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Penguins' Players: Stay or Go


Overdrive

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Outside of ponies, being a furry, cars, anime, and whatever else I indulge in, another one of my favorite hobbies is sports. Being a Yinzer, I proudly bleed black and gold.

 

Now, the Penguins just came off of a frustrating season in which they were eliminated in the first round by the New York Rangers. Analyzing the salary breakdown, a large amount of the team is due for new contracts. That being said, I'd like to take time to analyze each player, and whether or not they should be back on the team.

 

Forwards:

  • Sidney Crosby (Captain), Center: It's fair to say that Crosby did not have as productive of a season as a lot of people would have liked to see. Part of this stems from his time with the mumps, as well as the revolving door of wingers he had to play with in the season as a result of all the injuries. Regardless, it's fair to expect players to have good and bad seasons. He did come in the top 5 for the scoring trophy this year, so it is something to take into consideration. Overall, he's a franchise player, and I do not see him being moved
  • Evgeni Malkin (Asst. Captain), Center: Geno, like Sid, did not have a stellar year this season either. However, this can also be attributed to his time with the injury bug, as well as the various wingers he played with as well. Geno's a 2x Art Ross winner, and this can't be discounted. Another franchise player as well, being drafted 2nd in 2004. He won't be moved either.
  • Patric Hornqvist, Winger: Acquired on draft day alongside Nick Spaling for troublemaker James Neal, Hornqvist is know to crash the crease and set up and score the dirty goals needed to succeed in the NHL. Even though he spent time on the shelf this year, Hornqvist still had an impeccable year. He's still got several years left on his contract, and I can see him sticking around for it.
  • Blake Comeau, Winger: Honestly, I was surprised by how productive Comeau was this year. I distinctly remember his hat trick as being the highlight of his year this season. Comeau can fit just about anywhere: either top or bottom-6. He's a great guy to have around, and it would be a shame to see him leave.
  • David Perron, Winger: Perron came to Pittsburgh midway through the season as a result of a trade involving Rob Klinkhammer and a draft pick. The trade was, and still is questionable, but when he first came here, his impact was immediately felt. I feel like if you can put him with the right linemates, he can thrive very well. I'd keep him around, but it can go either way.
  • Pascal Dupuis, Winger: I'm going to admit I'm biased when it comes to Duper. He's a great guy to be around, quick as hell, and knows how to play the puck. His age and recent injuries have been a bit of a concern, but if he can deal with his demons and come back strong next year, he'll be a threat on the ice.
  • Chris Kunitz, Winger: Kunitz is getting older and slowing down. He's not the right fit for a team like the Penguins anymore, and should be moved as a result. A few years ago, I would have thought differently, but lately it's become apparent that his age is catching up quickly with him.
  • Brandon Suttter, Center: Sutter comes from arguably the largest hockey family. He has skill for miles around, and is honestly being held back being a 3rd line center. He could easily be traded for a top-6 winger, so don't be surprised if he ends up going somewhere, because he can bring in quality talent.
  • Craig Adams, Winger: Adams is a depth player, and at his age (38 now), that's all he's really going to be good for. If the Penguins can get rid of his contract, it'll better benefit them.
  • Steve Downie, Winger: Steve Downie, believe it or not, was drafted 29th overall several years ago because he has crazy good puck skills. However, his temper always blankets that, and as a result, he led the NHL in penalty minutes this year, setting a benchmark for penalty minutes for the Penguins not eclipsed for over 20 years. If they can find a way to calm him down and contain him, he's a great depth player. Otherwise, he's just going to cause trouble.
  • Beau Bennett, Winger: When he was drafted, Bennett showed great skill, but he's always been cursed by the injury bug, and since that, his productivity has gone down the tubes. His value is in limbo, and he is in no way helping the Penguins, so hasta la vista, baby.
  • Daniel Winnik, Center/Winger: Winnik was brought in by the Penguins to help on the PK, and has proven himself at very little cost for the Penguins. If the Penguins can keep him around for cheap enough, he's worth having around.
  • Maxim Lapierre, Center: Acquired from St. Louis in exchange for Marcel Goc, Lapierre's another depth player that has proven himself playing important minutes on special teams. If there's one depth player worth keeping, it's Lapierre.
  • Nick Spaling, Center/Winger: Spaling was brought over in the trade to Nashville, and hasn't exactly lived up to expectations. He, however, is arguably the most versatile player on the team, comfortable with playing all 3 forward positions. I'd keep him for at least another year to see if this season was just an adjustment period, because I feel like he's got untapped talent.

Defense:

  • Ian Cole: Cole was one of the biggest surprises this season, after receiving him in a trade with St. Louis. The trade at first was questionable, because St. Louis received a pick and Robert Bortuzzo in return, taking away grit from the blue line. But Cole really stepped it up, falling nicely into a top-4 defenseman. He can be resigned for cheap, and deserves to be on this squad.
  • Christian Ehrhoff: At the beginning of the season, the entire NHL considered this to be the biggest coup d'etat of the offseason. Ehrhoff was praised as a quality offensive defenseman, but he spent a large portion of the season on the shelf. As a result, is productivity was minimized, and he didn't really give much of an impact. It's questionable if he will return.
  • Kris Letang: This one's a no-brainer. Letang is the Penguins #1 defenseman, and he'll be back without a doubt. His injury history is a red flag, and hopefully this is the end of it. He was knocked out in late March by a concussion, and at the time, he was a Norris Trophy candidate, and even led NHL defenseman in offense and points. Look for him to regain his usual composure and to come on strong next season.
  • Ben Lovejoy: Lovejoy started his career with the Penguins before spending a few years out west in Anaheim. It's clear he grew during his time there, but his status as a top-4 defenseman is questionable. Considering he has another year on his contract, it's a good possibility he could return, but again, questionable.
  • Olli Maatta: Maatta's had a very tough year. Between cancer, rebuilt shoulders, and other injuries, he didn't spend much time on the ice. He still is very young, and will easily bounce back next season. Look for him to be on the squad next year.
  • Paul Martin: I will admit I like Paul Martin. He's a great guy, can play the puck, and has great intuition. The only red flag is his age, nearing is mid 30s, and he is starting to slow down a bit. If he can find a way to unleash a few more productive years, he benefits the team well and goes best when paired with Letang. I'd say he's 50/50 when it comes to coming back.
  • Derrick Pouliot: Pouliot for a few years now was touted as being the Penguins' #1 prospect, and it shows with his call-up after the blue line injuries faced this year. He needs a bit more time to mature, but is easily ready for full-time NHL action next season. Expect him to make the squad.
  • Rob Scuderi: Scuderi's primary role is to be a mentor for the younger guys, as well as his experience level, with 2 Stanley Cups under his belt. His age is starting to show, and it would be best to get rid of his contract. A buyout is feasible because of the low cost it'll have against the salary cap, but it would be better if he was traded. I would not be surprised if he does not return.

Goalies:

  • Marc-Andre Fleury: I think I speak for everyone when I say Fleury had a career year this past season. An NHL-leading and franchise record breaking 10 shutouts, a .920 save percentage, and a 2.32 GAA could put him in the running for the Vezina, but highly unlikely. He just got a contract extension, and his performance this year, despite the lack of production from his teammates, clearly proves he deserved it.
  • Thomas Greiss: Greiss was brought in from Arizona, and competed with incumbent Jeff Zatkoff for the backup role. He was iffy this season, and wasn't exactly the most productive. Put that with the insane level of goaltending the Penguins have down the pipe, and it's to be expected that we will not return.

Down the Pipe:

  • Kasperi Kapanen, Forward: Kap impressed me in training camp. He's only 19, but he was worth every once of the first round pick used on him. He's spent the past several years playing in the top Finnish hockey league alongside his father, former NHLer Sami Kapanen. After his Finnish team ended their season, he was immediately sent to AHL Wilkes Barre Scranton Penguins. He's got a lot of talent, and should easily make the NHL squad next year.
  • Oskar Sundqvist, Forward: Sundqvist is another promising prospect, just like Kapanen. He's spent the last few years playing in the Swedish top league, and has been productive there. He should at least make the AHL squad, if not higher.
  • Scott Wilson, Forward: Wilson came as a collegiate player, playing several years with the UMass Lowell River Hawks. There, he was a productive player. The last 2 years, he split time with the AHL and NHL Penguins, and despite suffering a leg injury in his NHL debut, has been a quality depth player. He's another player to consider for the big leagues when the time comes.
  • Brian Dumoulin, Defenseman: Dumoulin spent time in the past two years on the Penguins blue line after injuries. He's and up-and-coming prospect that is just one of the numerous NHL-ready defenseman in the Penguins' system. He could easily be ready for the big time, or even as a trade chip for a decent depth player.
  • Scott Harrington, Defenseman: Like Dumoulin, Harrington is a junior hockey player who proved himself enough to spend the past two years as part of the Wilkes Barre Scranton Penguins. He saw considerable time with the NHL Penguins due to the injuries suffered this year, and is easily ready for full time NHL action. Another player that could make the squad, or be used as a trade chip.
  • Taylor Chorney, Defenseman: Chorney has been in the NHL for quite a while now, being drafted 36th overall in 2005. Between the Oilers, Flames, Blues, and now the Penguins' systems, he is a very developed player, often being perceived as a Brooks Orpik-style player. He's seen considerable NHL play, and can be called up at a moment's notice to fill in, or even start on a team right from the get-go. His trade value has decreased due to his age, but he's has a very decent shot at making the Penguins' NHL squad.
  • Matt Murray, Goaltender: Matt Murray is, by far, the best goaltender in the AHL, posting a record 10 shutouts in his first full season for the WBS Penguins this past year, a record established in 1942. He was elected to the AHL All-Rookie and AHL All-First teams this past year. a .920 save percentage and a 2.00 GAA only proves his value even more. He could become Fleury's protege next year easily.

I know there will be some people that'll disagree with me on this, so feel free to leave your comments below. And before I go, here's a little music to get you pumped:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjbK5dPLi3I

  • Brohoof 1

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