Salary Cap: Salary Cap: 2015 - insert witty title here

[Riptide]

But wasn't the push-back on Martin from the fans versus the push-back on Scuderi coming from management?

Do you really think management was happy with how Martin performed that year? So even if the push-back on Scuderi is coming from a different source, I was simply using the Martin example as such that **** does change. Situations change, opinions change, teams change and players change.

I'm struggling to find a comparable to Scuds. Martin was one example (where things change for the better). My point was a response to Empoleon (below).

Yeah of course. I don't know why someone would want to stay with a team that clearly wants to move him.

Frequently we hear from players "I do not want to be here if I'm not wanted". And thus they waive their NTC and allow the team to move them. But not always. Thornton's brother told reporters that if SJ wanted to get rid of him, they could buy him out. So that's not always the case. I'm just saying that I could easily see Scuderi looking at his options and deciding that the hassle of moving his family (or not moving them and living away from them) isn't worth it and that he'll try to stick things out in hopes that things improve. I mean the season hasn't even started yet. Perhaps he sits every game. Or our blueline is in shambles and he's the "solution" and things turn around. And while I do not think either of those examples are likely, I could see him trying to be optimistic and seeing how things play out before deciding to pull the plug.

 

[billybudd]

Having watched Bruce B's extensive and at times surreal use of Stoner in key offensive situations in last year's post season, I'd have to think he would agree with you.

Yeah, BB's fascination with the guy was not lost on me.

 

[drpepper]

Man. Just when I think I'm over his stupidity, you post this ****.



David Perron for Anaheim Ducks Dman S...toner, Clayton

****ing**** no


That's a 1st round pick & Klinkhammer (Samuelsson) for Clayton Stoner.

Just, no.

 

[xxxxxxxxxxxxxx]

Let's not get torn up over the loss of Samuelsson. He was never any good, never had a legit shot at being an impact NHLer, and was only really drafted by us, where he was, because of his last name.

 

[Riptide]

Let's not get torn up over the loss of Samuelsson. He was never any good, never had a legit shot at being an impact NHLer, and was only really drafted by us, where he was, because of his last name.

Not sure I agree with that - however I agree that he's not really a loss. We and other clubs will likely place similar caliber players on waivers this year.

 

[Beauner]

Does there even seem to be a front-runner for Malkin's LW? I mean it's clearly not Perron but isn't Plotnikov the only guy who's seen consistent time with him? The only reason I can think of as to why Plotnikov seems to be given the LW spot is because of the language issue. Having him AND Hornqvist on the same line is a recipe for disaster though, similar to when both Iginla and Neal were put on his line. Two of the same type of player isn't ideal.

 

[Iffyiffiffer]

Kunitz plays in Johnstown leaving Crosby's LW open on Wed. Will Johnston try Perron, Bennett or Dupuis?

Rust

 

[TheGoldenJet]

All this team needs to do, literally all they have to do, is not **** up the forward combos.

Sid and Kessel with someone not named Dupuis or Kunitz.

Malkin and Hornqvist with Perron.

Boom. Done. Fin.

Well put.

 

[Riptide]

All this team needs to do, literally all they have to do, is not **** up the forward combos.

Sid and Kessel with someone not named Dupuis or Kunitz.

Malkin and Hornqvist with Perron.

Boom. Done. Fin.

Dupuis with Crosby/Kessel wouldn't really bother me - at least if it was tried and worked. His speed and board play - not to mention his defensive game - would at least complement Kessel and Crosby. And Kessel is skilled enough to still pull coverage from Crosby.

But I wouldn't want to see any married to that spot. If it's working (whomever plays there), great. But the minute it's not working, start cycling players through it until something better is found. We have enough depth that there's no real excuse not to try things.

 

[cygnus47]

I just don't get what is going on here in the coaches minds. If you think Kunitz - Crosby is a lock because they've played together forever, try everything else first? If you want to see if Perron or Bennett are capable of playing in the top 6, play them there? If you aren't sure which wing combination works (I am not a fan of Geno/Horny), maybe try something else? If you aren't sure if Perron is better on left or right wing, try him on both and not just one?

This is the time to experiment and all that's been done is AHLers getting random shots in the top 6 and a little bit of D experimentation. The obvious major question mark in the forward ranks, the top 6 left wings, has not made into a competition or experiment at all.

 

[Riptide]

I just don't get what is going on here in the coaches minds. If you think Kunitz - Crosby is a lock because they've played together forever, try everything else first? If you want to see if Perron or Bennett are capable of playing in the top 6, play them there? If you aren't sure which wing combination works (I am not a fan of Geno/Horny), maybe try something else? If you aren't sure if Perron is better on left or right wing, try him on both and not just one?

This is the time to experiment and all that's been done is AHLers getting random shots in the top 6 and a little bit of D experimentation. The obvious major question mark in the forward ranks, the top 6 left wings, has not made into a competition or experiment at all.

Maybe the idea is to give the "random AHLer's" time now while they're here and it's still preseason and once the roster is paired down, then start experimenting. There is 82 games for MJ to try different things.

So while I tend to agree with you, I'm not all that concerned right now.

 

[DearDiary]

It was clear from the beginning that JR is building a offensive defense, not one with 2 way play. Hence Scuderi's comment about too many puck moving D and needing someone that plays like him.

Unlike before, there's actually an identity to the team rather than a bunch of guys with various styles trying to fit into the system. The goal isn't to keep the puck out of the net, it's to sustain pressure and promote more playmaking up the ice even though there will be quite a few chances against.

 

[Riptide]

It was clear from the beginning that JR is building a offensive defense, not one with 2 way play. Hence Scuderi's comment about too many puck moving D and needing someone that plays like him.

Unlike before, there's actually an identity to the team rather than a bunch of guys with various styles trying to fit into the system. The goal isn't to keep the puck out of the net, it's to sustain pressure and promote more playmaking up the ice even though there will be quite a few chances against.

huh?

 

[DoktorZaius]

huh?

He remarked to Josh Yohe the other night that he feels confident he'll be in the top 6 to start to year because (paraphrasing) "I've never heard of any NHL team that dressed 6 offensive defensemen."

 

[froods]

Barring a trade (something that Jr should do to improve the D) I am starting to think things will shake out this way.

Kunitz-Sid-Kessel (almost seems like a lock)
Perron-Malkin-Horny (hopefully they are just pushing Perron)
Dupuis-Bonino-Sprong (the kid has earned his 9 games, can keep the seat warm for fehr)
Plonk-Cullen-Bennett

Maata-Tanger
Doumalin-Lovejoy (gross)
Cole-Clendenning

Problem with that bottom 4, besides the fact we have no #3, is Clendenning and Lovejoy are both RH shots and you don't want to pair the two young guys.

 

[SEALBound]

I'm just stating in no uncertain terms that I absolutely do not believe Plotnikov starts the season on the 4th line. Right now rather its a discussion of whether or not he's in the Top 6 or not.

 

[drpepper]

Barring a trade (something that Jr should do to improve the D) I am starting to think things will shake out this way.

Kunitz-Sid-Kessel (almost seems like a lock)
Perron-Malkin-Horny (hopefully they are just pushing Perron)
Dupuis-Bonino-Sprong (the kid has earned his 9 games, can keep the seat warm for fehr)
Plonk-Cullen-Bennett

Maata-Tanger
Doumalin-Lovejoy (gross)
Cole-Clendenning

Problem with that bottom 4, besides the fact we have no #3, is Clendenning and Lovejoy are both RH shots and you don't want to pair the two young guys.

Maatta-Letang
Cole-Lovejoy
Dumoulin-Clendening
Scuderi

It would be interesting to see if Dumoulin-Clendening can play together without making a total mess of things. Theoretically Cole-Lovejoy should be able to handle more & harder minutes.

 

[Shady Machine]

Maatta-Letang
Cole-Lovejoy
Dumoulin-Clendening
Scuderi

It would be interesting to see if Dumoulin-Clendening can play together without making a total mess of things. Theoretically Cole-Lovejoy should be able to handle more & harder minutes.

Agreed. That's probably the way to go for now.

 

[Empoleon8771]

I actually think Dumo-Clendening in theory would make a very solid pair based on their play styles, I just don't know how it will actually work. Dumoulin is prone to defensive lapses and he spirals out of control when stuff goes bad.

 

[Ugene Magic]

What about Perron for Big Buff Byfuglien?

Both UFA.

He's a kind of all worlds mix. Uses his size and hits like a truck, is very quick and Mobil for his size (6'5" 260) that can make up for a bit of his defensive liability. He has the size and girth to move people. It's his overall game that is really appealing.

Winnipeg certainly could use Perron.



Perron and Lovejoy

For Byfuglien

Thoughts.

 

[Asuna]

What about Perron for Big Buff Byfuglien?

Both UFA.

He's a kind of all worlds mix. Uses his size and hits like a truck, is very quick and Mobil for his size (6'5" 260) that can make up for a bit of his defensive liability. He has the size and girth to move people. It's his overall game that is really appealing.

Winnipeg certainly could use Perron.



Perron and Lovejoy

For Byfuglien

Thoughts.

I don't endorse trades where we trade away good players just to placate Kunitz/Dupuis, but that's not a bad trade.

 

[xxxxxxxxxxxxxx]

Byfuglien is overrated, and while we need top-4 capable d-men, we also need top-6 capable left wingers. Perron should be far down the list of guys/assets to be traded in order to fix the defense.

Also, I'd rather play Perron in a top-6 role, re-sign him long term at ~$4.5-$5M/yr, than to play Byfuglien in a top-4 role and re-sign him to a deal north of $6M/yr. I also think Perron's potential and impact as a top-6 winger on this team far surpasses Byfuglien's as a top-4 defenseman on this team.

-edit- A word.

 

[Greeneye]

What about Perron for Big Buff Byfuglien?

Both UFA.

He's a kind of all worlds mix. Uses his size and hits like a truck, is very quick and Mobil for his size (6'5" 260) that can make up for a bit of his defensive liability. He has the size and girth to move people. It's his overall game that is really appealing.

Winnipeg certainly could use Perron.



Perron and Lovejoy

For Byfuglien

Thoughts.

I'd love to see the Pens acquire Buff but they'd have to offer a lot more than Perron and Lovejoy.

 

[66-30-33]

If we ever get Stoner I'll quit watching the Pens untill he's off the team. **** trophy hunters.

 

[Rufus]

I'm just stating in no uncertain terms that I absolutely do not believe Plotnikov starts the season on the 4th line. Right now rather its a discussion of whether or not he's in the Top 6 or not.

I think he's a third liner to start. I think a Plotnikov-Bonino-Bennett line has the potential to be good scoring line, if Bennett can score like he has been in the preseason. I don't think he could start in the top-6, especially on a line with Malkin-Hornqvist because that seems redundant.