Salary Cap: Roster-building Thread XXIX : Forget Talent... we need Heart! (And apparently Staal?)

[Riptide]

All figures are cap numbers, not salaries. The projected cap numbers below, however, haven't been updated recently because of the demise of Capgeek.

2014-2015 salary ceiling: ....69,000,000
Projected cap spending: ......68,733,167
Projected cap space: ...............175,000
Projected deadline space: ......1,547,198


PITTSBURGH PENGUINS

Forward.................​

|

Pos.​

|

Age​

|

2014-15​

|

2015-16​

|

2016-17​

Evgeni Malkin|

C​

|

27​

|

9,500,000​

|

9,500,000​

|

9,500,000​

Sidney Crosby|

C​

|

26​

|

8,700,000​

|

8,700,000​

|

8,700,000​

Patric Hornqvist|

RW​

|

27​

|

4,250,000​

|

4,250,000​

|

4,250,000​

Chris Kunitz|

LW​

|

34​

|

3,850,000​

|

3,850,000​

|

3,850,000​

David Perron|

LW​

|

26​

|

3,812,500​

|

3,812,500​

|

UFA​

Brandon Sutter|

C​

|

25​

|

3,300,000​

|

3,300,000​

|

UFA​

Nick Spaling|

LW​

|

25​

|

2,200,000​

|

2,200,000​

|

UFA​

Maxim Lapierre|

C​

|

29​

|

1,100,000​

|

UFA​

Steve Downie|

RW​

|

27​

|

1,000,000​

|

UFA​

Beau Bennett|

LW​

|

22​

|

900,000​

|

RFA​

Blake Comeau|

LW​

|

28​

|

700,000​

|

UFA​

Craig Adams|

RW​

|

37​

|

700,000​

|

UFA​

Zach Sill|

C​

|

26​

|

550,000​

|

UFA​

Defense.................​

|

Pos.​

|

Age​

|

2014-15​

|

2015-16​

|

.2016-17​

Kris Letang|

D​

|

27​

|

7,250,000​

|

7,250,000​

|

7,250,000​

Paul Martin|

D​

|

33​

|

5,000,000​

|

UFA​

Christian Ehrhoff|

D​

|

32​

|

4,000,000​

|

UFA​

Rob Scuderi|

D​

|

35​

|

3,375,000​

|

3,375,000​

|

3,375,000​

Simon Despres|

D​

|

22​

|

900,000​

|

900,000​

|

RFA​

Derrick Pouliot|

D​

|

20​

|

863,333​

|

863,333​

|

863,333​

Robert Bortuzzo|

D​

|

25​

|

600,000​

|

RFA​

Goalie...................​

|

Pos.​

|

Age​

|

2014-15​

|

2015-16​

|

.2016-17​

Marc-Andre Fleury|

G​

|

29​

|

5,000,000​

|

5,750,000​

|

5,750,000​

Thomas Greiss|

G​

|

28​

|

1,000,000​

|

UFA​

Injured reserve......​

|

Pos.​

|

Age​

|

2014-15​

|

2015-16​

|

.2016-17​

Pascal Dupuis|

RW​

|

35​

|

3,750,000​

|

3,750,000​

|

3,750,000​

Olli Maatta|

D​

|

19​

|

894,167​

|

894,167​

|

RFA​

WILKES-BARRE/SCRANTON PENGUINS

Forward...............​

|

Pos.​

|

Age​

|

2014-15​

|

2015-16​

|

2016-17​

Jayson Megna|

RW​

|

24​

|

874,125​

|

RFA​

Scott Wilson|

LW​

|

22​

|

655,000​

|

655,000​

|

RFA​

Bryan Rust|

RW​

|

22​

|

652,500​

|

652,500​

|

RFA​

Adam Payerl|

RW​

|

23​

|

626,667​

|

RFA​

Anton Zlobin|

LW​

|

21​

|

608,333​

|

608,333​

|

RFA​

Matia Marcantuoni|

C​

|

20​

|

608,333​

|

608,333​

|

608,333​

Dominik Uher|

C​

|

21​

|

601,667​

|

RFA​

Tom Kuhnhackl|

LW​

|

22​

|

598,333​

|

RFA​

Andrew Ebbett|

C​

|

31​

|

550,000​

|

UFA​

Bobby Farnham|

LW​

|

25​

|

550,000​

|

RFA​

Nick Drazenovic|

C​

|

27​

|

550,000​

|

UFA​

Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond|

RW​

|

29​

|

550,000​

|

UFA​

Defense.............................​

|

Pos.​

|

Age​

|

2014-15​

|

2015-16​

|

2016-17​

Brian Dumoulin|

D​

|

22​

|

831,667​

|

RFA​

Harrison Ruopp|

D​

|

21​

|

650,833​

|

650,833​

|

RFA​

Nick D'Agostino|

D​

|

23​

|

625,000​

|

RFA​

Scott Harrington|

D​

|

21​

|

589,167​

|

589,167​

|

RFA​

Reid McNeill|

D​

|

22​

|

575,000​

|

RFA​

Taylor Chorney|

D​

|

27​

|

550,000​

|

UFA​

Goalie................................​

|

Pos.​

|

Age​

|

2014-15​

|

2015-16​

|

2016-17​

Matt Murray|

G​

|

20​

|

620,000​

|

620,000​

|

620,000​

Jeff Zatkoff|

G​

|

27​

|

600,000​

|

600,000​

|

UFA​

WHEELING NAILERS

Forward........................​

|

Pos.​

|

Age​

|

2014-15​

|

2015-16​

|

2016-17​

Josh Archibald|

RW​

|

21​

|

659,167​

|

659,167​

|

659,167​

Jean-Sebastien Dea|

C​

|

20​

|

598,333​

|

598,333​

|

598,333​

|

RFA​

Goalie...........................​

|

Pos.​

|

Age​

|

2014-15​

|

2015-16​

|

2016-17​

Eric Hartzell|

G​

|

25​

|

550,000​

|

RFA​

SIGNED PROSPECTS

Player​

|

Pos.​

|

Age​

|

Current Team​

|

Contract​

Kasperi Kapanen|

RW​

|

18​

|

KalPa (Liiga)​

|

3 years/925,000 per​

Oskar Sundqvist|

C​

|

20​

|

SkellefteÃ¥ (SHL)​

|

3 years/708,333 per​

Tristan Jarry|

G​

|

19​

|

Edmonton (WHL)​

|

3 years/650,833 per​

UNSIGNED PROSPECTS

Player​

​

​

|

Pos.​

|

Age​

|

Current Team (League)​

Anthony Angello|

F​

|

18​

|Omaha (USHL)

Dane Birks|

D​

|

18​

|Michigan Tech (WCHA)

Teddy Blueger|

F​

|

19​

|Minnesota State (WCHA)

Blaine Byron|

F​

|

19​

|Maine (HEA)

Jake Guentzel|

F​

|

19​

|Nebraska-Omaha (NCHC)

Troy Josephs|

F​

|

20​

|Clarkson (ECAC)

Sam Lafferty|

F​

|

19​

|Brown (ECAC)

Jaden Lindo|

F​

|

18​

|Owen Sound (OHL)

Sean Maguire|

G​

|

21​

|Boston University (HEA)

Alexander Pechurskiy|

G​

|

24​

|Magnitogorsk (KHL)

Ryan Segalla|

D​

|

19​

|Connecticut (HEA)

Jeff Taylor|

D​

|

20​

|Union (ECAC)

I used 5v5 stats from 2010-11 through 2014-15 looking at forwards in the top 50% of goals per game (0.09 GPG), top 25% of hits per game (1.56 HpG) and top 50% in hits differential per game (0.14). Recognizing that hits are a biased stat and that hits don't include all physicality, I thought it would be sufficient considering the timeframe and application.

78 total active players fit those parameters with 9 rookies (<20 games played) and 5 AHL players (3 rookie players are also AHL players).

Of those 78:

• Pens Players (3): Megna*, Comeau, Kunitz, Arcobello
• Franchise players / captains (7): Landeskog, Getzlaf, Jamie Benn, D Brown, Ovechkin, Doan, Backes
• New Contracts (9): Kreider, Bjugstad, N Foligno, Kulemin, Dubinsky, Callahan, Komarov, Wingels, Garbutt
• Young players (Tier 1) (6): Trocheck, Jenner, Girgensons, Zibanejad, Niederreiter, E Kane
• Young players (Tier 2) (5): Paquette, Jaskin, Lowry, Colborne, Marcus Foligno
• Rookies (8): B Ritchie, Schaller, Pakarinen, Rendulic, Dano, Aliu*, Dziurzynski*, McMillan*
• Unlikely to be Available (9): Stoll, Simmonds, Clutterbuck, B Schenn*, Lucic, A Lee*, Zack Kassian*, J Persson*(R), J Staal
• Don't want (10): C Neil, B Morrow, Fisher, Clarkson, Setoguchi, T Ruutu, Greening, Jamie McGinn (I), Slater, Clowe (I)
• AHL Players (4): Colin McDonald, Chad Larose, Raffi Torres, Ryan Malone
• UFA (5): Beleskey (ANA), J Hayes (FLA), E Cole (DAL), Eaves (DAL), Klinkhammer (EDM)
• Controversial contracts (2): Bickell, Hartnell
• Otherwise not listed (9): Skille (CBJ), Helm (DET), Z Smith (OTT), Hanzal (ARI), Abdelkader (DET), Cooke (MIN), Boyle (FLA), Nystrom (NSH), Brouwer (WSH)

Now that there's no Capgeek, here's a list of the pending UFA forwards that might potentially be interested in.

Fleischmann, Tlusty, Ryder, Glenncross, Williams, Jagr, Vermette, Soderberg, Frolik, Slater, Ward, Fehr, Matthias, Santillori, Booth, Winnik, Morrow, Lindstrom, TK, Beleskey, Erat, Stafford, Stewart, Richards, Briere, Letestu, Horcroff, Cole, Cleary, Roy, Upshall, Bergenheim, Kopecky, Stoll, Fisher, Cullen, O.Jokinen, Havlet, MSL, Zuccarello Condra

Click to read more...

 

[AR5]

How about Pouliot, as was rumored a couple days ago to be in play by GMJR for a big deal?

Pouliot as the centerpiece, with Kunitz/Sutter included?

Maybe we get Yakupov also for including Pouliot?


(For Eberle/Petry (UFA after this year))

 

[pensfan71]

How about Pouliot, as was rumored a couple days ago to be in play by GMJR for a big deal?

Pouliot as the centerpiece, with Kunitz/Sutter included?

Maybe we get Yakupov also for including Pouliot?


(For Eberle/Petry (UFA after this year))

Would do if it was for Hall...but Eberle might have nasty hands, but do we need more perimeter players?

 

[Asuna]

As I was saying, before I was interrupted by Riptide closing the thread

If the Penguins acquired Staal....how would everyone feel about that? Honestly, that would be pretty hilarious.

Pens need to get bigger for sure, but is that really the way to go?

 

[Riptide]

How about Pouliot, as was rumored a couple days ago to be in play by GMJR for a big deal?

Pouliot as the centerpiece, with Kunitz/Sutter included?

I don't know. Eberle is someone I'd trade Pouliot for. However I'm loathed to trade Pouliot as I see him as our PPQB savior - which is something I think we need more than a top line winger like Eberle.

Don't get me wrong - we need top line talent... but I'm alright with decent wingers and a quality lineup (great 3rd line, very good D) vs great wingers and lacking elsewhere.

 

[Hottubber]

If Eberle is the targeted player -

Sutter + Kunitz + Harrington for Eberle + Petry + 2nd

 

[Dennis Reynolds]

As I was saying, before I was interrupted by Riptide closing the thread

If the Penguins acquired Staal....how would everyone feel about that? Honestly, that would be pretty hilarious.

Pens need to get bigger for sure, but is that really the way to go?

Of course it's not. For several reasons.

One, Jordan Staal wants to be the man. He wants to be a 1 or 2C, which a major reason why he was dealt in the first place. However:

Two, offensively speaking, Jordan Staal just isn't that good. When you're watching a game on television, you shouldn't be able to see an NHL player's shot visibly wobble and dip. Oh, and there's those two really talented guys already in the 1 and 2C slots.

Three, the country club needs to be destroyed. Not reunited.

 

[SEALBound]

If Eberle is the targeted player -

Sutter + Kunitz + Harrington for Eberle + Petry + 2nd

I would say yes. I would reeeeeally much rather have Hall...and up the offer though. Maybe Harrington to Pouliot?

 

[Hottubber]

Im not sure if it was JR or it was an analyst saying it, but did others not get the impression that the Oilers asked for Sutter or a draft pick and d prospect (Harry, DP, Dumo etc) for Perron and the Pens said no and offered a 1st instead?

 

[EVGENIMERLIN]

I'm with you. I would like to build our D around Tanger, Despres, Olli, and DP51. I think Harry, Dumo, and vets are the trading pieces needed to ship out some dead weight and bring in some character.

I remember when the Red Sox traded Nomar for Orlando Cabrerra and Doug Min. Sometimes you can't be afraid to look worse on paper but make the team dynamic better. This is what the team needs.

Also MJ needs to establish that he's the coach and not worry about losing his job. Easier said then done obviously.

 

[Riptide]

Im not sure if it was JR or it was an analyst saying it, but did others not get the impression that the Oilers asked for Sutter or a draft pick and d prospect (Harry, DP, Dumo etc) for Perron and the Pens said no and offered a 1st instead?

The "insiders" (Freidman/MaKenzie) were saying that that's what MacT wanted, and that it wasn't going to happen (Sutter/D prospects).

 

[Asuna]

Im not sure if it was JR or it was an analyst saying it, but did others not get the impression that the Oilers asked for Sutter or a draft pick and d prospect (Harry, DP, Dumo etc) for Perron and the Pens said no and offered a 1st instead?

Hopefully JR will be willing to trade Sutter this time.

Cause damn he sucks.

 

[roquay]

As I was saying, before I was interrupted by Riptide closing the thread

If the Penguins acquired Staal....how would everyone feel about that? Honestly, that would be pretty hilarious.

Pens need to get bigger for sure, but is that really the way to go?

One of my favourite Pens who I'd love back.

BUT it would depend on the price. 6mil is a lot for a third line centre but he'd be the best one and in the next few years we will see 3rd liners nowhere near as good get that money.

Id worry about maximizing our top 6 first with the best we can get and fill the bottom six with good possession players.

 

[WheresRamziAbid]

Hopefully JR will be willing to trade Sutter this time.

Cause damn he sucks.

What is it about Sutter that GM's love because I don't get it. Either way I think both him and Kunitz have more trade value than we give them credit for soooo....

make a deal JR

 

[PensPlz]

I don't know if bringing back Staal and going after Eberle and Petry will work, but I know what isn't working. We are passed trying to plug holes, we need a whole new hull. A huge shake up is what we need and I welcome any change that are solid hockey trades.

If Kunitz, Sutter and Pouliot out and Eberle, Petry, Staal in.. the let's do it. Why not?

 

[Hottubber]

I would say yes. I would reeeeeally much rather have Hall...and up the offer though. Maybe Harrington to Pouliot?

We rag on Kunitz and Sutter, and rightfully so, but those 2 guys would actually help the oilers.

Kunitz is a proven winner, and while he may not be thrilled about going to a rebuilding team, its close to his hometown, and he brings leadership and can still contribute in the top 6.

Sutter is what he is. Hometown kid and could help out at the center position until Draisaitl and one of Mcdavid, Eichel are ready to step in

Harrington is definitely a d man they should be targeting. People have linked him to being buddies with Hall, but his ability to be a shutdown d man is what the oilers really need

 

[CrosbytoKessel]

We need Glencross.

 

[Hottubber]

The "insiders" (Freidman/MaKenzie) were saying that that's what MacT wanted, and that it wasn't going to happen (Sutter/D prospects).

So if that is the case, it shows that Sutter does have value around the league. Besides the last name, im not sure what some GM's are looking at, but he still must be a decent trade chip. Especially to a team like the Oilers

 

[Riptide]

As I was saying, before I was interrupted by Riptide closing the thread

If the Penguins acquired Staal....how would everyone feel about that? Honestly, that would be pretty hilarious.

Pens need to get bigger for sure, but is that really the way to go?

Man I catch crap when I don't pay attention and close it late... now for closing it early?!?!

I'd love to have a player like Staal here. No he wasn't quite as good as we'd like (closer to a 40-50 point guy vs a 50+ point guy). However having that depth (even at 6m) would be something I'd really really like to have. However not so much that I'd trade Sutter, DP, BD to get it. It would be something I'd try to address in FA (Soderberg at 6m). Otherwise I'd look to see if Vermette would sign something reasonable (3 x 5m) or to acquire Sobotka.

I know people are all up in arms about "spend in the top 6". However given the lack of available top 6 talent, I'm content with fixing what needs fixing using what's currently available. And considering the lack of top 6 winger options in FA, I'm alright with spending expensive money on the right #3C at this point in time.

The issue with Staal specifically is that he didn't leave over money. It was solely over his role and the fact that Pittsburgh would never be able to give him a chance to be a go to guy offensively. I'm disappointed that he wouldn't make more of an effort to be a winger (where he could potentially be that guy), but it's water under the bridge now. So while Staal would be nice, realistically, it's just not going to happen. And I'm okay with that.

 

[bingobangobongo]

Until the necessary moves are made they really need to go back to the line that worked great earlier in the year

Kunitz-Crosby-Hornqvist

Have Kunitz go back to being more scorer than checker. Stop having him impersonate the younger Hornqvist to save his old body.

Then put Jarome Perron on Malkin's line. This time Jarome will be on his natural position. Malkin plays with a guy that can handle and pass the puck. Current fancy boy Comeau goes back to meat and potatoes.

Perron-Malkin-Comeau

Run with that.

 

[pensfan71]

Until the necessary moves are made they really need to go back to the line that worked great earlier in the year

Kunitz-Crosby-Hornqvist

Have Kunitz go back to being more scorer than checker. Stop having him impersonate the younger Hornqvist to save his old body.

Then put Jarome Perron on Malkin's line. This time Jarome will be on his natural position. Malkin plays with a guy that can handle and pass the puck. Current fancy boy Comeau goes back to meat and potatoes.

Perron-Malkin-Comeau

Run with that.

Actually loled at this

 

[Riptide]

So if that is the case, it shows that Sutter does have value around the league. Besides the last name, im not sure what some GM's are looking at, but he still must be a decent trade chip. Especially to a team like the Oilers

He absolutely has more value then us and many on this board give him credit for. Not sure why exactly... but apparently he does. I suspect Kunitz is in a similar situation. Cup (x2) and Olympic gold, vet, leader(to some extent), some term (2 yrs) and a reasonable contract (3.8m). No NTC, and is still a 40-50+ point winger without Crosby.

Of course when this is pointed out, HF people just say that's because MacT is stupid. But if that was the case, then why would JR trade a more valueable asset in the 1st, and why would the insider's back up JR as saying Sutter>Perron?

If JR wanted to move Kunitz and Sutter, I don't think he'd have an issue getting something half decent back for either. It won't be someone like Perron obviously, but if packaged together, I would think we could get a young top 9 winger and a decent pick/prospect (I still keep going back to Anaheim).

 

[RaySheroGM]

Until the necessary moves are made they really need to go back to the line that worked great earlier in the year

Kunitz-Crosby-Hornqvist

Have Kunitz go back to being more scorer than checker. Stop having him impersonate the younger Hornqvist to save his old body.

Then put Jarome Perron on Malkin's line. This time Jarome will be on his natural position. Malkin plays with a guy that can handle and pass the puck. Current fancy boy Comeau goes back to meat and potatoes.

Perron-Malkin-Comeau

Run with that.

Not sure who Jarome is, but if he's an upgrade, we should look into it. The rest of your points are good. David Perron could potentially thrive next to Malkin

 

[pensfan71]

Not sure who Jarome is, but if he's an upgrade, we should look into it. The rest of your points are good. David Perron could potentially thrive next to Malkin

It was a play on Jarome Iginla going on the LW of Geno

 

[Asuna]

One of my favourite Pens who I'd love back.

BUT it would depend on the price. 6mil is a lot for a third line centre but he'd be the best one and in the next few years we will see 3rd liners nowhere near as good get that money.

Id worry about maximizing our top 6 first with the best we can get and fill the bottom six with good possession players.

I have to admit, it would be pretty awesome if Staal came back. It would make our third line good again, and help out the PK. But I'm not sure if giving up the amount of assets for him would be worth it. Plus that cap hit. Maybe if Carolina paid some...

What is it about Sutter that GM's love because I don't get it. Either way I think both him and Kunitz have more trade value than we give them credit for soooo....

make a deal JR

I have no idea, but I hope JR makes a trade while he still has value. Because it's dropping fast.

Man I catch crap when I don't pay attention and close it late... now for closing it early?!?!

I'd love to have a player like Staal here. No he wasn't quite as good as we'd like (closer to a 40-50 point guy vs a 50+ point guy). However having that depth (even at 6m) would be something I'd really really like to have. However not so much that I'd trade Sutter, DP, BD to get it. It would be something I'd try to address in FA (Soderberg at 6m). Otherwise I'd look to see if Vermette would sign something reasonable (3 x 5m) or to acquire Sobotka.

I know people are all up in arms about "spend in the top 6". However given the lack of available top 6 talent, I'm content with fixing what needs fixing using what's currently available. And considering the lack of top 6 winger options in FA, I'm alright with spending expensive money on the right #3C at this point in time.

The issue with Staal specifically is that he didn't leave over money. It was solely over his role and the fact that Pittsburgh would never be able to give him a chance to be a go to guy offensively. I'm disappointed that he wouldn't make more of an effort to be a winger (where he could potentially be that guy), but it's water under the bridge now. So while Staal would be nice, realistically, it's just not going to happen. And I'm okay with that.

I pretty much agree. Having Staal back would be nice, but it's most likely a luxury and not a necessity.