Penguins Offseason Discussion Part II

[Tomahawk27]

You are correct. I just looked it up and he only played 42 games before retiring

[jrm2054]

@penguins: NEWS ALERT: The #Pens have returned forwards Beau Bennett and Jayson Megna to @WBSPenguins http://t.co/0tPElG1T

@penguins: D-man Brian Strait was placed on waivers and will be reassigned to WBS on Friday at 12 p.m. provided he clears waivers http://t.co/0tPElG1T


So this means Tangradi earned the Malkin line spot.

Also looks like Depres will be Letangs line mate and Borrtuzzo, lovejoy,fighting for a 3rd pairing spot with niskinin

[Tomahawk27]

Was just going to post that.

I know Megna was kind of surprising everyone but I don't think he ever stood a legitimate shot at staying here.

Bennett had a "50/50" (I think they were in favor of Tangradi from the beginning) chance at being the new winger on the 2nd line but apparently wasn't viewed as ready enough. I wouldn't be surprised if we saw him at some point this season though. Tangradi has to play well enough to stay up here and there is always the risk of inury. At least he can clear waivers without any problem.

I hope Strait doesn't get claimed though. He is young enough and skilled enough to make a contribution to this team or, at the very least, be a trade chip at the deadline. Not saying he has a ton of value but young, NHL ready, defensemen always net a decent return

[Tomahawk27]

A guy who has been forgotten is Dustin Jeffrey. He was hurt most of last year but I still think he has the skill to contribute to the team. The only thing is, he doesn't really have a spot. He doesn't profile as a 4th liner, 3rd line center is Sutter obviously, and the first two, well, you know. I thought he should have been given a chance on Malkin's line but as of now, I guess he will be a healthy scratch

[burgh_fan66]

So those moves mean they are at 23 players right. So are we going into the season with 8 defensemen?

Unless I'm missing someone that makes the roster:

Forwards: Malkin, Crosby, Sutter, Kunitz, Dupuis, Neal, Tangradi, Kennedy, Cooke, Adams, Glass, Jeffrey, Vitale
Defenseman: Letang, Despres, Martin, Orpik, Niskanen, Bortuzzo, Engelland, Lovejoy
Goalies: Fleury, Vokoun

[jrm2054]

So those moves mean they are at 23 players right. So are we going into the season with 8 defensemen?

Unless I'm missing someone that makes the roster:

Forwards: Malkin, Crosby, Sutter, Kunitz, Dupuis, Neal, Tangradi, Kennedy, Cooke, Adams, Glass, Jeffrey, Vitale
Defenseman: Letang, Despres, Martin, Orpik, Niskanen, Bortuzzo, Engelland, Lovejoy
Goalies: Fleury, Vokoun

Sounds right

[penguins2946]

Lines for this year:

Kunitz-Crosby-Dupuis
Tangradi-Malkin-Neal
Cooke-Sutter-Kennedy
Glass-Vitale-Adams
Jeffery

Despres-Letang
Orpik-Martin
Engelland-Niskanen
Bortuzzo-Lovejoy

[Tomahawk27]

At least if Tangradi doesn't work out we have an option in Jeffrey.

Not sure what the rationale is in carrying 8 defensemen though

[AllSports4387]

I hope Despres shines through this year. Kind of upset bennett didn't get that spot. But I will see if Tangradi can prove himself. And the rationale behind the 8 defense-men is that the offense is pretty much set. The D I feel like could be more fluid. Particularly if Despres disappoints.

Despres and Tangradi are getting PHENOMENAL opportunities though. Despres will still have a second chance if he doesn't come through. Tangradi not so much. Also, based on Shero's comments, it seems like Paul Martin may be playing to try to stay on this team this season.

[Tomahawk27]

Yeah, if they can't succeed playing alongside Malkin, Neal, and Letang, chances are they aren't ready