Penguins Tidbits

Pens news remains predictably slow, but I will give some updates as they come. The first issue is probably the Tyler Kennedy free agency talks. It is being said the the Penguins are comfortable looking at TK in the 1.4-1.5 M per year range, but rumors are that the Kennedy camp wants 2M per year. Shero, while not stating this specifiically about Kennedy, did say in a conversation related to Kennedy that when teams cannot come to terms with an RFA, they will typically not go to arbitration, but will usually be traded on draft day. I would think that Kennedy has a good situation here in Pittsburgh, and would be smart to take a deal at 1.5M if the Pens hold firm there, which I think they should. Related to that, my favorite possible Penguin in free agency, Curtis Glencross, signed a 4 year, 10.2M deal to remain a Calgary Flame, leaving only Torres, Tanguay, and Leino in my opinion as realistic and attractive possible UFA forward signings for the Penguins. I get the sense that the Penguins may be very conservative in the market, electing to retain key players of their own, and bank on the improved defense, and the hopeful health of Crosby, Malkin and Staal to make them a contender again. They only had those three on the ice together for 4 periods of hockey this past season. On that note, this may be a big year for the Penguins to evaluate and decide on the long term future of their three center model. The Penguins went to the Finals in 2007-08 with Malkin, Crosby, and Staal still on their entry level contracts, and they won the Cup in 2008-09 with Malkin and Staal at least still on an entry level contract. In the two years since all three went off an entry level deal and now eat up 21.4M in cap space, the Penguins have been eliminated in the second and first rounds of the post season. Now, as noted, this past year was not a real fair test of the team's ability to compete with so much money tied up in the three centers, as the injury bug never allowed all three to really be on the ice for more than one complete game. But, with Staal's contract up at the end of 2012-13 season, and Malkin's the year after, this season may be pivotal in the Penguins formulating their longer term strategy. If they cannot make a deep run this season, and if they cannot afford to put enough quality at the wing to take advantage of the center depth, they will likely have to decide if Staal at 4-5M per year has more value than Malkin at 8.7 M per year to create the cap space necessary to field a dynamic and balanced top six forward group. Some variables to consider in that mix is the fact that both James Neal and Chris Kunitz, their two most talented wingers are UFA at the end of this season. Other variables include the retention and further development of Tyler Kennedy, and the ability of Eric Tangradi to progress to the point where he can be a productive top six forward. In addition, will top forward prospect and RW Beau Bennett be an option in the next two seasons, or Tom Kuehnackl, their other top RW prospect? Can Letestu or Jeffrey develop enough to be a productive full time third line center in the NHL? This coming season could be a pivotal one for all of the above referenced players, as I am sure Shero and crew want to decide how to build the team for the coming seasons with the pending free agency of Jordan Staal.

Another interesting dilemma may come at the blue line. 2009 first round pick Simon Despres, a 6'4" 225 pound blue liner has continued to develop since he almost made the team out of camp in September. First, he made the Canadian U20 World Junior Team, where he won a silver medal as a member of that team's blue line. There were concerns in camp that Despres was too much of an offensive defenseman, who could be high risk to represent Canada in the IIHF World Championships. Despres however worked his way on to the squad and earned more and more ice time by proving his ability to be responsible in his own end, improving his gap control, and playing a defense first game, where you jump up into the play when appropriate. Having a successful World Juniors campaign is another step in Despres' development. In addition, after another successful season with St. Johns, where Despres played in 47 games scoring 13 goals, 28 assists, and 41 points, while playing to a plus 15 rating, Despres' Sea Dogs won the President' Trophy as QMJHL champs. Despres averaged .87 points per game this season, and is now playing for the Memorial Cup Championship. Some impressive developments, and considering he almost made the team last season, you can figure that he will press for a roster spot again this year. Add to that, top AHL Blue liners like Bortuzzo, +28, Strait, +22, and Sneep, +17 all figure to press hard for a spot on the blue line. I think any of the four could make it hard for the Penguins to NOT try to move Niskanen's 1.5M contract to add more cap room for a top 6 forward.

Add to all of that, decisions that remain with regard to the signing of Dupuis, Rupp, Adams, Asham, and you can see that the summer months will start to heat up soon relative to Penguins news. In the meantime, check back periodically for updates here!