*Rumblings, Musings, Opinions*
1. The NHL as expected extended their self-quarantine recommendation through April 30 for the players. It had previously been through April 15th.
Update on @NHL Self-Quarantine Recommendation. pic.twitter.com/STgNBTf4bv
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) April 14, 2020
Nothing has changed for the National Hockey League from a few weeks ago. Top league officials continue to be willing to wait things out for another couple months to see if there’s any chance to finish the 2019-2020 season. The league is going to wait until at least Mid-June before a decision is made, sources say. As reported a little while ago here, the best case scenario the league currently see’s is a July return for players in a training camp setting, a message the NHLPA also gave to players in a recent conference call, followed by August-October completion of the 2019-2020 season and the start of the 2020-2021 season in mid-to-late November. That’s where the thinking process is believed to be at, but everything right now is just wishful thinking. There’s just so many hurdles to overcome that has had a lot of pessimism among players and team officials of a potential return this summer, but the NHL and others obviously hope to have the chance to be part of the healing process in a few months to restart their seasons even in unorthodox settings.
2. One thing to watch in the coming months is Gary Bettman and Co working the pandemic into negotiating a long-term collective bargaining agreement with the players union of 8-10 years. NHLPA insiders have been speculating that it’s a route Bettman is likely to push to off-set the large number of economic uncertainties for next season and beyond because of the pandemic. Economic losses from the 2019-2020 season could dictate a 35-40% decrease in the salary cap, something that won’t be feasible for teams to manage, and that has players fearing a hard line is going to be coming from the league on the need to slash salaries. Some in the know sense the NHL see’s an opportunity to get NHL players to the table.
3. The Penguins have close to $70 million in actual cash owed next season to just 16 rostered NHL players. Ownership’s operating budget for the 2019-2020 season was set at around $80-$82 million for player salaries at the NHL level, per sources. It will be interesting with a lost month of the regular season + lost playoff gate revenue that this ownership group strongly relies on each season, whether Pittsburgh has the appetite to keep player salaries (actual cash) in the $80+ million range next season. One thing Penguins’ ownership almost always try to avoid is dishing out large amount of signing bonuses that are paid out on July 1 of each year. After paying out less than $5 million in signing bonuses over the last three seasons combined, Pittsburgh is on the hook for $6 million in signing bonuses to rostered NHL players when the new league year happens.
Evgeni Malkin’s contract is back-loaded with $5 million each in signing bonuses due for the final two seasons. Malkin ($5 million) and Brandon Tanev ($1 million) each have signing bonuses due on July 1, though, the league is negotiating to push the deadline back since the current season has yet to be cancelled.
4. If there’s no resumption of the 2019-2020 season, it is such unchartered waters on how the Penguins will navigate to evaluate this year’s club. The big decisions like the goaltending situation would have never got to play out. Matt Murray entered the season with a perceived value of around $7-$7.5 million per season. What is that value now from a pure performance standpoint combined with the current economics? No one has a clue and does it become strictly a financial decision to trade Murray or on the other side, is Murray going to be forced to take a 1-2 year deal near his current salary because of the economics? The Penguins still view Murray as a franchise goaltender but losing the season will have become a lost opportunity to see the goaltending situation play out much clearer for management.
Another one is where does Penguins management come in on Kris Letang without seeing how things played in the playoffs? Barring a long playoff run, things were trending in the direction where the Penguins again owed it to themselves to explore trade offers for Letang and not get cold feet this time around. Multiple sources confirm Rutherford had the appetite to move Letang last year at the draft until he got backlash from those in STo read this insider news, subscribe to get “Inside Access”!
Even much smaller personnel decisions like Evan Rodriguez who would be due a $2.1 million tender as an RFA that the player would surely accept. He’s a bit of an intriguing 4th line level player but if the season would be cancelled, there just wouldn’t be enough of an evaluation period to this point to warrant the Penguins making that type financial decision.
5. Great things going on at 937 The Fan today in raising money for the Feed the Need radiothon.
Our Sendell Motors Inc. toteboard is reaching new heights thanks to you. You're helping so many people during the @GiantEagle Feed the Need radiothon.
Click here – https://t.co/2ob3mrWAsy
Text the word NEED to 50155 (message and data rates may apply)#stayconnectedtogether pic.twitter.com/o6m4ulpqHF— 93.7 The Fan (@937theFan) April 14, 2020
Watching the last dance documentary with Michael Jordan on Netflix. Amazing documentary
Hope one day they do something simular for Crosby and the penguins
Maybe. It’s not like there are any players in Montreal that would get a documentary.
Oil barrel Dropped 70% today it’s at 5$ a barrel.
Also funny how all the #metoo #believeallwomen crowd is silent with the Biden accusations. It’s ok though #VoteBlueNoMattterWho
You forgot Npl’s group
#FatLivesMatter
Voting has always been about which public toilet is not as shitty as the other. It always will be.
Wuhan Health Organization
Almost every country has multiple different nationalities in it.
Yet npl’s Favorite channel separates the virus with color saying blacks have most then Hispanics then Asians and whites have the least cases for Covid-19.
Yet democRats talk about Trump dividing the country.
These sleaze bags are the worst thing in the world worst then covid-19.
What about people who failed 1st grade english?
What about arrogant fat people like you
I am neither fat nor arrogant. Nice try. Now go back to first grade.
Haha must be the joke of the century
Your english is indeed the joke of the century.
Just because you don’t have a triple chin like Npl and have double chin. It does not make you not fat
LEARN BASIC ENGLISH!
Learn how to not lie Stan
I am not Stan therefor I am not lying. You, however need to learn basic english and that is an absolute fact. Have a good day Ralph Wiggum.
Was playing ps4 and some guys name was unemployedvirgin. Must be npl
Npl’s new hero Joe Biden having meltdowns ahahaha
Does anyone talk hockey, football, or even god forbid the Pirates anymore. Even the Bucs are better than politics and the corona virus…
There is really nothing to talk about. Everything is at a stand still. The Pirates will always suck, Football is a ways away, you can’t make predictions on the Penguins moves or any other team for that matter bc no one knows how the final rosters panned out which makes fictitious trades a moot point. Even the NHL radio stations are running out of stuff to talk about. They are doing shows where they redo drafts in hind sight. Chill out. This is life right now. I am not saying I enjoy Sam(e)’s political and racial stupidity but that is… Read more »
The fallout from keeping the economy closed longer will be worse than covid.
They don’t care they’ll print more Money and raise taxes.
More money for Sam(e) to buy more accounts.
Whatever you say donut boy.
I am against handing out free money. They should freeze the market but the greedy 1% want to continue and when government prints Monet you ow money to those guys. Something that doesn’t go through your head and Npl’s democRat head
If you are against free money then how do you earn your allowance?
And if you get a check in the mail make sure you return it.
I am still active in work not getting government aid yet.
Unlike you and npl even when economy was rolling and unemployment rates were lowest you 2 chubster still managed to collect welfare
So covid hasn’t slowed down your mom’s gangbangs? I guess with what’s being circulated in that room, covid would be the least of anyone’s worries.
It’s all from behind so she can’t cough on them and they don’t have to look at her face. Win win.
The Penguins roster guys that need to go. (via trade or not resigned)
– Nick Bjugstad
– Patrick Marleau
– Dominick Simon
– Connor Sheary ??
– Justin Schultz
– Zack ASTON Reese
– Matt Murray or Tristan Jarry (MAKE A DECISION THERE)
– Evan Rodriquez
– Jack Johnson (although it will never happen)
Now can we start to talk about the draft and the off season for the Penguins? This season isn’t happening. (REALSITIC) Anything but politics !! This site is like 90 % of the people on here constantly talk about……please hockey.. off season 1. I would love to move letang at the draft but he is Crosby’s besteeeee so that’s not happening 2. Make a decision on a goalie. 3. If we keep letang we build around Letang, DuMoulin and Marino ! Add a top 4 guy free agency T.J. Brodie (give him the Schultz money) Then Petersson and Johnson can… Read more »
I would not keep Rodriquez, Sheary, or Marleau. All three were a mistake. A goalie decision will be hard to make without a cap number and neither one has fully proved they can carry the starter load. Then again, the defense was not much help either, especially with Leturnover back there. This will be a hard choice.
Well said thanks someone with an opinion I like it…….Thanks I agree with you! I think Rodriquez is an interesting project he is decent but the sample size wasn’t great! If Connor takes less I might keep him around. He does add speed, plays well with Sid and is a better fit than Simon. Patrick Marleau I agree let him go..!! We are stuck with Leturnover..hopefully DuMoulin can stay healthy for the season and cover up most his mistakes.. I like Tristan Jarry he finished top 10 in save % and GAA… Get a quality back-up and move moody and… Read more »
Npl is at his FEMA camp watching Hillary on Netflix
Typical Jew money more important then humans.
Vegas mayor Carolyn goodman says Nevada pandemic shutdown is total insanity and killing Her city
Surprise surprise bitchh this pandemic shutdown is killing worlds economy not just your city
Must be the fact she is a DemocRAT to be this stupid
Funny how concerned you are with America. #wannabeAmerican
Well, that’s one of the more hateful posts I’ve seen today.
The season is over. Except it. Talking contracts is pointless until the salary cap is announced. If players want to win next year some will have to take bridge deals or home town discounts. If MM thinks he will make up to $7 million he is crazy. Offer him a bridge deal and make him earn his keep. Rodriguez and Sheary can both take a hike. Marleau too. There is no need for any of those three. I would have Letang on the shortest of leashes next season but I would def entertain offers during the offseason. Crosby needs to… Read more »
Except it … what? except it isn’t … yet?
It is all but over. No delusions on my end. I would love for it to come back this season but I do not see it happening.
I feel like we have had this except / accept conversation previously…
Good hockey talk. Back to Sam(e)’s racist, political stupidity.
I said this a month ago and I was told what the fuck do you know, your an idiot, your a moron…well I hate to say I told you so………………..BUT !!!
The season is over hell we probably wont start next season on time!
Look I’m bummed and pissed too but this isn’t anything to fool around with!! No one wants to see a season wasted for 87 and 71 or for Ovechkin, or Kane or anyone else
Which Kane ? Black Kane or the other one that beats cab drivers over 10 cents
Racist Sam(e) strikes again.
ALL NHL players but Patrick is the superstar that I was talking about…this all sucks!
I agree
Accept* …. sorry. Being locked up messes with your brain.
Well said Carramrod… spot on everything..
Would you move MM and his contract for some valuable pieces? Tristan jarry was top 10 in save % and GAA and he is cheaper. Sign a solid NHl vet back-up and we are good in goal..
I believe last years was announced on the same day or the day before.
Thanks….
Hey Carramrod is the cap announced before the NHl draft? I honestly don’t remember I would think yes but?
I think some players are going to get moved at the draft. Big buff and Winnipeg agreed to part ways so he will be out there as a UFA..
We just need one more top 4 defenseman to pair with Marino on the second pairing and w are set.
Leturnover – DuMoulin
UFA/TRADE (Brodie Big buff someone) – Marino
Pettersson Johnson (And keep them there) LOL
Are any posters here “people im the know” and what credentials are needed to achieve this?
This is bad I am looking forward to these articles. Ok does this mean D is essential. Although confirmed GMJR Gramps was in the shopping mode with Letang at the draft.
ZeroTools trudeau. Saying we should be speaking mostly.
*moistly
Shut down the economy !
“[Trump’s] already dismissing [Biden],” Rogan said. “He’s gonna destroy him. He’s gonna kill him man. I mean it’s such an easy target, it’s like Mike Tyson versus a three-year-old.“
The more Trump is on TV the more. The democRATS look stupid.
Nice move by Trump suspending funds to W.H.O.
This guy has bigger balls then Npl and stans brain size
Npl still thinks his idol Bernie Sanders has a chance to become president of the United States in 2024
the pens need to tell crosby to F off. letang sucks and so does st.simon. trade those two. what is sid going to do about it?
Is Simply Dusty adhering to quarantine protocol? Simply Dusty please check in
I think he is at the same FEMA camp as Npl
quarantine 5