Eventually the Pens have to sign someone, right?

Question

I'm rather confused with Shero's plan for the Penguins. He has been afraid to spend money, for what reason? This one blew me off very much, not offering a worthy contract to Ruutu, but signing Godard, a 28 y/o winger with nothing really backing his NHL career. He's played 200 games since being signed to the Panthers in 1999, and he's really never played a full season (last year 74 games). So far we've lost Malone, Roberts, Ruutu, Hall, Hossa, Conklin, maybe Orpik Armstong and Christensen (both on the trade for Hossa). Though we still managed to keep Dupuis, which I'm actually pumped about. But we did manage to resign Eaton, an injury prone defense men. The Pens have a fair amount of money now sitting in the cap room area. Will we sign someone in the free agency market that's worthy? I wasn't really worried until I saw Ruutu was gone. And right now I'm rather worried. Right now we have 4 core players: Crosby, Malkin, Talbot and Fleury.

Answer 1

Shero's "moves" have been interesting, to say the least. BUT, if we can re-sign Orpik, then  we'll be ok, still.

Whitney, Goligoski (in waiting), Gonchar, Orpik, even Eaton...solid enough D...Fleury is amazing....Crosby, Geno, Staal, Talbot....What if we were to pick up Jagr(or Naslund?) and Satan (would be REALLY interesting)? We'd have an interesting new look, but it's possible...trades can happen to, you know....We have a lot of room to play with now...should be interesting moving forward.

I think you're too cynical for your own good, really. I pulled for the signing of Hossa more than anyone, but he's not the onlyt guy who stepped up last year... As far as Staal goes, he's a good, solid player, so I have no clue why you're ragging on him...watch him PK, and hush...

And, Goligoski MIGHT be all talk right NOW, but Crosby was talk before we drafted him, too, right? Everyone is "just talk" at some point...lol

Answer 2

There in the Jagr rumors... who knows what can happen...

Answer 3

I hope they sign Jagr. Seriously. I always liked the dude, I want him back in Pittsburgh, I don't care what the other fans have to say about that either. :)

Answer 4

Don't panic.  The Pens have more than that.  Don't forget Gonchar, Letang, Goligoski (in the wings), even Staal.

There are some good role players in WBS to bring up too, Taffe comes to mind.

I think signing Godard was a hedge against losing Ruutu and Laraque (who will be gone shortly).  Gotta have a fighter to protect the big investments!

I don't like re-signing Eaton.  They should have put that money toward Orpik to up the offer.

Overall I can't say I'm very happy with what Shero is doing so far, but the proof will be on the ice in the fall, so it's wait-and-see.

Answer 5

Godard is the replacement for Laraque... makes Half of what Laraque wants! Laraque is gone also, by that signing.

Dude I dont know... I am baffled by SHERO... I think he put all his eggs in one basket with HOSSA and figured he would come back even though he was testing the market.

There are still many good players left... Bertuzzi, Naslund, Sundin, Jagr..... many more.... He will get somone, I THINK?

Answer 6

I think the Pens were waiting to see what Hossa would do.  Now that they know he's gone, they can focus on adding players.  Remember, they still have to keep enough room in the cap to resign Fleury and Staal next year.  Eaton's good when he's not hurt, hopefully he can stay healthy this year.  Roberts didn't add much this past season with his injuries, and though I like Laraque, what did he do so important during the season?  There's still a good chance Ruutu and Orpik will stay.  There are going to be experienced players up for grabs dying to play with Sid and Geno, so now that Hossa is gone, I'm interested in seeing what happens.

Answer 7

They have probably been trying but have been turned down left and right. They had a big offer for Hossa, but he turned it down. There is only one dynamic game break player left (Sundin) and I think there is a better chance of him retiring then signing with the Penguins. Jagr is a great player, but he is not the superstar he once was, so I agree with you, I am a Flyers fan and I don't want Jagr either.

Answer 8

We will sign someone just who is the question but look at it this way we have alot of talent down in Wilkes Barre as well even though some of them aren't NHL ready yet