Penguins/NHL
The Penguins are in New Jersey tonight and the Devils are interesting heading into the deadline because they’re a team Penguin scouts have been frequently scouting their games and it’s not because of any potential playoff matchup.
There are two particular players Penguin pro scouts have been filing regular reports on:
D, Marek Zidlicky, 37 Years old
2014-2015 Stats: 4 Goals – 16 Assists – 20 Pts – -8, 49.8 CF% (5v5)
Cap Hit: $3 million
Despite being limited with cap space, the Penguins are evaluating right handed shot defensemen heading into the March 2nd deadline and Zidlicky a target by the Penguins last year at the deadline, is near the top of the list of RH defensemen they have been getting a read on.
The Penguins have a big hole on who their No. 4 defenseman is going to be come spring time and Zidlicky while a tweener at this stage of his career, between a No. 4-No. 5, the Penguins love his ability as a puck mover and veteran experience. He is averaging 22:23 per game.
RW Jaromir Jagr, 42 Years old
2014-2015 Stats: 9 Goals – 16 Assists – 25 Points – -11 – 53.5 CF% (5v5)
Cap Hit: 5.5 million (includes bonuses)
Will Jim Rutherford be the guy that that finally reunites Jaromir Jagr with the Penguins organization after failed pursuits by Ray Shero in the summer of 2008 and 2011?
Unlikely but can’t be ruled out at this point.
Despite Rutherford and Lou Lamoriello having a history of making trades together, discussions surrounding Jagr have not gone past the “internal stages” inside the Penguins organization at this point, multiple sources confirm. The Penguins have not engaged in any trade talk with the Devils and there’s been no decision whether to pursue him or not at this point.
Jagr is a player at this point in his career where he makes any GM considering him uneasy as one NHL exec said. You just don’t know what you’re going to get. Jagr has a bonus laden contract with a $3.5 million base, so bringing him on board is doable with the Penguins moving a salary.
One enticing aspect of Jagr’s game continues to be his ability to drive possession. He would be brought in to play on Evgeni Malkin’s right wing. Interest in Jagr is coming more from Eastern Conference teams. The sense around the league is Jagr will net a third round pick.
