Pens: Bridging the Gap

Team: 2015-16 Pittsburgh Penguins

Initial Creation Date: Jun. 20, 2015

Published: Jun. 20, 2015

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

This team isn't to win a cup or even compete for one. Nothing the Pens could possibly do right now will make us able to compete for a cup next year. Nothing. Shut up if you think we can, trying will just hurt us long term and lose anyways. We should be doing everything we can to set this team up for a cup run in 2016-2017, this is my take:

We got a needed 2015 1st through Sutter.

We move Scuds, and by retaining salary, we increase his value that allows us to get something of use, while also saving in the long run with his caphit as opposed to a buyout. Win/win imo.

Kunitz for Legwand is a case of two players who no longer work on their teams. Kunitz has 2 years left on his deal, Legwand is an UFA after this year and is a serviceable and gritty center. With Sundqvist projected being able to center the third line in 2016-2017 season, there is no point in going out and getting a Soderberg or someone. It's just wasting more youth and value.

I'm also convinced Kunitz cannot be moved on his own. If he can, great! Awesome. But I don't think so. But in that situation, Keep Spaling and let him center the 3rd line until Sundqvist is ready.

Gonch is here to help bridge the gap of needing that Vet-D in the bottom pairing. Why do we need it? Gonch brings a special set of skills that players like Scuds and Lovejoy didn't... and that's the QB the PP. Pouliot has a great future in running the powerplay, but not yet. Time with Gonch will help him.

If Gonch doesn't work out, no big deal. Low cap hit. And Dumoulin is waiting in the weeds, preferably being rotated with Cole and Lovejoy.

Frolik 5x5 contract
Beleskey 4x4 contract
Tlusty is just passing through on a one year deal.

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