GDT: Free Agency Day 1: You're from Boston? Come on down

[Big Friggin Dummy]

The only difference made by Jake's absence is Sid's PPG season streak is probably cooked. That's it. They'll be worse, they'll get a better pick, but Jake was here for two straight playoff misses. That dude can enjoy live in Tampa and playing alongside Kuch, but I won't miss that dork at all. He wasn't a difference maker now, nor a guy that should've been kept long-term for the BFF feel good aspect. Just wish Dubas would've traded him to NYR for the rumored Othmann return.

 

[Gurglesons]

The only difference made by Jake's absence is Sid's PPG season streak is probably cooked. That's it. They'll be worse, they'll get a better pick, but Jake was here for two straight playoff misses. That dude can enjoy live in Tampa and playing alongside Kuch, but I won't miss that dork at all. He wasn't a difference maker now, nor a guy that should've been kept long-term for the BFF feel good aspect. Just wish Dubas would've traded him to NYR for the rumored Othmann return.

Right now our top six is...

Beauvillier - Crosby - Rust
Bunting - Malkin - Rakell

That is like.. 05-06 Penguins with Sid and Malkin filling the Leclair / Recchi roles.

 

[Empoleon8771]

I think Guentzel is a borderline elite LW but I think people are overstating the impact that he had on the top line being great.

Crosby had 42 points in 32 games last year after Guentzel's last game with the Penguins. Over a pretty large sample size, Crosby has never had any issues producing with or without Guentzel. It's just a question of how long that lasts.

The top line is definitely worse by not having Guentzel, but I think it's going from "great" to "good" rather than "great" to "bad". It also depends on who actually plays LW with Crosby next year, they still have a lot of cap space and that spot is really the only spot left open.

 

[CheckingLineCenter]

Wonder if you could get Geekie from TB in exchange for taking on Sheary’s deal and sending Bunting back at 50%

 

[wej20]

Right now our top six is...

Beauvillier - Crosby - Rust
Bunting - Malkin - Rakell

That is like.. 05-06 Penguins with Sid and Malkin filling the Leclair / Recchi roles.

I think it id more likely DOC ends up on the 1st line, at least to start the year.

 

[CascadiaPenguin]

Why did you say Guentzel was replaced by a healthy scratch? Is Bunting a healthy scratch?

Thats wild that you're "befuddled" by anyone who thinks this team doesnt suck. What is your definition of suck? Is your definition a team who missed the playoffs by 3 points with an abysmal powerplay and a positive goal differential? I would call that pretty damn close to "mediocre" rather than sucking

Where were you when we were arguing about the Conn Smythe?

 

[The Great Mighty Poo]

Bokondji Imama.

... that sure is a name.

 

[Empoleon8771]

Also it wasn't mentioned here but Bemstrom was also re-signed to a league minimum deal.

https://x.com/i/web/status/1807860341617185103

 

[CascadiaPenguin]

I think Guentzel is a borderline elite LW but I think people are overstating the impact that he had on the top line being great.

Crosby had 42 points in 32 games last year after Guentzel's last game with the Penguins. Over a pretty large sample size, Crosby has never had any issues producing with or without Guentzel. It's just a question of how long that lasts.

That's not a terrible point. Especially considering the postpartum fortnight Crosby and Co. suffered after the trade.

 

[Empoleon8771]

https://x.com/i/web/status/1807869875391529326

More AHL depth.

 

[DesertedPenguin]

Blake Lizotte also signed. No details.

https://x.com/i/web/status/1807870095550828659

 

[Empoleon8771]

Lizotte is actually a nice signing, he was a guy that was on my radar as a potential bottom-6 center.

 

[Big Friggin Dummy]

Right now our top six is...

Beauvillier - Crosby - Rust
Bunting - Malkin - Rakell

That is like.. 05-06 Penguins with Sid and Malkin filling the Leclair / Recchi roles.

Okay. No argument. Who cares? What's the difference between being a borderline WC team with zero shot at competing and being a team that's a clear bottom-10 finish? They've been losers for years.

They've decided they're gonna lean into losing. Good. We've all bitched about these half-measures for a while.

I'm sure Sid's been briefed on the plan. It's up to him to decide whether or not he wants to retire here or chase a Cup in Colorado or something.

 

[Gurglesons]

Blake Lizotte also signed. No details.

https://x.com/i/web/status/1807870095550828659

Is this the young and hungry?

 

[The Great Mighty Poo]

Lizzote is a pesky little guy, he's brother was with Wilkes-Barre awhile bck.

 

[Empoleon8771]

 

[TimmyD]

Lizzote is a pesky little guy, he's brother was with Wilkes-Barre awhile bck.

No… that’s Beauvillier… and he’s hungry to come in and score 5 goals but somehow never be scratched and probably spend a good bit of time in the top 6

 

[BlindWillyMcHurt]

Youth Movement™

 

[Empoleon8771]

https://x.com/i/web/status/1807870956859224492

Also Vensel mentioned the Lizotte deal is a multi-year deal. Really curious to see where he fits in.

 

[TimmyD]

So they are done then

https://x.com/i/web/status/1807870956859224492

Also Vensel mentioned the Lizotte deal is a multi-year deal. Really curious to see where he fits in.

Again if he wants another deal like Hayes call Colorado and try to get Colton. He’s still only 27 and I think he’d be a nice fit here

 

[SEALBound]

Looking at some of the rosters at the moment, couple are a bit bizzaire, starting with Detroit- 7 forwards, 6 dmen, 4 goalies.

Ducks still $8mil from the floor but plenty more slots to sign.
Colorado needs 3F, 1D with $6mil in space.
Buffalo needs a lot of guys but has a lot of space.

Ducks might be a good suggestion for Graves. Tons of youth on there and they need to get the floor. Buffalo seems primed for a Eller or Acciari addition for a Minny's 4th. Detroit could take a guy or two as well.

 

[Empoleon8771]

https://x.com/i/web/status/1807871471244714191

 

[Big Friggin Dummy]

Hopefully it's someone like Pinto, who may be young enough to still be of use once this team's had time to rebuild a bit. Doubt it's anything more than like a DOC or Puustinen level guy though.

 

[CheckingLineCenter]

Bro what Lizotte is like legit good

 

[Andy99]

Why? Lol

https://x.com/i/web/status/1807870122167529530