Ryan Wilson: Penguins camp poised to have more intrigue than recent years Penguins camp poised to have more intrigue than recent years

I'll say it again: there isn't much that could surprise me with this group. Anything from basement dwelling, to missing the playoffs by not many points again to making the playoffs is all possible in my mind.

Just a different feeling stage of the cycle now. So many seasons in a row I pretty much knew they were playoff locks. The past few seasons I said before it started that I just wasnt sure they would make playoffs...and they didn't.

Now that the dust is settling - how do you rank Dubas's offseason? I give him a sneaky B. I definitely wish we could've gone after some big fish and we couldve moved on from a guy or two, but overall i thought he positioned us well.

The Good:
-Crosby extension
-Restock draft picks
-McGroarty Trade
-Added some decent buy low/sell high guys

The Bad:
-Letting POJ go for more expensive but inferior alternatives
-Not moving on from Graves (didnt feel like it was likely to begin with)
-Not investing in Laine instead of trading for Hayes
-Going into this season with the same goalies as last year
-Team still doesnt feel like it has a style of play/identity

All in all, Dubas was handcuffed. Partly from what he inherited but also of his own doing. Will be interested to see his plan as the season progresses.
- SuperHenderson13

It's tough to grade because he had those weird pick ups for picks that look like good value, but weren't the best for this year's team.

Pretty much agree with your highs. Beau, Glass, Hayes, Lizotte aren't huge adds, but still probably better than Carter, Harkins, Zohorna as lower line guys that left. McGroarty is the big wild card this year.

Going with Mike that biggest downgrade is LW. Lost Guentzel and Smith for Bunting and either McGroarty or Beau. After that I agree POJ for Gryz feels like a big downgrade.

Debatable on Laine especially the timing since I don't think he was available for that price when we got Hayes. I don't think they could do anything with Graves or Jarry without a small fortune in futures.

Bringing back Ned feels good for now, but don't like the second year with how good our AHL goaltending is. I think that's where the real hope for better goaltending is and has a better chance than the open market.

I think the team took a step back this year to be better positioned for the following year. Time might not be in their side for that.

A few quick thoughts on the groupings

EK is day to day with an upper body injury

Gryz paired with Letang so think they want to try that

Team 4 doesn't have enough players and is largely guys I never heard of... and Accairi. If he's not nursing an injury, seems odd placement.

In first scrimmage I thought Puljujarvi being on the third line that rotates players was a bad sign. Guys I thought he was above like Koivunen, Poulin, Ponomarev, Bennstrom all played top 6. But he got at least one goal, maybe 2 so good response.

A few quick thoughts on the groupings

EK is day to day with an upper body injury

Gryz paired with Letang so think they want to try that

Team 4 doesn't have enough players and is largely guys I never heard of... and Accairi. If he's not nursing an injury, seems odd placement.

In first scrimmage I thought Puljujarvi being on the third line that rotates players was a bad sign. Guys I thought he was above like Koivunen, Poulin, Ponomarev, Bennstrom all played top 6. But he got at least one goal, maybe 2 so good response.
- Tojo.

I know it doesn't mean anything in the long run, but I thought the same thing with Gryz and Acciari. I also think Beau might get some time with Sid. He's got skill.

Player’s to watch. Imama. That’s the list. Who are we really kidding. Sullivan wrote down the opening night lineup weeks ago, that’s what it will be unless injury forces his hand.

Now that the dust is settling - how do you rank Dubas's offseason? I give him a sneaky B. I definitely wish we could've gone after some big fish and we couldve moved on from a guy or two, but overall i thought he positioned us well.

The Good:
-Crosby extension
-Restock draft picks
-McGroarty Trade
-Added some decent buy low/sell high guys

The Bad:
-Letting POJ go for more expensive but inferior alternatives
-Not moving on from Graves (didnt feel like it was likely to begin with)
-Not investing in Laine instead of trading for Hayes
-Going into this season with the same goalies as last year
-Team still doesnt feel like it has a style of play/identity

All in all, Dubas was handcuffed. Partly from what he inherited but also of his own doing. Will be interested to see his plan as the season progresses.
- SuperHenderson13

There seems to be a bit of grit coming. Avery Hayes, Mcgroaty, Broz, brunnike, and I thought I read about a few other players that were a bit feisty in the prospect camp. I think the only scrap was ponamarev. I do like hearing that.

The team definitely has an identity. Soft, weak, easy to play against.

There seems to be a bit of grit coming. Avery Hayes, Mcgroaty, Broz, brunnike, and I thought I read about a few other players that were a bit feisty in the prospect camp. I think the only scrap was ponamarev. I do like hearing that.
- 10inchTerror

They haven’t played under coach Disney yet. He’ll drag every ounce of fight right out of them.

They haven’t played under coach Disney yet. He’ll drag every ounce of fight right out of them.
- Grinder47

Just save people time and choose a new team to root for if all you every wanna do is whine about how soft they are.

They haven’t played under coach Disney yet. He’ll drag every ounce of fight right out of them.
- Grinder47

How worn out are your ctrl and C keys from copying and pasting the same drek over and over?

There seems to be a bit of grit coming. Avery Hayes, Mcgroaty, Broz, brunnike, and I thought I read about a few other players that were a bit feisty in the prospect camp. I think the only scrap was ponamarev. I do like hearing that.
- 10inchTerror

Agree, started hearing that in prospects camp. Add Howe to that. And Belliveau if he can improve his defensive play and make it, seemed like he really stood out in the tournament as a crease clearer.

Here's group 3 per Haase:

Michael Bunting - Lars Eller - Cody Glass
Kevin Hayes - Blake Lizotte - Avery Hayes
Jonathan Gruden - Tristan Broz - Atley Calvert
Tanner Howe - Raivis Ansons - Matheiu De St. Phalle

Ryan Graves - Jack St. Ivany
Ryan Shea - Scooter Brickey
Owen Pickering - Finn Harding
Isaac Belliveau - Emil Pieniniemi

Avery Hayes getting a second line look over Puljujarvi with NHL guys. Clearly they noticed him.

Slightly surprised Lizotte centers that line and not Hayes. Maybe how they see them?

Pieninemi is a left shot, first I've seen him on the right side. If he has that position flexibility it should help him eventually break in. After Picking and Brunicke, he's usually listed as the top defensive prospect.

Here's group 3 per Haase:

Michael Bunting - Lars Eller - Cody Glass
Kevin Hayes - Blake Lizotte - Avery Hayes
Jonathan Gruden - Tristan Broz - Atley Calvert
Tanner Howe - Raivis Ansons - Matheiu De St. Phalle

Ryan Graves - Jack St. Ivany
Ryan Shea - Scooter Brickey
Owen Pickering - Finn Harding
Isaac Belliveau - Emil Pieniniemi

Avery Hayes getting a second line look over Puljujarvi with NHL guys. Clearly they noticed him.

Slightly surprised Lizotte centers that line and not Hayes. Maybe how they see them?

Pieninemi is a left shot, first I've seen him on the right side. If he has that position flexibility it should help him eventually break in. After Picking and Brunicke, he's usually listed as the top defensive prospect.
- Tojo.

Matheiu De St. Phalle and Scooter Brickey are names.

Here's group 3 per Haase:

Michael Bunting - Lars Eller - Cody Glass
Kevin Hayes - Blake Lizotte - Avery Hayes
Jonathan Gruden - Tristan Broz - Atley Calvert
Tanner Howe - Raivis Ansons - Matheiu De St. Phalle

Ryan Graves - Jack St. Ivany
Ryan Shea - Scooter Brickey
Owen Pickering - Finn Harding
Isaac Belliveau - Emil Pieniniemi

Avery Hayes getting a second line look over Puljujarvi with NHL guys. Clearly they noticed him.

Slightly surprised Lizotte centers that line and not Hayes. Maybe how they see them?

Pieninemi is a left shot, first I've seen him on the right side. If he has that position flexibility it should help him eventually break in. After Picking and Brunicke, he's usually listed as the top defensive prospect.
- Tojo.

Kind of feels like Graves/St. Ivany is our 3rd pairing.

Kind of feels like Graves/St. Ivany is our 3rd pairing.
- madmike71

I think so right now. St. Ivany has to earn it of course and make them waive Aho or Ludwig. Would love a Graves bounce back and second pair though.

I think so right now. St. Ivany has to earn it of course and make them waive Aho or Ludwig. Would love a Graves bounce back and second pair though.
- Tojo.

The issue with Graves is that even if he didn’t suck his play style is not a good fit for either Letang or Karlsson. He’s a square peg here on top of not being very good. Definition of dead weight

Here's group 3 per Haase:

Michael Bunting - Lars Eller - Cody Glass
Kevin Hayes - Blake Lizotte - Avery Hayes
Jonathan Gruden - Tristan Broz - Atley Calvert
Tanner Howe - Raivis Ansons - Matheiu De St. Phalle

Ryan Graves - Jack St. Ivany
Ryan Shea - Scooter Brickey
Owen Pickering - Finn Harding
Isaac Belliveau - Emil Pieniniemi

Avery Hayes getting a second line look over Puljujarvi with NHL guys. Clearly they noticed him.

Slightly surprised Lizotte centers that line and not Hayes. Maybe how they see them?

Pieninemi is a left shot, first I've seen him on the right side. If he has that position flexibility it should help him eventually break in. After Picking and Brunicke, he's usually listed as the top defensive prospect.
- Tojo.

I think I'd prefer the 6 years younger, faster, a career 50.4% on draws, as opposed to 47.6%, and better at 5 on 5 player at center on that line.

Let's do some handicapping.

DEFENSE 7 (possibly 8)
Locks 5: Letang, EK, Pettersson, Gryz, Grave

Favorites 2:
Aho- reliable vet just signed to a multi year deal
St. Ivany- finished the year strong, but waiver exempt status could work against him, especially if he isn't in the top 6

FIGHTING CHANCE 1:
Ludvig- spent all year on the roster, but was shaky defensively. I think they signed Aho to take his spot. Hopefully clears and gets too 4 AHL time

LONGSHOT 2:
Shea- made the team last year and played decently well when called upon. Probably depth on a team that lacks close to NHL defense prospects
Knuzhov- borderline defenseman on PTO with 81 games experience that played under Quinn. Also probably depth if he stays.

Matheiu De St. Phalle and Scooter Brickey are names.
- Victoro311

I mentioned Scooter Brickey last week...what a f'n name...unreal.

Scooter Brickey, Cruz Lucious and Rutger McGroarty. All power names in the system.

@Matt not gonna quote it, but appreciate the research. Was just going off I here more about Lizotte shifting to wing and Hayes playing center in season previews, maybe even 3C. But you make a good case for Lizotte.

FORWARD 14 ( maybe 13 but with so many I keep the extra forward)

LOCKS 8- Crosby, Malkin, Bunting, Rust, Rackell, DOC, Eller, Lizotte

PROBABLE 3-
Beau- reclamation project they aggressively pursued early. Late additions McGroarty and Glass could push him out of a top 9 wing spot so I've seen some speculate he could be cut. I doubt it, but not a lock
Hayes- fading player added for a draft pick. I think he'd make the opening roster, but not completely shocked.
Accairi- thought he was a lock, but inclusion in extras group has me wondering since I don't think he was very good last year.

FAVORITES 3
McGroarty- top prospect is expected to come in and play now, but waiver exempt status could work against him in a crowded field, especially if he doesn't show enough in camp to win a top nine spot
Glass- disaster last year but solid third line player the year before that. Cap hit means he'd likely clear waivers.
Puustinen- spent second half of year in top nine role and his competitors didn't so I think he has a leg up but his spot isn't secure.

FIGHTING CHANCE 3
(Note three former high picks that need waivers and all have a shot at being claimed)
Puljujarvi- showed flashes and has had some past success. Hoping for a stronger showing a little further removed from hip replacement surgery
Bennstrom- high pick who they took a flier on but didn't have a long leash and had trouble even getting a jersey
Poulin- injuries and a mental health break have set back his development. Good stats for the 41 games he did play but not enough to get called up and his skating has been questioned

LONGSHOTS 2
Ponomarev- on talent should be in has a fighting chance. But since he is waiver exempt he'll have to convincingly beat a crowded field
Gruden- many feel he could possibly handle fourth line minutes now, but in a crowded and more talented field it's hard to see him pushing past everyone.

I mentioned Scooter Brickey last week...what a f'n name...unreal.

Scooter Brickey, Cruz Lucious and Rutger McGroarty. All power names in the system.
- MattStrat

Like I said before, all I can think of when I read Cruz Lucious is Pimp Lucious from R Kelly’s trapped in the closet

FORWARD 14 ( maybe 13 but with so many I keep the extra forward)

LOCKS 8- Crosby, Malkin, Bunting, Rust, Rackell, DOC, Eller, Lizotte

PROBABLE 3-
Beau- reclamation project they aggressively pursued early. Late additions McGroarty and Glass could push him out of a top 9 wing spot so I've seen some speculate he could be cut. I doubt it, but not a lock
Hayes- fading player added for a draft pick. I think he'd make the opening roster, but not completely shocked.
Accairi- thought he was a lock, but inclusion in extras group has me wondering since I don't think he was very good last year.

FAVORITES 3
McGroarty- top prospect is expected to come in and play now, but waiver exempt status could work against him in a crowded field, especially if he doesn't show enough in camp to win a top nine spot
Glass- disaster last year but solid third line player the year before that. Cap hit means he'd likely clear waivers.
Puustinen- spent second half of year in top nine role and his competitors didn't so I think he has a leg up but his spot isn't secure.

FIGHTING CHANCE 3
(Note three former high picks that need waivers and all have a shot at being claimed)
Puljujarvi- showed flashes and has had some past success. Hoping for a stronger showing a little further removed from hip replacement surgery
Bennstrom- high pick who they took a flier on but didn't have a long leash and had trouble even getting a jersey
Poulin- injuries and a mental health break have set back his development. Good stats for the 41 games he did play but not enough to get called up and his skating has been questioned

LONGSHOTS 2
Ponomarev- on talent should be in has a fighting chance. But since he is waiver exempt he'll have to convincingly beat a crowded field
Gruden- many feel he could possibly handle fourth line minutes now, but in a crowded and more talented field it's hard to see him pushing past everyone.
- Tojo.

Saw on instagram Aciari just had a baby. May explain why he’s kind of with the extras. Maybe he’s somewhat away from the team right now.

Idk why we resigned Bemstrom. He does nothing for me and Sullivan seems to overly like him. If I were GM this would be where I’d step in and take away a coach’s favorite to force him to play someone else.

Marshall was pounding the table for Ponomarev as 4C last year. Really hope his waiver status doesn’t work against him but we’re oversaturated with 4Cs right now. Something’s gotta give there. I imagine we trade away someone eventually but for right now you’re right, I think he’s blocked.

"C'MON!!! DROP THE GLOOOOOOVES!!!!!!!"
- Grinder47 every three minutes during a game