Quote:
Originally Posted by aislephive
It's not as if Michalek was overpaid to come to Pittsburgh. He got a reasonable contract at a reasonable cap hit. I'm not saying I expected a ton for him, but a late third rounder and some unimpressive prospects seems pretty crappy. Would have much rather kept him. The only caveat is if it allows the Pens to sign both Parise AND Suter, and that just seems like a pipe dream.
Get it right. The order is go broke, tank, acquire generation talent.
Very surprised they didn't actually get something back for Z. Didn't have a great season, but he's signed to a decent contract. Not sure why Ray was so anxious to do an obvious cap dump well before he can even go after someone on July 1.
I really think he's going after Parise. He is the absolute ideal winger for Sid. I would love to see Shero get rid of Martin and target both Suter and Parise, but when Letang's contract comes up in two years, one of him or Suter would probably have to go. I see the Pens also trading Lovejoy and possibly one of Bortuzzo and Strait (whichever one they're not as high on) as the latter are both ready to step into the bottom pairing, but will have to clear waivers to be sent down (and won't clear). Despres is ready for the NHL and is going to be good. Only way he doesn't make it is if Morrow and/or Dumoulin beat him out for the job. Don't know a ton about Dumoulin, but sounds like he's ready to jump to the NHL as well and Morrow was our last cut last year. Both will probly at least get a cup of coffee at some point this year. Don't see Engelland losing his spot because he's our only heavyweight at this point and Shero likes having one around. Unless he moves back up to wing on the 4th line (I believe he used to). Maybe a utility guy. Wouldn't mind seeing Niskanen signed for 2-2.25, but might not be totally necessary.
Something like
Parise-Crosby-Dupuis
Neal-Malkin-Kunitz
Cooke-Sutter-Kennedy
Tangradi-Vitale-Adams
Jeffrey
Letang-Orpik
Suter-Despres
Strait/Niskanen-Engelland
Strait/Bortuzzo
Now obv this is pretty wishful thinking, but not beyond the realm of possibility. I personally think Parise is fairly likely and the Pens will become even more hated as they'll prob have the two best lines in hockey (when healthy). But if Shero somehow works his magic and replaces Martin with Suter they will be the Miami Heat of the NHL.