drpepper
Registered User
- Dec 10, 2013
- 2,606
- 0
1) While I'm as excited as anyone to see Sundqvist in a Pens' uniform, and that he'll get some games at the start of the season when Fehr is out, it really is for the best to let this kid play on the top-2 lines in WBS for 18 minutes/game, rather than centering our 4th line all year.
2) I wanted Brandon Sutter traded for a Dman, and that was even before we signed Fehr. So I have no problem parlaying Nick Bonino, who may very well not be that 20 goal guy every year, into a Dman. Best case scenario: Bonino plays well and ups his trade value, but Bennett and Plotnikov also play well, and we're set in our top-9. Bonino playing on our 4th line, as that article states, would be a waste given that he's at least a middle-6 forward on most teams, and given our relative weakness on the blueline. I'd happily add a 2nd and another piece (pick/prospect) to Bonino to get a really solid Dman.
3) If the right deal for a Bonino or Kunitz for a Dman isn't there, then Bonino and Fehr provide insurance for one another if the latter is injured/not healthy or the former doesn't perform particularly well. Odds are at least one of them will work out well. If Fehr ends up breaking down physically and can't play, we either won't be paying his salary because he'll be on IR, or we'll buy him out. Very manageable risk and positive contingencies all around. But we have to address our need on D.
Your idea of a 4th line is outdated. Neither Bonino or Sundqvist on the fourth line is a waste. The idea would be to roll four scoring lines and keep Malkin's and Crosby's minutes manageable. Also, the idea that older forward prospects get better playing in the AHL is wrong. Good players should be in the NHL (unless injury occurs or there are cap issues).
Pens can't add another D-man unless they trade one. Pens have Letang, Maatta, Pouliot, Cole, Lovejoy, Scuderi, Dumoulin, Erixon, and Clendening (9 defenders!), and Pouliot is the only one they can send down that is waiver exempt.