Salary Cap: Pulp Philction Edition

[steveg]

I think the key phrase in your post is "of what we've got". We've still got half a summer left, and given what JR's said, adding a 4C who can PK and win faceoffs is still a possibility. I hope we do.

Sounds like Max Lapierre to me. Any chance the team re-signs him, or wants to?

 

[hooverdam]

Bennett is fine defensively. I'd say he's certainly better than Kessel and Perron and ahead of Hornqvist, too. Now that Spaling's gone, the only wingers on the team ranked ahead of Bennett defensively are Kunitz and Dupuis.

That's not to say he'll ever PK for this coach, but I don't think he's incapable. He's very good on the backcheck.

 

[madinsomniac]

I have had complaints about Kunitz, Dupuis, and sutter at times over the past few years, but its almost always been tied to usage. If those three were to play on a third line, even with 2 of them losing a step it still would be a fine line. defensively solid, chippy, and absolutely able to contribute offensively. I wouldn't like the price we were paying for that line, but the line itself likely would be fine.

 

[Shady Machine]

Other than d zone face offs, being a good pker doesn't take too much as a forward. It's about stick positioning, reads, and effort. I'm sure we have the guys that can do it in house. If they can find a face off specialist for close to league minimum, then cool. Otherwise, I'd let Sutter and Crosby take the d zone draws.

 

[Riptide]

Why would the Pens put Pouliot in the minors? Every single quote and statement from the team has Pouliot in the NHL. Having Pouliot in the NHL makes the team better than any 4C signing that they could make. Pouliot is not going to be in the minors.

Did you include what happens with the Pens bonuses? The Pens can't afford too much in overage bonuses next season if they want to re-sign Maatta and Perron.

Nope that was straight salary. As for why, it was simply just going with who was already listed by capfriendly. If it's Dumo going down, then add what 50k? If it's Erixon, then add 250k to that 1.2m (and by add I mean subtract ).

Bonuses are a consideration. However what the players do or do not hit obviously depend on what ones they have. If DP see's top 4 minutes, PP time and does well, then yeah it's possible he hits his bonuses. On the other hand he could play great like Maatta did his rookie season, but not produce much and miss out on most of his bonuses. Same could be said for Plot and whomever.

Also, outside of Pouliot and Plotnikov, most of the other guys have minimal bonuses to worry about. Wilson, Rust and Sundqvist if they all max out on everything combine for less than 750k in bonuses. Pouliot is 425k while Plotnikov is 2.85m - however the 2m part is the major awards bonus, so realistically it's the 850k part that's a bigger concern. But still, if all 5 of those guys max out (without a major award), that's 2m in bonuses. Something that would be a pain next season, but not the end of the world.

Buying out Scuderi or trading Kunitz would easily cover that.

 

[Riptide]

I have had complaints about Kunitz, Dupuis, and sutter at times over the past few years, but its almost always been tied to usage. If those three were to play on a third line, even with 2 of them losing a step it still would be a fine line. defensively solid, chippy, and absolutely able to contribute offensively. I wouldn't like the price we were paying for that line, but the line itself likely would be fine.

Other than the fact that the center on that line doesn't know how to use his teammates all that well.

 

[Ugene Magic]

Other than the fact that the center on that line doesn't know how to use his teammates all that well.

I'm gonna give Sutter a pass and see if he can come up with some chemistry with consistent line-mates for once.

 

[drpepper]

Nope that was straight salary. As for why, it was simply just going with who was already listed by capfriendly. If it's Dumo going down, then add what 50k? If it's Erixon, then add 250k to that 1.2m (and by add I mean subtract ).

Bonuses are a consideration. However what the players do or do not hit obviously depend on what ones they have. If DP see's top 4 minutes, PP time and does well, then yeah it's possible he hits his bonuses. On the other hand he could play great like Maatta did his rookie season, but not produce much and miss out on most of his bonuses. Same could be said for Plot and whomever.

Also, outside of Pouliot and Plotnikov, most of the other guys have minimal bonuses to worry about. Wilson, Rust and Sundqvist if they all max out on everything combine for less than 750k in bonuses. Pouliot is 425k while Plotnikov is 2.85m - however the 2m part is the major awards bonus, so realistically it's the 850k part that's a bigger concern. But still, if all 5 of those guys max out (without a major award), that's 2m in bonuses. Something that would be a pain next season, but not the end of the world.

Buying out Scuderi or trading Kunitz would easily cover that.

In other words, having Pouliot in the AHL isn't a realistic scenario when considering cap space to add a 4C.

Pouliot hit his bonuses last season. I don't see any way he doesn't hit his bonuses this season unless he's in the AHL all season.

With 12 F, 7D and 2G the Pens have $69.77583M cap spent with $1.624167M in space and likely between $1.44-3.78M in bonuses depending on Plotnikov's performance bonuses with the lower numbers more likely.

Plotnikov-Crosby-Kessel
Perron-Malkin-Hornqvist
Kunitz-Sutter-Dupuis
Wilson-Sundqvist-Bennett

Maatta-Letang
Pouliot-Cole
Dumoulin-Lovejoy
Scuderi

Fleury
Zatkoff

Adding a 13F or 8D likely pushes the Pens into overage bonuses next season. Unless some combination happens (1) the new 4C makes under 700K (replaces Wilson), (2) Pouliot is playing in the AHL (saves $1.288M) , (3) Plotnikov doesn't make the team (saves between 0.925 and 3.775 - likely 1.375), (4) two or three of Sundqvist, Rust, and Wilson don't play enough to reach their performance bonuses (saves between 500-750K), Pens cap situation doesn't currently allow for a 4C.

Of course, Rutherford could ignore the cap situation. Push the Pens too close to the cap, and they can play with 5D or 11F or something this season.

 

[WayneSid9987]

Pretty confident Sutter, Dupuis, Sundqvist, Plotnikov, Kunitz, a WBS'er, Geno with Sid taking draws can get the job done on the PK.

This team did well PK'ing with Adams and Spaling in it's regular rotation. Nothing to worry about really.

 

[AjaxTelamon]

Pretty confident Sutter, Dupuis, Sundqvist, Plotnikov, Kunitz, a WBS'er, Geno with Sid taking draws can get the job done on the PK.

This team did well PK'ing with Adams and Spaling in it's regular rotation. Nothing to worry about really.

This primarily due to Fleury's much improved mechanics and excellent reflexes, combined with Sutter's good stick in the passing lanes limiting the really juicy scoring chances/tap-ins.

All of which we still have going for us.

 

[Honour Over Glory]

I'm gonna give Sutter a pass and see if he can come up with some chemistry with consistent line-mates for once.

The problem is this...

Most people identify Kunitz & Dupuis as his perfect linemates. Offensively, they're more on the IQ level of Sutter, sure, but you are desperately relying on Kunitz to be the playmaker on that line, Sutter isn't good at that, he has a fairly decent shot, Dupuis is just a never ending motor on the ice that shoots from anywhere.

That's a disaster waiting to happen. It's why if you put Kunitz there, the other winger HAS to be Bennett. It's the only balance that works. Kunitz-Sutter-Bennett has the makings of a very effective 3rd line, has all the tools if all 3 are healthy and aren't injured or missing iron pills, etc etc.

Dupuis is the odd man out in the top 9.

 

[KrisLetAngry]

Pretty confident Sutter, Dupuis, Sundqvist, Plotnikov, Kunitz, a WBS'er, Geno with Sid taking draws can get the job done on the PK.

This team did well PK'ing with Adams and Spaling in it's regular rotation. Nothing to worry about really.

Adam sucks. Spaling is vanilla though

 

[Ugene Magic]

The problem is this...

Most people identify Kunitz & Dupuis as his perfect linemates. Offensively, they're more on the IQ level of Sutter, sure, but you are desperately relying on Kunitz to be the playmaker on that line, Sutter isn't good at that, he has a fairly decent shot, Dupuis is just a never ending motor on the ice that shoots from anywhere.

That's a disaster waiting to happen. It's why if you put Kunitz there, the other winger HAS to be Bennett. It's the only balance that works. Kunitz-Sutter-Bennett has the makings of a very effective 3rd line, has all the tools if all 3 are healthy and aren't injured or missing iron pills, etc etc.

Dupuis is the odd man out in the top 9.

That's all fine and dandy, but bennett has to know he'll have to not pass up shots.

If Bennett wants to earn a permanent spot in the top 9 that is a must. That'll earn him top 6 minutes being more versatile then just being a play-maker 85%/90% of the time. I'd like to see him hit 15/25 for 40 points. That should be seen as doable.

That should be seen as doable for all three across the line. With Kunitz/Sutter scoring more goals.

You'd think you could squeeze 50/60 goals from that 3rd line.

At least that's the kind of depth the Pens sorely need from that line.

 

[AjaxTelamon]

The problem is this...

Most people identify Kunitz & Dupuis as his perfect linemates. Offensively, they're more on the IQ level of Sutter, sure, but you are desperately relying on Kunitz to be the playmaker on that line, Sutter isn't good at that, he has a fairly decent shot, Dupuis is just a never ending motor on the ice that shoots from anywhere.

That's a disaster waiting to happen. It's why if you put Kunitz there, the other winger HAS to be Bennett. It's the only balance that works. Kunitz-Sutter-Bennett has the makings of a very effective 3rd line, has all the tools if all 3 are healthy and aren't injured or missing iron pills, etc etc.

Dupuis is the odd man out in the top 9.

You're making a reasonable enough point if you're thinking from an offensive perspective, as this line will blow for possession in the O zone. But if it's a shut down line that's designed to take a majority of D zone draws, and disrupt top lines, it will be the best one we can put out. Since it's our best three defensive forwards, or at the very least our two best defensive forwards by far, plus another dude who should be able to be average+ in Kunitz. BB is a mess defensively right now, don't make certain posters go to the video.

 

[Dipsy Doodle]

You're making a reasonable enough point if you're thinking from an offensive perspective, as this line will blow for possession in the O zone. But if it's a shut down line that's designed to take a majority of D zone draws, and disrupt top lines, it will be the best one we can put out. Since it's our best three defensive forwards, or at the very least our two best defensive forwards by far, plus another dude who should be able to be average+ in Kunitz. BB is a mess defensively right now, don't make certain posters go to the video.

Since none of Kunitz, Sutter, or Dupuis can carry the puck to save their lives, they better be great defensively because they're going to be in their own end an awful lot.

If that line's not doing something on the rush, they're doing nothing.

 

[mpp9]

Since none of Kunitz, Sutter, or Dupuis can carry the puck to save their lives, they better be great defensively because they're going to be in their own end an awful lot.

If that line's not doing something on the rush, they're doing nothing.

Sutter can carry the puck though. He's pretty good off the rush. He just doesn't use his linemates very well. Though, he did look good with Bennett, Neal and Jokinen in the past.

 

[PensPlz]

I don't know why people are worried about the PK. According the blind-optimists that can never find any faults with the team, we have Scuderi: the best PK specialist in the world.

 

[AjaxTelamon]

Since none of Kunitz, Sutter, or Dupuis can carry the puck to save their lives, they better be great defensively because they're going to be in their own end an awful lot.

If that line's not doing something on the rush, they're doing nothing.

If all you're asking them to do is get possession, and have Dupuis or Sutter fire it into the goaltender's midsection for a FO, then I have faith. They'll pot more than a few that way too.

For a defensive oriented third line, that's not bad.

 

[Beauner]

If all you're asking them to do is get possession, and have Dupuis or Sutter fire it into the goaltender's midsection for a FO, then I have faith. They'll pot more than a few that way too.

For a defensive oriented third line, that's not bad.

Cooke-Staal-Kennedy was pretty much the same thing. None of them are/were good playmakers but they were defensively responsible and bugged the living hell out of the defense on the forecheck. Sutter isn't Staal by any means, but if he can actually win a few board battles those two lines could match up pretty similarly.

 

[Nakawick]

The problem is this...

Most people identify Kunitz & Dupuis as his perfect linemates. Offensively, they're more on the IQ level of Sutter, sure, but you are desperately relying on Kunitz to be the playmaker on that line, Sutter isn't good at that, he has a fairly decent shot, Dupuis is just a never ending motor on the ice that shoots from anywhere.

That's a disaster waiting to happen. It's why if you put Kunitz there, the other winger HAS to be Bennett. It's the only balance that works. Kunitz-Sutter-Bennett has the makings of a very effective 3rd line, has all the tools if all 3 are healthy and aren't injured or missing iron pills, etc etc.

Dupuis is the odd man out in the top 9.

Kunitz Sutter Bennett would who I would go with as well with Dupuis on the 4th line.

 

[billybudd]

If all you're asking them to do is get possession, and have Dupuis or Sutter fire it into the goaltender's midsection for a FO, then I have faith. They'll pot more than a few that way too.

For a defensive oriented third line, that's not bad.

It's not going to be pretty, but it has the look of something that'll produce well above a third line level.

When we had Staal, we ended up getting 20-25 from him and another 10-15 from each of his flanks. Give or take a few goals, that--in our strongest d line--is within reach with Sutter, Kunitz and Dupuis (but probably only with those three).

It'll LOOK ugly, but as long as the job gets done, I don't really care what it looks like.

 

[mpp9]

It's not going to be pretty, but it has the look of something that'll produce well above a third line level.

When we had Staal, we ended up getting 20-25 from him and another 10-15 from each of his flanks. Give or take a few goals, that--in our strongest d line--is within reach with Sutter, Kunitz and Dupuis (but probably only with those three).

It'll LOOK ugly, but as long as the job gets done, I don't really care what it looks like.

If Kunitz's passing isn't totally gone, he can do well to set Sutter up and make him more dangerous off the rush. I see them being more dangerous in that respect and being responsible defensively rather than being a line that can pin teams in their own end for long periods of time.

 

[AjaxTelamon]

It's not going to be pretty, but it has the look of something that'll produce well above a third line level.

When we had Staal, we ended up getting 20-25 from him and another 10-15 from each of his flanks. Give or take a few goals, that--in our strongest d line--is within reach with Sutter, Kunitz and Dupuis (but probably only with those three).

It'll LOOK ugly, but as long as the job gets done, I don't really care what it looks like.

The D will pretty it up a bit in transition, assuming we're healthy.

Edit, I'm fine with Plots/Sutter/Dupuis too, and that's probably just as likely.

 

[eXile59]

Fleury was our best penalty killer last year. Scuderi jus kind of stood around the crease and waved his stick. His skill set makes him an alright PK guy but in this league you shouldn't give that 3.75 a year.

 

[888 98 twins]

Yeah, I'd take Jim Slater on this team in a heartbeat. Sign him around $1m and you still have about 700k in cap space with this lineup:

Kunitz/Plotnikov-Crosby-Kessel
Perron-Malkin-Hornqvist
Kunitz/Plotnikov-Sutter-Bennett
Dupuis-Slater-Sundqvist/Rust/Wilson/Sheary
Farnham

Maatta-Letang
Pouliot-Cole
Dumoulin-Lovejoy
Scuderi

Fleury
Zatkoff

You have a good solid battle for that 4th line RW spot, a better than average 3rd scoring line, and a 4th line that can shut people down and provide speed and energy.

If you were somehow able to ship out Scuds and Lovejoy and upgrade on RD, that would be an ideal roster to go into the season with.