Letestu Re-Signed

[pixburgher66]

I know, I know, this is last nights news, but I've been busy and thought I'd mention it along with the numbers. The week after Shero resigns Engo for 566k for 3 years, he inks Test-Tube for 2 more years at a hit of 625k. Those are two awesome deals. Sure, these guys aren't blowing the world up at the moment, but they still have room to grow at the NHL level and provide fairly cheap depth. However, the more intriguing note about this particular signing is that Letestu is a Center. So, basically Shero has found his 4th center. Max Talbot, it's looking bleak. The thing that's interesting is: how will Shero go about this. Do you keep him through the playoffs, as he HAS proven to be worth while in that setting and plays a key role as a character in the room...OR do you use him as bait for GMs (*coughBURKEcough*) who love this type of player and would enjoy to get their hands on his negotiating rights before anyone else?

 

[Darkstone42]

I know, I know, this is last nights news, but I've been busy and thought I'd mention it along with the numbers. The week after Shero resigns Engo for 566k for 3 years, he inks Test-Tube for 2 more years at a hit of 625k. Those are two awesome deals. Sure, these guys aren't blowing the world up at the moment, but they still have room to grow at the NHL level and provide fairly cheap depth. However, the more intriguing note about this particular signing is that Letestu is a Center. So, basically Shero has found his 4th center. Max Talbot, it's looking bleak. The thing that's interesting is: how will Shero go about this. Do you keep him through the playoffs, as he HAS proven to be worth while in that setting and plays a key role as a character in the room...OR do you use him as bait for GMs (*coughBURKEcough*) who love this type of player and would enjoy to get their hands on his negotiating rights before anyone else?

It could also mean working out a deal for Staal or Malkin, for what it's worth. Clearly, Letestu isn't nearly as productive as either of those two guys, but he fits the third-line role well, and both Malkin and Staal can manage second line duty, making one of them almost redundant. If either could be dealt for top-six wingers, it would likely be a worthwhile deal.

 

[puckhead]

those are good deals.
One of the things Brian Burke was right about is that the mid-level deal (after entry, before the big money) seems to be a thing of the past.
these guys both play important roles with the club, it's not like they'll be bouncing back and forth to the A

 

[pixburgher66]

those are good deals.
One of the things Brian Burke was right about is that the mid-level deal (after entry, before the big money) seems to be a thing of the past.
these guys both play important roles with the club, it's not like they'll be bouncing back and forth to the A

Very true. Anymore it seems like players are getting paid before they TRULY prove their worth in the NHL. It's like all it takes is half a season of good pay and some GM is willing to shell out the big bucks. Pens really need to work on getting our forwards signed though...lots of guys in contract years.

 

[Darkstone42]

Very true. Anymore it seems like players are getting paid before they TRULY prove their worth in the NHL. It's like all it takes is half a season of good pay and some GM is willing to shell out the big bucks. Pens really need to work on getting our forwards signed though...lots of guys in contract years.

Fortunately, most of them are replaceable...

 

[Darkstone42]

I take that back. After looking at the list, they're all replaceable.

 

[pixburgher66]

I take that back. After looking at the list, they're all replaceable.

Certainly, however, replaceable at what price tag? The issue that the Pens are going to face is this: can we replace these guys at the same cost? Some of them are on the extra cheap (Asham comes to mind).
Dupuis-1.4M
Max-1.05M
Rupp-825k
Goddard-750k
Asham-700k
Kennedy-725k*RFA
Adams- 550k
Comrie- 500k
Conner- 550K
So...of that list I'd keep Conner, Adams, and maybe Asham and Dupuis. However, I feel like Asham is due a pay raise, and Dupuis would need to take a CUT. Adams is the only one I'd label a "must" keep. He's just too darn good as a defensive forward. But, to make my point. That's 9 roster spots that are filled fairly cheap. That's only 7.05M of space. FOR NINE PLAYERS. Keep in mind as well that we have a plethora of AHLers who are up for contract as well. Shero's gonna have to work his magic.

 

[Darkstone42]

Certainly, however, replaceable at what price tag? The issue that the Pens are going to face is this: can we replace these guys at the same cost? Some of them are on the extra cheap (Asham comes to mind).
Dupuis-1.4M
Max-1.05M
Rupp-825k
Goddard-750k
Asham-700k
Kennedy-725k*RFA
Adams- 550k
Comrie- 500k
Conner- 550K
So...of that list I'd keep Conner, Adams, and maybe Asham and Dupuis. However, I feel like Asham is due a pay raise, and Dupuis would need to take a CUT. Adams is the only one I'd label a "must" keep. He's just too darn good as a defensive forward. But, to make my point. That's 9 roster spots that are filled fairly cheap. That's only 7.05M of space. FOR NINE PLAYERS. Keep in mind as well that we have a plethora of AHLers who are up for contract as well. Shero's gonna have to work his magic.

I think you have to cut ties with Dupuis unless he comes back from less than $1 million. Adams will likely be had for about the same price, so keep him. Let Kennedy go. Conner will be due a pay raise. Try to keep Asham at his current price if you can, and if not don't exceed $1 million. Comrie, Rupp, Godard and Talbot can be cut loose. The only one I would consider bringing back is Talbot, and only if he comes back for something in the range of $800K.

I really do think, though, that trading Geno might prove to be unavoidable either this coming off-season or the next. I don't want to see him go because of his skill, but he's eating 15% of the cap space and not achieving 15% of the production right now.

What it really comes down to, though is identifying which players are the same type of player, and which of those same types give you the best bang for your buck. In my opinion, Rupp, Godard and Asham all serve the same purpose, but Asham brings the most to the table, so he's the one you target first. Same with Talbot and Adams, but Adams is better at it. Same with Conner and Kennedy, but I think Conner's the smarter player and that he'll come cheaper. Comrie's worthless. Dupuis is a good player, but I just don't see him fitting here long term unless he comes back on the cheap.

 

[loki604]

I think you have to cut ties with Dupuis unless he comes back from less than $1 million. Adams will likely be had for about the same price, so keep him. Let Kennedy go. Conner will be due a pay raise. Try to keep Asham at his current price if you can, and if not don't exceed $1 million. Comrie, Rupp, Godard and Talbot can be cut loose. The only one I would consider bringing back is Talbot, and only if he comes back for something in the range of $800K.

I really do think, though, that trading Geno might prove to be unavoidable either this coming off-season or the next. I don't want to see him go because of his skill, but he's eating 15% of the cap space and not achieving 15% of the production right now.

What it really comes down to, though is identifying which players are the same type of player, and which of those same types give you the best bang for your buck. In my opinion, Rupp, Godard and Asham all serve the same purpose, but Asham brings the most to the table, so he's the one you target first. Same with Talbot and Adams, but Adams is better at it. Same with Conner and Kennedy, but I think Conner's the smarter player and that he'll come cheaper. Comrie's worthless. Dupuis is a good player, but I just don't see him fitting here long term unless he comes back on the cheap.

I wouldn't let Kennedy go. Sign him for cheap and trade him next season.

 

[loki604]

those are good deals.
One of the things Brian Burke was right about is that the mid-level deal (after entry, before the big money) seems to be a thing of the past.
these guys both play important roles with the club, it's not like they'll be bouncing back and forth to the A

I think that's what we have with Tanger though. 3.5 million for this season and the next three.

Then again, no one was exactly positive he would be earning big money in the future...