, which will be without top-pairing defender Mark Eaton for an indefinite amount of time.
On that topic, Shero said the most likely scenario for improvement is from within.
“Right now we don’t have back to back games so we’ll see where we go. We’ll see and evaluate (recalls) as we go on.
“Mark might be our best penalty killer. It’s one of those things where someone is going to have to step up.”
Among those who may have the best opportunity to see time is Alain Nasreddine, who started the season in the NHL, but others could find time in the NHL as well.
“A number of guys down there are deserving,” Shero said. “First Nasreddine has been here before. Then there’s Ryan Lannon, Deryk Engelland, and Alex Goligoski. I think we have a few candidates down there, so maybe one will be called up, or maybe several. We’ll see.”
Shero added that, because injuries are abundant right now, trades aren’t as easy to complete.
“There are injuries around the league and everybody is being tested,” he said. “It’s been difficult getting any trades done. There’s not many teams out of the playoffs, so no one is looking to unload anyone right now, not even for a draft pick.”
With that being said, Shero admitted that he isn’t thrilled with the way his team is performing, but added that likely is a sentiment shared by many.
“I think we have room to grow. I’m happy the way we have responded (to injuries). We’re looking for a little bit more consistency. Outside of the Ottawa’s and Detroit’s, I think you’d be (hard-pressed) to find anybody that is (entirely) happy with their team.
Comments
KG
Dec 28, 10:53 AM
Matt, thanks for the post. For us out of town fans, pre-games aren’t able to be seen.
I like Shero interviews because he is great to listen too. He is what the fan wants. He admits that they have weaknesses and that he is trying to strengthen the team any way he can.
He is candid and open, which I think is great.
Go get Stuart and Nagy from LA! = )
Matt Bodenschatz
Dec 28, 11:30 AM
I agree, when Shero talks, he is very open and generally answers the questions presented to him. He doesn’t necessarily give specifics, but he also doesn’t hide the generalities.
On the trade front, I think it’s very easy to forget that Shero wanting to make a trade doesn’t necessarily mean he has a partner.
It’s easy to say “trade this player for that player,” but in reality, it takes two to tango, and as he said, trades are slim pickings right now, since most teams remain in the hunt and are dealing with injury issues themselves.
As far as Stuart and Nagy, I wouldn’t mind either player if the price was cheap. Nagy, however, is becoming more and more of a waste — an Erik Christensen, if you will. He has all of the talent to be successful, but I’m not sure if he lacks motivation, physicality, or what. Stuart would be nice for namesake, but he really is more of what the Pens already have — offense from the blueline. I’d much rather see the Pens shoot for a defender like Brian Pothier in Washington.
And, just to note, I realize you were joking mentioning Stuart and Nagy — I just thought I’d throw in my unsolicited opinion.
KG
Dec 28, 12:01 PM
If we are talking about trades. I would love for the Pens to explore the cost for Cheechoo. He is young, under contract with a reasonble $3MM cap hit, goal scorer.
I have read rumors that he may be available. I don’t know SJ enough to know what they would want, but I would explore it…
Matt Bodenschatz
Dec 29, 12:25 AM
Can’t hurt to explore — but I suspect the price would be too high for a winger with a point total so small you need a magnifying glass to see. Of years like this scare me, although an off year means less trade value.
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