Salary Cap: Pens Salary Cap Thread: If we score 6 we win, its science!

[Gurglesons]

I'd love either of those guys.

Pulju would be an ideal Sullivan forward. He's a strong forechecker and good at everything but finishing. Is there a more Penguins player than that? lol

Feel like Pulju would be a 40 pt forward here.

 

[DesertPenguin]

If they do bring in any more tweeners, I hope they at least bring some size and physicality. No more undersized, somewhat skilled wingers.

It should be whoever the 2022 version of Sam Bennett is, or Kris Kunitz for that matter. Physicality, high motor, up and down the lineup kind of guy. We've got plenty of vanilla tweeners.

 

[66-30-33]

You want size? trade for Zohorna.

Or that 6 foot 9 (lol) centre Arizona just traded for.

 

[eXile3]

I think you could potentially get Greenway from Minnesota or Trenin from Nashville. Not sure what the cost would be, but I feel like those are two potentially pieces you could grab that fit what some posters are talking about.

Also Pulju is on the market. I bet you could get Fischer out of Arizona.

Really? Greenway seems like exactly what Minny likes in its players. I won't pretend to have even watched any of Trenin.

Puljujarvi is interesting. I watch a decent amount of Oiler games. I wouldn't give too much for him though given it's pretty clear he won't ever find the offensive game they thought he would.

 

[BusinessGoose]

What about someone like Hertl?

GCH
RMR

I don't see SJS giving up Hertl for just about anything. He's too important there.

Plus various NMC.. And in first year of an 8 year extension so why would they trade him right now... And 8mil...so how you gonna fit that contract here.

 

[66-30-33]

I don't see SJS giving up Hertl for just about anything. He's too important there.

Plus various NMC.. And in first year of an 8 year extension so why would they trade him right now... And 8mil...so how you gonna fit that contract here.

In the offseason when we have lots of money. The poster said game changer so I went game changer.

 

[Big Friggin Dummy]

I'm still not really convinced the team's gonna have enough free cash to lure somebody like Hertl in FA. That's assuming he isn't dealt at the TDL and re-signs in his new destination.

I think Zucker's playing himself to another contract here--health permitting. I think Dumo's stabilized enough as the 3LD to either be re-signed, or he'll be replaced by Smith starting next season--who is gonna need a new deal. Jarry's gonna be re-signed, I'm pretty sure.

So all that fantastyland free cap is gonna be whittled down a whole lot with just guys like Blueger, Archibald and Heinen walking.

 

[Sidney the Kidney]

Feel like Pulju would be a 40 pt forward here.

The more I watch him, the more I question his hockey IQ. IMO, he'd end up having similar issues we see out of Kapanen where you expect more, but he can't consistently use his physical gifts.

 

[Big Friggin Dummy]

I'd love either of those guys.

Pulju would be an ideal Sullivan forward. He's a strong forechecker and good at everything but finishing. Is there a more Penguins player than that? lol

Yeah, I think Puljujarvi's issue is that he's dumb as a box of rocks like Kap, but he can still fall back on his size and he's solid defensively. Kap's just an all or nothing player.

Puljujarvi is not somebody I really want to see on the Pens, but like you said, at least Sully would play him and it'd keep nobodies like Archibald, Caggiula and Heinen out of the lineup.

 

[66-30-33]

I'm still not really convinced the team's gonna have enough free cash to lure somebody like Hertl in FA. That's assuming he isn't dealt at the TDL and re-signs in his new destination.

I think Zucker's playing himself to another contract here--health permitting. I think Dumo's stabilized enough as the 3LD to either be re-signed, or he'll be replaced by Smith starting next season--who is gonna need a new deal. Jarry's gonna be re-signed, I'm pretty sure.

So all that fantastyland free cap is gonna be whittled down a whole lot with just guys like Blueger, Archibald and Heinen walking.

I doubt we keep Zucker/Dumo tbh. Think Sleepy moves on from them and brings in more guys he wants, he already let Marino/Matheson go so he's not afraid of letting players go to change the team up. He aint aggressive like JR though.

 

[Sidney the Kidney]

Only way I'd want to trade for Puljujarvi is if Kapanen goes the other way in a change of scenery type trade for both guys.

Of course, he's Finnish so we know he'll be Sullivan's new whipping boy the moment he makes one mistake.

 

[Big Friggin Dummy]

I doubt we keep Zucker/Dumo tbh. Think Sleepy moves on from them and brings in more guys he wants, he already let Marino/Matheson go so he's not afraid of letting players go to change the team up. He aint aggressive like JR though.

I think Zucker's got a spot on this team until he decides he doesn't want one. I doubt he comes in anything close to what his cap hit is now, and if he isn't injured for like 30+ games from here on out, I fully expect him back. He's pretty beloved in the lockerroom and while I roll my eyes at that kinda thing, NHL teams/execs don't. I'm very confident he returns.

Dumo, I don't know. He's stabilized in a reduced role and while he's not good, he's not catastrophic anymore. Can definitely see the team handing him another contract to keep him around as a bottom pairing, 6/7 type guy and working Smith in next season if his play warrants it.

He didn't let Marino/Matheson go, he traded them in hockey deals, to be fair. I definitely don't see Hextall chasing any big name in FA though, I'd be absolutely shocked.

Only way I'd want to trade for Puljujarvi is if Kapanen goes the other way in a change of scenery type trade for both guys.

Of course, he's Finnish so we know he'll be Sullivan's new whipping boy the moment he makes one mistake.

Yeah, I'm definitely not advocating going out and trading for Puljujarvi. I meant as a Kapanen swap.

 

[pistolpete11]

Chasing size for the sake of size never turns out well. You get Ryan Reaves. Teams that have players with size and talent rarely move on from them. Our best bet is to hope Poulin turns out. There’s nothing to be gained by adding size if the talent doesn’t come with it.

I didn't say Reaves. I said if they are going to waste assets it should be someone like Kunitz or Hornqvist, not Garland.

 

[HandshakeLine]

I didn't say Reaves. I said if they are going to waste assets it should be someone like Kunitz or Hornqvist, not Garland.

Yeah. Ideally, a sandpaper guy agitator guy who can pot 15-15 or a guy who's consistently physical but struggling to put it all together would be an affordable get for the bottom six and a way better use of that 3RW spot than Kap or Rust. Unless of course you land some insane deal for a top 6 RW and want to Bust the Rust down to 3RW to spread the love or something.

Having two lines with legit physical presences would help wear down opposing teams IMO.

 

[Turin]

Of course everybody theoretically could use him, but this team especially could really use a Patric Hornqvist, especially on the powerplay. It’s a shame they don’t make those anymore. The only guys who come to mind who play somewhat like that are stars like Pavelski and both Tkachuks. Is there a guy out there who’s like a 50 pt forward and can even somewhat approach his style?

 

[Sidney the Kidney]

Of course everybody theoretically could use him, but this team especially could really use a Patric Hornqvist, especially on the powerplay. It’s a shame they don’t make those anymore. The only guys who come to mind who play somewhat like that are stars like Pavelski and both Tkachuks. Is there a guy out there who’s like a 50 pt forward and can even somewhat approach his style?

Brendan Gallagher. But that contract of his is ugly given his injury history.

 

[66-30-33]

I think Zucker's got a spot on this team until he decides he doesn't want one. I doubt he comes in anything close to what his cap hit is now, and if he isn't injured for like 30+ games from here on out, I fully expect him back. He's pretty beloved in the lockerroom and while I roll my eyes at that kinda thing, NHL teams/execs don't. I'm very confident he returns.

Dumo, I don't know. He's stabilized in a reduced role and while he's not good, he's not catastrophic anymore. Can definitely see the team handing him another contract to keep him around as a bottom pairing, 6/7 type guy and working Smith in next season if his play warrants it.

He didn't let Marino/Matheson go, he traded them in hockey deals, to be fair. I definitely don't see Hextall chasing any big name in FA though, I'd be absolutely shocked.


Yeah, I'm definitely not advocating going out and trading for Puljujarvi. I meant as a Kapanen swap.

If Zucker comes at 3M sure I'd keep him around. If Dumo comes cheaper and plays as a bottom pairing dman? sure i'd keep him around. I'm fine with no big names since we have until Crosby retires before we decide to blow it up, so someone like Greenway would be nice to have here. We probably wont ever make it past the 1st round again though.

 

[OtherThingsILike]

I guess this can go here. Moneypuck odds from today:

 

[AuroraBorealis]

I guess this can go here. Moneypuck odds from today:

Why are our Cup chances above Colorado and Tampa's?
Plus a 87% chance to make the playoffs when we're .575. That's bold.

 

[OtherThingsILike]

Why are our Cup chances above Colorado and Tampa's?
Plus a 87% chance to make the playoffs when we're .575. That's bold.

I guess we're playing a lot better now that the incredibly horrific part of the schedule is over? I don't know that either Colorado or Tampa is playing well right now, and Colorado is also really injured.
Also, if you noticed, they say we have an 8.7% chance at the Cup, which is 2nd in the league.

 

[AuroraBorealis]

I guess we're playing a lot better now that the incredibly horrific part of the schedule is over? I don't know that either Colorado or Tampa is playing well right now, and Colorado is also really injured.
Also, if you noticed, they say we have an 8.7% chance at the Cup, which is 2nd in the league.

I mentioned the Cup chances. Us being 2nd because of a 6-1-1 run is odd. We're .575. Even if they're approaching this strictly off math, it makes no sense.
Form and injuries only matter if it prevents a team from making the playoffs. That's not gonna happen with the Avs or Bolts.
It's about potency in May.
I guess betting odds are still hung up on Crosby + Malkin being on the team, after 5 straight series losses?

All good. It's just a chart.
Wish smarter people made these though.

 

[OtherThingsILike]

I mentioned the Cup chances.

I know, but I thought it was fun that the exact number was 8.7%.

Us being 2nd because of a 6-1-1 run is odd. We're .575. Even if they're approaching this strictly off math, it makes no sense.
Form and injuries only matter if it prevents a team from making the playoffs. That's not gonna happen with the Avs or Bolts.

Form would matter if it's an indication of how the team is going to play. If the Bolts 'turn it on' a while before the playoffs, that's one thing, but if they play terribly through most of the season, they're not going to suddenly 'turn it on' for the playoffs.
Injuries would also matter if players come back from injury but aren't at 100%.

It's about potency in May.
I guess betting odds are still hung up on Crosby + Malkin being on the team, after 5 straight series losses?

This isn't betting odds, it's an analysis of expected season results based on how teams have played throughout the season.

 

[Le Magnifique 66]

If Zucker comes at 3M sure I'd keep him around. If Dumo comes cheaper and plays as a bottom pairing dman? sure i'd keep him around. I'm fine with no big names since we have until Crosby retires before we decide to blow it up, so someone like Greenway would be nice to have here. We probably wont ever make it past the 1st round again though.

I find this is the problem though, look at Carter last year for example, had a decent start and slowed down, then we all wanted him gone and couldn't figure out how we would do it for another 2 years.

Zucker and especially Dumo have value, it's time to turn the page and trade those assets and start the long process of an eventual rebuild while still remaining somewhat competitive in the next 2-3 seasons.

 

[ChaosAgent]

If Zucker comes at 3M sure I'd keep him around. If Dumo comes cheaper and plays as a bottom pairing dman? sure i'd keep him around. I'm fine with no big names since we have until Crosby retires before we decide to blow it up, so someone like Greenway would be nice to have here. We probably wont ever make it past the 1st round again though.

I'd do Zucker 4x3.5M. But the way he's going, he'll get more. I don't trust his health long-term. I'd work out something shorter term if he's interested and if he had a limited (or no) NTC.

Move on from Dumo. We need more roster turnover and he is just getting worse. POJ and Petts are squarely ahead of him today and it shouldn't be hard to replace the player he is internally or externally.

 

[AuroraBorealis]

Form would matter if it's an indication of how the team is going to play. If the Bolts 'turn it on' a while before the playoffs, that's one thing, but if they play terribly through most of the season, they're not going to suddenly 'turn it on' for the playoffs.

You can't play terribly most of the season and make the playoffs in today's NHL. They can't just take it easy with Detroit pushing, Boston running away with it, Toronto still good, and Florida hanging around. Who knows how many spots the Metro will take too.
We turned it on for the playoffs, didn't we? 5-7-1 in April and played our best series since Nashville IMO.
Not sure I buy this narrative anymore. We got shutdown in all the Rangers games last year and then poured it on with 29 goals in the series.

The playoffs are no different than the regular season in terms of form. The Pens just had a great 2 weeks following 2 awful weeks. You just gotta do it in May.
There is definitely truth to wanting to go into the playoffs hot, but it doesn't mean you'll lose round 1 if you go in cold.
The Isles similarly were struggling going into 2021 playoffs, and we were hot. A lot of people were confident we'd take em.

This isn't betting odds, it's an analysis of expected season results based on how teams have played throughout the season.

Well I think we'll see how ridiculous these expected results were by season's end.