A
shocking early exit, Pittsburgh's second straight first-round defeat,
prompted questions at all levels of what once looked like Ryan Suter
a burgeoning dynasty. GM Ray Shero set out to make changes this
summer, and he positioned the franchise to try to add the top 2
players on the free-agent market. His push to land Zach Parise and
did not work out, but the Penguins still have nearly $10 million
salary-cap space. Pittsburgh reportedly is one of the teams pursuing
Shane Doan, and Shero has a long track record of being willing to
make high-profile trades. Shero made one franchise-altering trade
this offseason. He dealt center Jordan Staal, one of the integral
reasons for Pittsburgh's return to elite status, to the Carolina
Hurricanes for center Brandon Sutter and 2 defense prospects, Derrick
Pouliot (the No. 8 pick in the 2012 draft) and Brian Dumoulin. Shero
also sent defenseman Zybenek Michalek back to the Phoenix Coyotes. If
the Penguins don't make any more moves before the season starts,
Sutter will replace Staal, and one of the team's young defense
prospects will take Michalek's place in the lineup.
Trades
In:
C Brandon Sutter (Carolina), G Tomas Vokoun (Washington), D Brian
Dumoulin, LW Tanner Glass (Winnipeg), RW Benn Ferriero
Out: C Jordan Staal (Carolina), D Zbynek Michalek, LW Steve Sullivan, RW Arron Asham (NY Rangers)
UFAs: RW Richard Park (Swiss League), G Brent Johnson, RW Jason Williams, C Cal O'Reilly
Promotion candidates: D Simon Despres, D Brian Strait, D Brian Dumoulin, D Joseph Morrow, LW Eric Tangradi
Out: C Jordan Staal (Carolina), D Zbynek Michalek, LW Steve Sullivan, RW Arron Asham (NY Rangers)
UFAs: RW Richard Park (Swiss League), G Brent Johnson, RW Jason Williams, C Cal O'Reilly
Promotion candidates: D Simon Despres, D Brian Strait, D Brian Dumoulin, D Joseph Morrow, LW Eric Tangradi
For
much of the 2011-12 season, there was one question that dominated,
when will Sidney Crosby return? Evgeni Malkin won League MVP
honors, and James Neal was a revelation as his sidekick, but
Crosby's health was an ongoing saga. His first return from an
injury presumed to be a concussion was mythical, but soon after he
was back on the sidelines. The diagnosis of his injury came into
question, and it seemed every accurate story about his
rehabilitation process was flanked by nearly as many that weren't.
The Penguins pressed on, and when Crosby returned a second time,
everything seemed to fall into place for another run at the
Stanley Cup. That run lasted less than two weeks, as holes in a
leaky defense were smashed open by the rival Philadelphia Flyers.
Now it has been 3 years since the Cup returned to Pittsburgh, and
the Penguins have exactly one postseason series victory since. The
loss to the Flyers and subsequent reaction this offseason has left
some questions to answer, but the Penguins can be one of the top
Cup contenders again in 2012-13.
Defense
There
were warning signs before the Flyers put Pittsburgh to the sword
with 30 goals in 6 games, including 20 as Philadelphia grabbed a
3-0 lead in the series. While the Penguins scored at least 4 goals
in 12 of the final 15 regular-season games, they also conceded 3
or more 8 times. Goaltender, Marc-Andre Fleury had a nightmare
series against the Flyers, but the guys in front of him deserved
to share the blame. The Penguins left gaping swaths of open ice
for the Flyers to exploit, and ill-timed turnovers exasperated the
issue. Pittsburgh fans called for a major overhaul to the
defensive line up, but so far the only guy who isn't on the roster
from last year is Zbynek Michalek, who was traded to clear cap
space for a run at Zach Parise and Ryan Suter. Unless general
manager Ray Shero can make another trade, the main protagonists on
the defense will be the same, with the addition of a young player
from within. It isn't just the defensemen, either, the forwards
have to help out and take some pressure off the defense as well.
Michalek was dealt and Paul Martin's name was part of multiple
trade rumors, but he is still with the Penguins. There are 6
defensemen currently on the roster on one-way contracts, though
the Penguins probably don't want to start the season with exactly
those 6. There are a bevy of young defensemen who will compete for
at least one spot on the opening-night roster and maybe two,
pending a decision to carry 7 or 8 rearguards. The obvious
favorite is Simon Despres, who impressed in 18 games for
Pittsburgh last season and could be ready for 18-20 minutes per
night immediately. Other candidates include summer additions Brian
Dumoulin and Dylan Reese, top prospect Joe Morrow and "veterans"
Brian Strait, Robert Bortuzzo and Carl Sneep. 2012 first-rounders
Derrick Pouliot and Olli Maatta and 2011 second-rounder Scott
Harrington, who are all eligible to return to their Canadian
junior teams, are long shots. If Shero were to trade for a veteran
defenseman, I would expect a name or names from that group to be
part of the package to get a deal done.
Goaltending
Ilya
Bryzgalov had a miserable first playoff series for the Flyers, yet
his ignominy was easily overshadowed by the goalie at the other
end of the ice. Fleury allowed 26 goals in 5.5 games, producing a
4.63 GAA and .834 save percentage that wouldn't even have cut it
in the mid-1980s. Fleury has had famous foul-ups before, but the
way he lost "it" so suddenly was startling. The pressure
to get off to a good start in 2012-13 will be immense. The
addition of Tomas Vokoun as his backup should help lighten his
workload, but if Fleury struggles like he did at the end of last
season it could be a lot lighter than he wants it to be.
Forwards
Crosby,
Malkin, Neal, Chris Kunitz and Pascal Dupuis are locks to be on
one of Pittsburgh's top two forward lines with the current roster.
Malkin, Neal and Kunitz were one of the top lines in the League
last season, while Crosby and Dupuis have played together for a
long time. Kunitz was the third member of that line before
Crosby's health problems, and it is possible he returns to the
line. That would leave a spot open next to Malkin and Neal, who
were both First Team All-Stars last season. The top candidates are
Matt cooke (19 goals last season), Tyler Kennedy (11) and Eric
Tangradi (0 in 24 games). Dustin Jeffrey and top forward prospect
Beau Bennett are the dark horses, while Shero could continue to
look for an outside option.
Malkin
became the fourth player in team history to win the Hart Trophy as
League MVP, scoring 50 goals and an NHL-best 109 points despite
missing 7 games. This was not Malkin's first time as the game's
most dominant player (he was the Conn Smythe Trophy winner in
2009), but it was a worthy reward after 2 years of production
below his expectations because of injury or lessened
effectiveness. It must be noted that 2 of Malkin's 3 best finishes
in the MVP race came in years when Crosby missed significant time
(Malkin finished second in 2008, when Crosby missed time with a
high ankle sprain, and 2009). He had no trouble continuing to
produce at a world-class level once Crosby returned last season,
but convincing voters that he is worthy of MVP honors if arguably
one of the other top two centers in the League is also on his team
could be tougher than a season ago. Crosby finished the
regular season and playoffs without reporting any new or
reoccurring health problems, but his ability to complete a full
season will remain in question until he actually does it. Crosby
had 8 goals and 37 points in 22 games, then added 8 points in 6
playoff games. It is possible the worst is over for Crosby, and
he'll resume being the sport's dominant player in 2012-13. It will
also probably be quite a long time before Penguins fans (and
management) don't hold their breath any time Crosby lingers on the
ice after a collision.
The
Pittsburgh Penguins have been one of the NHL's elite teams for the
past few years in large part because of talent and depth that few
other teams could match. Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Jordan
Staal were the backbone of back-to-back trips to the Stanley Cup
Final and a championship in 2009. That depth allowed the Penguins
to remain among the League's top clubs even when one of the "Big
Three" went missing with an injury. After Staal's best season
in 2011-12, he felt he was ready to handle more responsibility --
but wasn't optimistic he'd find it in the long term in Pittsburgh.
He will get that chance after being traded to the Carolina
Hurricanes on the first day of the 2012 NHL Draft. For the
Penguins to give up such a valuable player and remain among the
top contenders for the Stanley Cup, GM Ray Shero wanted some
immediate help as part of the return. Not only did the Hurricanes
have Staal's brother, Eric, they also had the perfect asset to
begin a trade package, center Brandon Sutter. So the Penguins will
move forward without a member of their "Big Three" but
not without the same philosophy. Talent and depth at center will
continue to be one of the Penguins' main strengths, provided
Sutter acclimates well in his first season with Pittsburgh. Sutter
had 17 goals and 32 points in 82 games for the Hurricanes last
season. He's spent the past 3 seasons as either the No. 2 or No. 3
center in Carolina and earned a reputation as one of the top young
two-way centers in the League. Staal is also in that group. The
Penguins will be happy if Sutter can replicate Staal's work at the
defensive end of the ice. Sutter led Carolina's forwards in
shorthanded ice time last season, and Staal has been a key part of
Pittsburgh's PK since his rookie year. Like Staal, there could be
more offensive production in the future from Sutter, who will be
24 years old in February. He had 21 goals and 40 points in
2009-10, and while he'll spend most of his time on the third line,
Pittsburgh coach Dan Bylsma likes to pair Crosby and Malkin at
times, which would open a spot for Sutter on the second line.
Sutter saw less than 30 seconds per game on the power play last
season with Carolina, and it is possible he'll find a regular
place on Pittsburgh's second unit. His durability could also lead
to more opportunity, each of Crosby, Malkin and Staal have missed
significant chunks of time with injury since the Penguins won the
Cup. Staal had 25 goals and 50 points in 2011-12, but he also
spent a lot of time among the top 6 forwards with Crosby out of
the lineup. The Penguins won't expect Sutter to match those
totals, especially if Crosby can play a full season. If Sutter's
transition to his new team is smooth, there could be a new "Big
Three" in Pittsburgh.
Dustin
Jeffrey and Eric Tangradi have been on the verge of securing a
more permanent role with the Penguins, and there is a chance each
could do so this season. There is still loads of talent in
Pittsburgh. Crosby and Malkin are the League's best 1-2 punch at
center, provided they can both stay healthy for the first time in
three years. Neal had a breakout season, and Kris Letang has
developed into one of the NHL's top defensemen. The expectation to
contend for the Stanley Cup remains the same. How the Penguins
respond to the humbling experience of the 2012 playoffs will
determine if Shero needs to make more major alterations.
Prospects
After
winning the Stanley Cup with a core of homegrown players, the
Penguins' prospect pipeline was left a little thin by trades,
picking lower in the draft and some selections not reaching their
potential. While the 2004 of 2005 drafts brought Crosby, Malkin,
Letang, Goligoski and Kennedy, the only NHL regular Pittsburgh has
drafted since 2006 is Jordan Staal, who was traded this summer to
the Carolina Hurricanes. GM Ray Shero and his staff have been
replenishing the system, particularly with blue-chip blue line
prospects, and after early positive reviews on the 2011 and 2012
draft classes and the Staal trade, the Penguins' pipeline is flush
again. Shero's group has clearly focused on defense, and
Pittsburgh might have the deepest collection of potential impact
defensemen in the League. The depth up front and in goal isn't
nearly as strong, and a couple of the organization's top forward
prospects have dealt with injury problems. Those aren't exactly
pressing areas of need though with Crosby, Malkin, Neal and Fleury
still on the front 9 of their careers.
1.
Joseph
Morrow, D:
isn't expected to earn a roster spot at the start of this season.
23rd pick in the 2011 NHL Draft. 17 goals and 64 points for
Portland in WHL 6ft1, 204 pounds. He will begin this season with
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of AHL, turns 20 in December and possesses
the all-around skills to be a top-pairing defenseman in the NHL.
2.
Simon
Despres, D:
ranked No. 8 among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting
in 2009, final pick of the first round. 6ft4, 214 pounds, skilled,
impressed in limited duty with Pittsburgh last season. 5 goals and
15 points in 44 AHL games, 1 goal and 4 points in 18 appearances
with the Penguins last year. Has the potential to be a top-4
defenseman and a long-term partner for Letang isn't out of the
question.
3.
Brian
Dumoulin, D: least-publicized
asset acquired from Carolina in the Staal trade, he could end up
being just as important in the long term to the Penguins as Sutter
od Pouliot. A finalist for the Hobey Baker Award as a junior last
season with Boston College. Scoring 7 goals and 28 points while
anchoring one of the best defense corps in the country for the
NCAA champions. Having signed with the Hurricanes before the
trade, he will begin the year in the AHL if he doesn't make the
Penguins' roster out of training camp.
4.
Olli
Maatta, D:
2nd first-round choice in the 2012 Draft, 6ft2 and 206 pounds, had
a strong first season with London in the OHL (5 goals, 27 points
in 58 games and 23 points in 17 playoff games) ended up at No. 22
for the Penguins. Represented Finland at the 2012 WJC, just turned
19 likely to return to London for a second season.
5.
Derrick
Pouliot, D:
8th
choice in the 2012 draft. Similar to Morrow as an offensively
talented defenseman, 5ft11 and 195 pounds. Scoring 11 goals and 59
points in 72 games for Portland in the WHL last season while
matching Morrow's postseason output (17 points in 22 games). He'll
slide into Morrow's role as the No. 1 guy on the Winterhawks' blue
line this season.
6.
Beau
Bennett, RW:
Top forward prospect, a wrist injury limited him to 10 games in
his sophomore season at the University of Denver. Scoring 4 goals
and 13 points after a strong freshman season. 6ft2 and 207 pounds,
the California native is the one forward in Pittsburgh's system
with clear, top-six potential. Signed in April, likely to continue
development with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
7.
Scott
Harrington, D:
A second-round choice in 2011, Scored 3 goals and 26 points in 44
games for London last season. He made Canada's entry in the WJC.,
but was injured at the event and ended up missing part of the OHL
season with a shoulder issue. He'll be back with the Knights for
another season.
8.
Brian
Strait, D:
Drafted in 2006, spent 3 seasons at Boston University before
signing a professional contract. Stay-at-home type, had a couple
of call-ups in the past 2 seasons, also amassing more than 200
games of AHL experience. Turns 25 in January. Would probably be
more likely to stick as the 7th or 8th d-man than some of the
younger options.
9.
Ben
Hanowski, RW:
led St. Cloud State with 23 goals and 43 points last year as a
junior, and will be the team's captain as a senior this fall. 3rd
round pick in 2009, will turn 22 in October. 6ft2 and 198 pounds.
10.
Matia
Marcantuoni, C:
For the 2nd year in a row was held back by injury. He's missed
time with ankle and shoulder injuries as a well as a concussion,
played 66 regular-season games in 2 years for Kitchener in the
OHL. 6 ft and 197 pounds.
Forwards
Chris
Kunitz- Sidney
Crosby - Pascal
Dupuis
Matt
Cook - Evgeni
Malkin - James
Neal
Eric
Tangradi - Brandon
Sutter - Tyler
Kennedy
Tanner
Glass - Joe
Vitale - Dustin
Jeffrey
Craig
Adams
Defensemen
Brooks
Orpik - Kris
Letang
Paul
Martin - Matt
Niskanen
Simon
Despres - Deryk
Engelland
Ben
Lovejoy - Brian
Strait
Goaltenders
Marc-Andre
Fleury
Tomas
Vokoun
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