Penguins/NHL
LATEST PENGUINS BUZZ
— There’s been some interesting reactions from those with other NHL clubs regarding the Penguins, Sergei Plotnikov. One consensus I received is that Penguins GM Jim Rutherford going public that Plotnikov wanted to go back to Russia after being phased out of the lineup and admitting that it didn’t go over well with Mike Sullivan, is seen as Rutherford basically throwing his head coach under the bus and shows a true disconnect between the GM and coach.
Another view is the Penguins have botched any attempt to try to pump up Plotnikov’s trade value.
“Whether that was the case [Plotnikov asking out] or not doesn’t affect the decisions we make as a coaching staff,” Sullivan said after Friday’s practice. “It’s my responsibility to put players in the lineup that we think give us the best chance to win. And that’s the criteria we use, regardless of all that other stuff. Everybody’s going to take control of their own personal lives or their personal situations, and that’s their privilege and their obligation. I understand that. But my responsibility as the head coach is to put people in the lineup that can help us win.”
Plotnikov not being the 12th or 13th forward when this group is fully healthy is understandable, he doesn’t deserve to be, but after all the injuries and he’s pretty much not even the 17th or 18th on the forward depth chart, it’s been obvious that there was more to the story than the typical Sullivan line of putting the best lineup on the ice as possible to win.
Plotnikov is in exile with Sullivan because of personal feelings Sullivan has towards Plotnikov than anything else.
The Plotnikov situation has been botched from the start when Rutherford became infatuated with thinking Malkin wanted to play with a Russian and then got duped into believing Plotnikov was a top-6 player, at worst top-9 player.
That said Sullivan has put management in a tough spot. There was no reason not get him in the lineup every once and a while to try to get something for him even after his request.
There is also now a concern in the organization of how the handling of Plotnikov will hurt the Penguins chances of signing European players moving forward. Plotnikov’s Russian agent is telling people the Penguins promised Plotnikov a top-9 role.
Meanwhile, Plotnikov’s North American agent Mike Luit received permission to try to make a trade over three weeks ago and with Plotnikov now being a healthy scratch for 20 straight games after today to go with the Russia stuff now out there, why would anyone give anything up for him?
Penguins are trying, though.
— Always subject to change but as of this morning the Penguins were not involved in substantive trade talks for Edmonton’s Justin Schultz. Schultz has been discussed internally.
— The Penguins over the last week have been shopping To read this insider news, subscribe to get “Inside Access”!
Hagelin scored. Guess maloni will have to find something else to bitch about while making excuses for Sid.
Lmao. You’re a true moron donut boy.
Panthers also close to acquiring Jakub Kindl
Anybody wanna wake our buddy up and let him know the deadline is coming up and contenders are already adding players we should be interested?
Hes already made 2 trades,
For what purpose? If I’m our buddy I’m looking at improving the team longer term and im exploring hockey trades. We don’t have the assets to make the right moves right now. There is a lot we already have and unless we can get it going adding to it isn’t gonna change what this team is. Who knows maybe we can have a Cinderella showing but I see no reason to scratch a trade itch just because other teams are already rolling. If we make a move I hopes its more calculated and helps us moving forward
Personally I’d love to add to the defence but not with a rental. Someone who can help next year. I’d look at Cole and even Pouliot as my pieces as I am not sure Pouliot will be anything too special. That said… With Lovejoy out we wanna be careful “how many” d we move
I’m not throwing in the towel for this team. I think 1 D and 1 bottom 6 that has the ability to score like a Hudler/Purcell and we’re a cup contender. I still like McGinn and to a lesser extent Parentrau. Can’t wait till Monday.
It wasn’t funny the first time you said it and the whole purpose of your post doesn’t even make any sense. A GM’s job isn’t to make random trades to satisfy NHL 16 fans like yourself. We need defense and there isn’t much out there and I’m sure he’s exploring options, so please quit crying.
It’s actually hilarious. And his job is to add to our 3rd line and defense. 3rd line players are flying off the market while his old ass is taking a nap.
Purcell to Florida for a 3rd round pick
Blackhawks keeping adding?
Looks like Schultz and Purcell headed to LA
Reimer to San Jose, too
Hulder to FLA for a second and a fourth. Done deal
Wow. First Ladd, now Hudler. Florida is loaded.
I would have matched that. I think you can get Purcell cheaper, but I’m ok with that price for Hudler.
It’s hard to consider the plotnikov situation as “botched.” There was literally no risk and he has had next to no cap impact. Took a shot. Didn’t work. Gave up nothing. No big deal. I do think this guy had more to give, but whatever.
More to give? Face it Stan, Plotnikov does not have sustaining power
Literally no one thought that about the coach and GM
I’m not going to lie…. I’m getting a bit sick of the depressing “everything about us sucks” articles.
Depaoli is an idiot.
So is simply dusty!