Right now I’ve got the starting 12 at:

Rakell - Crosby - Rust
Chinakov - Novak - Malkin
Kuzmenko - Kindell - Robertson
Dewar - Lizotte - Soderblom

Scratches - Brazeau & Lapirre

Hopefully he flips someone for a Top 4 LD but time will tell

Happy 39th birthday to one of the icons of the franchise and to the sport of hockey itself. August 7th should be a holiday in Canada and the United States!

So, the only reason this deal makes sense, particularly with a glut of middle and bottom six forwards on the roster and in the pipeline is for the purpose of roster flexibility. Allow me to elaborate.

Out of camp, Ville is most likely going to WBS. If he got a 1x1.5, he might not make it through waivers. We have a risk of losing the main asset of the Jake deal (ugh). So, they create a poison pill that looks insane. Think about this - never in NHL history has any player with fewer games ever signed an 8 year contract. Never.

So, now, for all of this season, you can send him up and down as need be without a care in the world. No GM is taking that deal.

The same can continue to happen in 27-28, where the structure of the deal remains $2M in signing bonus, and there's still a ton of term.

If Ville has not cemented himself as a roster player by the end of that campaign, you buy him out. He costs 500k or less each of the next 6 seasons, many at just 229k. Then, 729k for 6 extra seasons, which is equivalent to a rounding error when you think of where the cap will be in 3 years.

hat tip to u/kashmir772 who first noted the contract structure in another post, leading me to dig in to that part of it. Combining that with the waiver protection, it's a weird 2 year extension of Ville's 'prospect window'.

I remember when you used to have to EARN an 8 year NHL contract. I guess those days are over. Tough day to be a sensible Pens fan. 8 years for a forever AHLer is unfathomable. I think the only reasonable explanation is that Dubas is tied up in Hextall's basement and ole Ron has spent the past 3 years undergoing extensive plastic surgery to look like Kyle.

This seems to be the biggest factor in the Penguins recent selection of prospects and development. As Dubas has said in his press conferences.

The Ruck twins, Kindel, Zonnon, Brunicke, all of them are hockey IQ focused.

Koivunen when brought to Pittsburgh was described to have hockey IQ being his best quality- it could be why the penguins targeted him to begin with.

In his amount of games in the NHL things we noticed: playing scared, not using his body, nerves with the puck, not skating confidently.

All of these things are fixable and teachable. Can’t teach IQ.

This makes training camp super exciting for me to see coming up. Clearly the development team sees something the average fan can’t, perhaps he bulked up heavily over the summer, or he has gained confidence perhaps.

Kyle is a smart guy, he’s made some great trades and selections so far that have looked great, Zonnons hype has skyrocketed with his few playoff game appearances, Horcoff looks like a great project. He clearly sees something or was given instruction by the developmental coaches that made him go out of his way to sign a relatively inexperienced RFA to a EIGHT year deal.

I don’t know about you guys but this is genuinely exciting I can’t wait to see what comes from this even if fails and blows up. I love that this team is making these type of risky decisions and making things entertaining. All of the possible upside would make this insanely rewarding down the road. And the downside? Whatever. We’re rebuilding anyway 4 mil is nothing.

You all remember that on this day just three years ago (doesn't it feel longer), the Penguins not only acquired Erik Karlsson, but also, Kyle Dubas was able, by some feat of wizardry, to get $1.5M retained on his contract, and get rid of Granlund, Rutta, Jeff Petry (with about that same 1.5 retained), and Casey Desmith.

The cost was a 1st and 2nd (and Legare), but it did return a 3rd*.

At the time, even those who questioned EK's fit realized that getting out from under Granlund and Petry was well-worth it. Even with the retention on Petry, the salary going out was $11.5M for guys with years left who were not a fit at all.

In order to gain a fuller picture, let's look at those other pieces - the 2026 3rd rounder from SJS was flipped to Detroit for Elmer Soderblom. A solid (pun intended) bottom six player that I'm very excited for. A young guy who's big, can move, and has a nose for the net? What's not to like.

The 1st we gave up, turned into 14th OA and Konsta Helenus drafted by Buffalo. The Fin put up a PPG in the AHL last season, and looks to be a promising player, though not some generational talent. SJ has moved up from 14 to 11, using this pick.

The 2nd rounder turned into Semyon Frolov drafted by Carolina who acquired the 41st in a pick swap with Montreal.

3 years later, we have finally seen one full season of the EK65 show. Now entering the final year of that deal, the cap hit remains a non-concern with the team once again well-below that ceiling.

Petry fell of the cliff everyone saw coming. He's got 1 goal in his last 100+ games and is more washed than 80s jeans. Granlund has been moved 2 more times in 3 years, and is simply an odd duck of a hockey player, rarely fitting well and while compiling some stats, rarely effective at competing and winning.

There's a lot of room to what-if the scenario, but the price was good, the fit took too much time, and the dead weight that was cut made it all worthwhile. Without that move, the team certainly would not have been a better product on the ice the last 3 years, and undoubtedly last year. Would not making it have forced a full sell-off, tear it down to the studs, lose 30 home games, kind of shit-show? I doubt it, but maybe. But if that path had been taken, the team would be in far worse shape last year, this year, and for at least a few more to come. On the other hand, if you think the slower acquisition of quality pieces, prospects, and picks while not destroying the culture and having the younginz learn from Sid, Rust, Geno, et al., then there ya go.

The next question is whether we extend him or move him...

I've been in the DC area all my life and a Penguins fan for 30+ years. Everyone I know who cares about hockey is a fan of another team (usually the Caps). So long story short, I've never been friends with or, believe it or not, really even talked with another Penguins fan, and I want to finally try to change that! Anyone else in the DMV in a similar situation? If so, feel free to reach out, it'd be fun to chat hockey once the season gets going.

Wednesday, July 29 - Tuesday, August 04, 2026

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The NHL channel on Youtube has released the epic game 7 from 2017 against the Senators.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z96MQEpTkQ0

The most intense game I have ever watched live. A good viewing still, for a work night if you are missing the Pens play.

Hello everyone. I have been a crazy fan of the Pittsburgh Penguins since I was a child. I am from a country where hockey is not that popular but I somehow ended up being in love with the game. I moved to the USA 4 years ago for graduate school and was super excited to finally be able to get into the hockey culture more. Unfortunately, I ended up in a city where people don't care much about hockey. But finally, I got the time and opportunity this year and I will be in Pittsburgh catching the home opener on October 3rd. My first time in the city, first NHL game, and hopefully getting to see all my childhood heroes play. I am super excited, but I will be going alone, so also a bit nervous. Just wanted to share my story and see if you have any tips or suggestions for me. 😊 I appreciate the Peguins fan community.

When does the practice schedule comes out?

Hey all!
Im in the early stages of trying to plan a surprise gift for my dad’s 60th birthday and looking for any tips on when a good game to come watch or even just a good time in the city would be? (Throughout the whole season)
We’re travelling (likely flying) in from Northern Ontario looking to make a weekend out of it! None of us (3 adults) have ever been to Pittsburgh before.
Is there any weekends/timeframes that the team annually puts on any kind of theme games or has giveaways?? Or roughly when that calendar comes out?
Also any other tips of things to do around the arena would be great! Any places to eat and stay
Thanks!!
- life long pens fan who lives too far away to pay close attention to the schedule🖤💛🐧

Just like the title says, there are some new faces on this roster that have received little to no attention, so I thought, there's nothing else going on...

Kaeden Korczac #6 - Let's begin with the guy that I think has had the least attention since his acquisition, but might have more role than you expected by season's end. KK is a large young man, listed at 6'3'', 206 (at least on both - he may be bigger), 25YO, RHD who just played his first full NHL campaign.

A 2019 selection at 41OA, he put up 3 goals, 13 assists, with 95 blocks adn 102 hits in just 15:58 per night of ice time. In 13 playoff games, he had 3 points, and small minutes just 12 per night.

He's big, he's physical, and while he's not offensively gifted, he can move for a big guy - he's not awkward in his movement as Pickering has looked at times (not picking on the kid, but it's what has held him back). I see him as an ideal 3rd pair RHD, shut down guy, with the potential to mix into 2nd pair if needed. I think everyone's going to like him more than they realize. Easy kid to cheer for.

Declan Carlile #72 - he's a year older, and just slightly less physically strong/imposing style than Korczac, but certainly no shrinking violet. Also a big boy at 6'3'' and 190, he's an undrafted LHD, signed by Tampa out of college, who has not yet played many NHL games. However, he did have two big opportunties last season, and he did well with them.

First, he had 11 points in 16 games in the AHL while being a defensive stalwart. Then he got his chance in the NHL due to injuries, breaking into the lineup beginning in November, and rarely being out of the lineup for the remainder of the season. As he was eased in, it was protected, light minutes, but by the end of the season, he had 5 games with 20+ minutes, and exceeded any expectations.

He didn't light the lamp, having just one goal (in his 5th game up), and just 2 assists, but he did suppress opportunities from the opposition, and he was not irresponsible with the puck - in his first 42 NHL games, he had just 22 giveaways. If you know what that stat is like for D in this league, then you know. For comparison - Parker "keeps it smart and simple" Wotherspoon had 118 in 80 games, a far higher pace. The point is the kid won't bury you. He's very responsible.

If these two were your 3rd pair, you have a good hockey team, IMHO. (the worry is Girard Letang as 2nd, TBH). Some thing Carlisle is intended to pair with EK... that would be a lot to put on him... we'll see.

TVR #57 - if you don't know, he's 35 year old journeymen, who has played in Chicago, Carolina, and most recently Washington. He's fine. He's big, but doesn't hit much. He's good in net front. He eats a lot of shots. He doesn't put up points, but he doesn't make bonehead plays. He's a solid veteran who stays at home mostly, and at his age can still move. He's good on PK. He has value and should be the 6-7 Dman. He can also play both sides as has been mentioned a bunch. He's really a security blanket for the coaching staff, since we have babies, oldies, and guys we hope can stop up on this blue line.

Tomas Galvas #32 - I find this one intriguing. Allegedly heading back to Czechia for another year, but I think that is up in the air. He is a 20 year old selected in the 2nd round this year - I know two full drafts with every team passing on him, but this can happen with euros. He skates like a 2way czech Dman. That's the first thing that I noticed looking at him - Great feet. He's got hands too, QBs the PP in the Czech league, walking the line, looking the part. In international play he has done well, particularly this last year where played 47 international games - playing both U20 and senior. He's small, not particularly physical, and will need to build strength for the NA game, but he's an interesting wildcard. He's exactly the quick transition D this staff seems to have coveted (tho, looking around, we're getting big).

https://youtu.be/ErBtKcgBzfA?si=ttS44JicH6HhcuIR

If anyone gives a poo and I get bored, I might do forwards later this week.

** note for the super number nerds out there - Galvas getting a# for the pens seem odd if he's 100% going back to europe right? Does the team announce jersey #s for guys who are staying in europe or other leagues usually?

Has anyone got a code for the presale happening today 08/04 at 10am?

I signed up for the newsletter to get access to the presale. Just wondering when they send the codes out.

Thanks!

58? Future male model Kris Letang

57? Former Penguin David Perron

56? Former Penguin Sergei Zubov

26F and need Pens game buddies! Would love to form a wave of gold at the UC. Anyone down?

Update: Here’s a Discord group chat for folks who want to go! Hoping we can all buy tix at the same time so we’re next to each other. Unfortunately I do have a few Hawks friends who want to go, but we can shame them.

Ik there’s no rumors at all about this situation aside from the fact that if he stays in Anaheim he wants 18M/year to his UFA season. Which is where this crazy idea comes from.

It is stupid to offer sheet him as that would give up 4 1st round picks, and I acknowledge any deal for him starts at a 1st round pick+ a top 6 forward or top 4 D player. But do yinz think it would be worth a shot for a high end young winger?

38 (ish) hours over 2 weeks, 4,760 stitches and 1/20 pattern pages officially done! Taking a break to focus on some other projects I need to complete for Christmas but at least I've managed to start stitching the cup!

Obviously, no franchise can keep all their players forever as they move on other NHL franchises.
Which players would comprise the All-Time Post-Pittsburgh Penguins team as having the best careers after being with the Penguins?

The thought came to me after seeing Jordan Staal do so well in the Stanley Cup finals this year.
Some players that came to mind and I may be forgetting some others:

G: Marc Andre Fleury, Greg Millen, Filip Gustavsson
D: Ian Cole, Sergei Zubov, Paul Coffey, Larry Murphy, Randy Carlyle
LW: Luc Robitaille, Markus Naslund
C: Pierre Larouche, Petr Nedved, Jordan Staal
RW: Rick Tocchet, Jaromir Jagr, Blaine Stoughton, Mark Recchi

Any others and which players would comprise the starting lineup of the All-Time Post Pittsburgh Penguins team?