Salary Cap: '24-'25 Salary Thread: Crosbicles Volume MMXXVI: Sid is Still Goat

[AuroraBorealis]

Zegras has put up over 60 points twice, on bad teams. Koivunen doesn't even have one NHL game under his belt. He is currently getting outscored by Bemstrom in Wilkes...a guy who's performance was so flat on a non-playoff team last year that he got dumped.

Koivunen will get his chance to prove himself. But until he does, he's just a prospect with some potential.
Lots of guys have looked good in Wilkes, only to suck up here. DOC was a P/PG player down there.
Rowney put up 77 points in his final 100 games in Wilkes.
Dustin Jeffrey had 64 points in 64 games in 2015-16. Scott Wilson over P/PG that year.

I will wait for Koivunen's results at the NHL level before hyping him up and comparing him to legitimate NHL top-six talent.

 

[Big Friggin Dummy]

Zegras sucks but I think he'd try to pull off a Michigan down like 5-1 in a game and Sullivan would quit on the spot. Right there, mid-shift, he'd just leave the bench and that'd be that. So go get the guy, Dubas. Make it happen.

 

[Empoleon8771]

Zegras has put up over 60 points twice, on bad teams. Koivunen doesn't even have one NHL game under his belt. He is currently getting outscored by Bemstrom in Wilkes...a guy who's performance was so flat on a non-playoff team last year that he got dumped.

Koivunen will get his chance to prove himself. But until he does, he's just a prospect with some potential.
Lots of guys have looked good in Wilkes, only to suck up here. DOC was a P/PG player down there.
Rowney put up 77 points in his final 100 games in Wilkes.
Dustin Jeffrey had 64 points in 64 games in 2015-16. Scott Wilson over P/PG that year.

I will wait for Koivunen's results at the NHL level before hyping him up and comparing him to legitimate NHL top-six talent.

I'm obviously talking about a projection there and not saying that Koivunen or McGroarty definitely end up top-6 caliber. The hope is that both of those two pan out and form a line with Zegras in that scenario.

 

[OtherThingsILike]

Bringing that Malkin topic from the off-day thread, Malkin said in an article to Rossi that he doesn't plan to retire and is undecided if next year will be his last year. That second point brings up an interesting topic that I've seen discussed a few times, it may be smart to try to trade Rakell for a 2C and slide Malkin up to Crosby's wing. I'm just unsure of who fits that.

I would be totally happy running with a Malkin-Crosby-Rust L1 until Crosby and Malkin retire. Let them stick together for as long as they want and basically just rebuild the rest of the team.

I agree that getting a 2C and moving Malkin with Crosby is what should be done.

 

[AuroraBorealis]

I'm obviously talking about a projection there and not saying that Koivunen or McGroarty definitely end up top-6 caliber. The hope is that both of those two pan out and form a line with Zegras in that scenario.

I wasn't replying to your post. More like to the board at large. Koivunen got brought up by several people today.
IMO he is getting too much respect based on Wilkes scoring alone and Zegras is not getting enough respect for his career at the NHL level.

I don't watch Wilkes (almost no one here does) and will reserve judgment. Maybe he can be a top-six. I don't know. But what I will say is that many players have been in his position statistically and did not follow through for the big club. Far, far more failed than succeeded.
I'll consider him a scoring upside 4th liner until he proves he's more at this level.

 

[Empoleon8771]

I wasn't replying to your post. More like to the board at large. Koivunen got brought up by several people today.
IMO he is getting too much respect based on Wilkes scoring alone and Zegras is not getting enough respect for his career at the NHL level.

I don't watch Wilkes (almost no one here does) and will reserve judgment. Maybe he can be a top-six. I don't know. But what I will say is that many players have been in his position statistically and did not follow through for the big club. Far, far more failed than succeeded.
I'll consider him a scoring upside 4th liner until he proves he's more at this level.

Yes I think I misread your post, thought it was directed at me because it was posted right after I made a post about Koivunen. Apologies for that.

 

[AuroraBorealis]

I wouldn't pass on Zegras because of the cost of losing Koivunen.
Rather, the reasons would be because of his recent injury history, and his AAV is likely too high for what he provides. He scores a fair amount still, but it may not be enough to justify 5.75M next year, especially factoring in his horrific defense.

The objective of getting him would be to flip him for more at next year's deadline, after boosting his value here with a ton of usage. I'd feel a lot more comfortable going down that path if Anaheim was retaining.
Otherwise the math doesn't look good, and if you get unlucky Koivunen turns into something nice and you wasted him to boot.

 

[ChaosAgent]

Zegras gives off the vibe as being a perpetual talented diva with an outsized role on terrible teams.

 

[DesertedPenguin]

Koivunen doesn't even have one NHL game under his belt. He is currently getting outscored by Bemstrom in Wilkes...a guy who's performance was so flat on a non-playoff team last year that he got dumped.

Good lord this is disingenuous.

Bemstrom is 25 and in his sixth pro season on North American ice.

Koivunen is 21 and in his first pro season.

Bemstrom has 44 points in 41 games. Koivunen has 39 points in 45 games.

Context matters.

 

[Zirakzigil]

Bringing that Malkin topic from the off-day thread, Malkin said in an article to Rossi that he doesn't plan to retire and is undecided if next year will be his last year. That second point brings up an interesting topic that I've seen discussed a few times, it may be smart to try to trade Rakell for a 2C and slide Malkin up to Crosby's wing. I'm just unsure of who fits that.

I would be totally happy running with a Malkin-Crosby-Rust L1 until Crosby and Malkin retire. Let them stick together for as long as they want and basically just rebuild the rest of the team.

Lol, screw it, run Rakell as 2C.

This. You trade Rakell and immediately are looking for another Rakell. Unless the Pens draft one of the top centers, let Rakell anchor the 2nd line. Or let him be the go too guy on the 2nd line for a kid learning the ropes.

Geno - Sid - Marner
Rust - Kid - Rakell
Bunting - Hayes - ____

Thats a very solid top 9 for next year.

 

[ChaosAgent]

This. You trade Rakell and immediately are looking for another Rakell. Unless the Pens draft one of the top centers, let Rakell anchor the 2nd line. Or let him be the go too guy on the 2nd line for a kid learning the ropes.

Geno - Sid - Marner
Rust - Kid - Rakell
Bunting - Hayes - ____

Thats a very solid top 9 for next year.

Rakell is a very good player but there isn't a single player outside of Crosby that we shouldn't move for a 1st if offered. We are in the rebuild.

 

[Zirakzigil]

Rakell is a very good player but there isn't a single player outside of Crosby that we shouldn't move for a 1st if offered. We are in the rebuild.

This team isnt in rebuild mode until Sid and Co retire. We are in retool mode.

 

[ChaosAgent]

This team isnt in rebuild mode until Sid and Co retire. We are in retool mode.

It is really just Sid. And given our results trendline, the tank is upon us whether we should wish it or not.

 

[Zirakzigil]

It is really just Sid. And given our results trendline, the tank is upon us whether we should wish it or not.

This season hasnt worked out. Goaltending and defense has been horrible. They will reset for next year and try and go for the playoffs again. Thats a retool. They arent trading anything not bolted down, thats a rebuild.

 

[ChaosAgent]

This season hasnt worked out. Goaltending and defense has been horrible. They will reset for next year and try and go for the playoffs again. Thats a retool. They arent trading anything not bolted down, thats a rebuild.

It would be pretty dumb to not cash in on Rakell's year. I guess if he can replicate it next year his value won't diminish.

Viewing forest through trees, this team has the worst goal differential in the Eastern conference and traded its 2nd best player and of its 4-5 best players in the past 12 months. It did not replace them with similar talent. Seems to be pretty obvious signals that they are done.

 

[AuroraBorealis]

Good lord this is disingenuous.

Bemstrom is 25 and in his sixth pro season on North American ice.

Koivunen is 21 and in his first pro season.

Bemstrom has 44 points in 41 games. Koivunen has 39 points in 45 games.

Context matters.

Yeah, I'll wait for his NHL results and hype him up then when the points arrive, like I said.

 

[Pancakes]

This team isnt in rebuild mode until Sid and Co retire. We are in retool mode.

Retooling? I'll retool you! (Sid to Kyle when he gently broaches the topic of trading Bryan Rust to help the retool)

 

[Randy Butternubs]

If they finally put Sid and Geno together I actually think Hallander would be a good third wheel. Though, if he's still around, Bunting could be a good option.

 

[Ulf5]

This season hasnt worked out. Goaltending and defense has been horrible. They will reset for next year and try and go for the playoffs again. Thats a retool. They arent trading anything not bolted down, thats a rebuild.

Sid, "Rebuild, Dubas? Hell no. Run this-
×××-Sid-×××
×××-Sid-×××
×××-Sid-×××
×××-Lizzo-×××"

 

[molon labe]

If they finally put Sid and Geno together I actually think Hallander would be a good third wheel. Though, if he's still around, Bunting could be a good option.

The only way he fits into the top 6 again is on a line Geno-Sid-Bunt

Sort of baffling that Geno wasn't moved up 3 years ago but here we are - and I'm here for it. We'll still lose - but at least Sid/Geno will rack up points which is the only thing worth watching for at the present.

 

[KrisLetAngry]

From another poster on another site:

“From Josh Yohe today regarding Penguins plans:

-Says Crosby and Malkin are off limits, and Dubas does not intend to ask Rust to waive his trade protection.

-Says Rakell is the biggest piece they have to offer, but odds don't seem good that he'll be moved. Would have to be a substantial offer. Thinking is his cost to acquire will actually go up this summer. Dubas will listen, but it better be good.

-Thought process right now is Penguins will make smaller moves. There is interest around the league in both Grzelcyk and Beauvillier.

That was really it, other than Yohe talking about how the Penguins really like Brunicke, Pieniniemi, and Harding in the defense prospect mix. He also mentioned Mac Hollowell potentially getting an NHL shot if we trade some d-men or have injuries.

I don't think there is going to be a major splash (unless Rakell is moved) or a huge selloff, but, I also don't think Grzelcyk and Beauvillier are going to bring in anything major that helps this team next year. So, either Dubas sells Rakell now (for a great offer), or he holds on and makes a splash at the draft.

Starting to sound like we'll have a fizzle at the trade deadline rather than a bang.”

We traded Petts and DOC already. Can't really see many more moves. Bunting Hayes Bea and Grzelcyk is about it.
Teams that are good only have so many top 4 D and top 6 wingers teams want

Speculating into this offseason… if all options are realistic. Would you prefer signing Marner or 2 of the following 3: Ehlers, Bennett and/or Boeser?

Been thinking the effects of both situations and just curious on others’ thoughts.

Can't see us getting Sam Bennett. Guy will get offers from every contender.

Ehler maybe Bowser maybe.

Honestly any high end top 6 winger that we can pay to come here. I am good with it. Especially if we can trade Rakell and Rust we will have cap space to just throw for an overpay and honestly I wouldn't even be upset at the overpay.

 

[CheckingLineCenter]

This won’t be popular but when do you start to wonder about keeping Gryz?

Hes not great and I’d like to capitalize on him racking up PP assists.

But say the market doesn’t value him… do you take him back at $2Mx2 instead of trading him for a 4th or 5th? Or do you just take whatever you can get and move on.

 

[Empoleon8771]

This won’t be popular but when do you start to wonder about keeping Gryz?

Hes not great and I’d like to capitalize on him racking up PP assists.

But say the market doesn’t value him… do you take him back at $2Mx2 instead of trading him for a 4th or 5th? Or do you just take whatever you can get and move on.

I'd take what I can get and move on. Ensures Kotya will get as long of a look in the NHL as he needs. Basically take away Sullivan's ability to scratch him by giving him no other options.

I'd bring him back as a UFA but no need to keep him.

 

[PensFutures]

This won’t be popular but when do you start to wonder about keeping Gryz?

Hes not great and I’d like to capitalize on him racking up PP assists.

But say the market doesn’t value him… do you take him back at $2Mx2 instead of trading him for a 4th or 5th? Or do you just take whatever you can get and move on.

Id be trying to upgrade current picks: Gryz+3rd for a 2nd, Gryz+2 5ths for a 3rd etc. If not, take what you can get. Theres the potential for lots of movement on our back end this summer, so maybe he could come back July 1?

 

[SEALBound]

Zegras gives off the vibe as being a perpetual talented diva with an outsized role on terrible teams.

I think you just need to have the right expectations when it comes to Zegras. I do think his peak is that highly skilled 60pt wing. You may be able to push that to PPG if he's getting a center like prime Crosby.

If you think he's going to come here to be 2C with Bunting and Tomasino as his wings, I wouldn't be expecting 60pts but if he's in that 40-50pt region, people are going to sour on him, which isn't fair to him.

It's like, if you go to Olive Garden expecting fine Italian Cuisine and are disappointed, the problem is you, not Olive Garden.

This team isnt in rebuild mode until Sid and Co retire. We are in retool mode.

Yes and no. I would say we are rebuilding via the draft and retooling via trade (with non-impact assets) and FA.