Who comes, who goes, who stays? (Part 1)

So I figure the best way to start the offseason for the PPB is to make a couple posts listing who I think the Pens should keep, who needs to go (from the team period, via free agency or just plain letting go of them), and then who we should target in the free agent market.

For today, I'm going to go with who we should keep -

Forwards

Sidney Crosby - I mean if you want to cut him then you're a moron and obviously a Flyer sympathizer.

Geno Malkin - See Sidney Crosby.

Jordan Staal - I know a lot of people wanted us to trade him or Geno this season to get a scoring winger, but let me tell you, there's no finer defensive forward in the game and he can certainly score if needed. Oh yea, and he's something silly like 22. Don't be fools.

Mike Rupp - His grit and early scoring touch were a great thing for the Pens, and you could tell he brought energy to the ice every time he played. And he can fight, which is nice because maybe we won't have to carry a horrible, horrible hockey player just to be an enforcer.

Matt Cooke - He became a real leader on this squad, and whether you love or hate him, no one (except maybe our old buddy Rutuu) can get under the skin of the opposition like him. Plus, his 15 goals this year were a career high, so we definitely need to resign him.

Craig Adams - I hate saying it (because he's Little Snack's favorite player), but Adams is a great penalty killer, and he wins faceoffs, which is something we desperately need. And his two Stanley Cup rings certainly brings some experience and clout that this team needs.

Pascal Dupuis - He's a very strong penalty killer, and has the speed needed to get in on the forecheck. He's proven that he can play on any line, and Coach Dan Bylsma loves trying different line combinations.

Chris Kunitz - He also fits into the Dupuis mold, but he's not as strong on the PK. I'd still keep him though because he's fast, gets the pucks in the corners, and has a little more offensive punch then Dupuis.

Bill Guerin - If he doesn't retire, this old gray beard can still get the job done. His minutes will have to be limited as there's not a whole lot of jump left in his legs, but on the PP no one on our team can get in front of the net like him. Plus, his wrist shot isn't bad for someone who probably played juniors without a helmet.

Max Talbot - He had an injury filled year, so I'm willing to give him a pass for this season, especially after his game 7 theatrics in 2009. But if he doesn't show early in the season that he's back to the old "Mad Max" I would not think twice about unloading him and his pricey (for a player of his style at least) contract.

Defensemen

Brooks Orpik - His physical play is a must have in today's NHL, and he logs a lot of minutes on the PK. We all saw him play in the Olympics for the USA, so I don't think I need to say much else.

Sergei Gonchar - I'd like for the Pens to keep him if he's willing to take a home town discount, because I think he runs the PP better then anyone else on the team, but if he still wants elite money at the age of 36, we may have to take a pass.

Mark Eaton - Eaton is nothing spectacular, but he's a sturdy, stable NHL defenseman who won't make many mistakes in his own zone and has become a leader on the team. The other players like his style, and he's definitely an asset we need to hold onto.

Alex Goligoski/Kris Letang - I would keep one of these two, because they both possess rare speed and offensive talent for a defenseman and are definitely assets on the PP. However, they are both absolutely horrible in their own end, and they have a nasty habit of turning the puck over at inopportune times. I would probably try to keep Go Go, because it seems Letang makes more stupid mistakes then he does, but some in the organization may think Letang has better offensive potential. I guess we'll find out...

(Sidenote - the Pens will almost certainly keep both Go Go and Letang, this is just what I would do)

Goalies

Marc-Andre Fleury - Sure, he didn't look great during the playoffs this season, but after going to back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals, not to mention representing his country in the Olympics, I think we'll let this one slide. He is still maddeningly inconsistent at times, but maybe this year's early exit from the playoffs will recharge his batteries somewhat and get back that competitive edge he seems to have been lacking this season.

Well, that's about all I'd for sure keep...hope you enjoyed the list, and I'll be back soon with the players I'd dump (I realize you can tell who they will be, but I'll explain why in the post).

Until lata...

Odds and Ends

Well it was great seeing lil Snack finally graduate, but it's time to get back to the blog, because Lord knows there was enough to talk about from this weekend...

First and foremost, the Pens lost, which means their series is tied 1-1 with Montreal. I missed the game (on TV at least) because of my traveling, but from what I heard it was Halak standing on his head and the Pens getting frustrated, which is exactly what doomed the Capitals against Montreal.

Jordan Staal is out with a torn ligament on top of his foot, and that coule end up hurting us much more then one would think. His defense really sparks our team and he even had a goal in game 1 before he was hurt. Look for someone to step up and play even better defense from the forward position, my best guess is that it will be Matt Cooke who takes alot of his time, but only time will tell.

The Pens shouldn't be in panic mode or anything, but one more loss like yesterday and it might be time to at least be a little worried...

As for the Steelers, it looked like they were going to make it through their mandatory minicamp without anything crazy happening, but of course that's not how the Steelers roll this year. Receiver Limas Sweed, who is no stranger to controvery himself (what with all the drops and his needing time off for personal issues) apparently tore his Achilles' Tendon, which would certainly take him out for the season.

This could be the end of the road for young Mr. Sweed, who has been an utter disappointment during his first two seasons with the Steelers. Other receivers have stepped up, and when he returns he may be no higher then 6th on the depth chart, which is not what you're looking for from a second round pick.

All in all it was a pretty crappy weekend for Pittsburgh sports. Hopefully this week will be better, and make sure you check back soon as I'm working on a couple top 10 lists to post...Those lists made me and Diego famous, so it's about high time I bring em back.

Until lata...