Tag Archives: free agency

Free Agency Watch: Shane Doan

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The most consistent first line the Penguins have iced in the new-NHL era consisted of Sidney Crosby centering Chris Kunitz and Bill Guerin. If anyone would like to argue that, just bring up that in 2009, it was that very first line that brought the Stanley Cup home to Pittsburgh.

All three of those names above are still currently with the organization, but only two of them remain as players. Guerin is now the Player Development Coach, working with the Pens prospects from juniors, college, Wheeling, and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

Grinding winger Chris Kunitz has proven that he can open up plenty of space for his center, whether that be Crosby or Evgeni Malkin. But with Malkin and top sniper James Neal conjoined at the hip for the next two years at least, it is time for the “Honey Badger” to re-join his original center.

This leaves an open spot on the other side of #87, and we believe that Shane Doan (UFA) could be a great fit over there.

The 35-year-old right winger (with a right-handed shot) will hit free agency on July 9th, his agent announced. It has not been made clear whether or not he is willing to leave the Coyotes organization yet, however. The mantra with the Canadian veteran is his never-give-up attitude and gritty style of play have always come up short of winning a Championship, due to the lack of talent around him.

This past season with the Coyotes, Doan posted 50 points (22 goals, 28 assists) and 48 PIM in 79 games.  Imagine what he could potentially produce on with the Kunitz-Crosby tandem.

Doan is at his best when he is physical and finishing all of his checks. He also extremely savvy with the puck, an elite two-way player, and a team-first guy. Just the type of player Crosby excels with.

It’s no secret that the Pens have been lacking “that” veteran that can keep the locker room loose but accountable. If Doan decides to cut ties with Phoenix, he will receive an offer from the Penguins, most certainly.

Zach Parise is “the” winger for Sidney Crosby

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Back in early January, one of our sources approached us and mentioned that Pittsburgh Penguins GM Ray Shero views Zach Parise not only as his “top target” in the off-season, but he feels that he is “the” winger for Sidney Crosby.


Bill Guerin and Chris Kunitz were key parts on Crosby’s line when the Penguins last captured the Stanley Cup in 2009. But Parise fills a much different role than anyone the franchise center has played with, including the short-term Marian Hossa in 2008 and the last ditch effort by Mario Lemieux in 2005.

Parise is a franchise 1st line winger. His skills are world class, and he is already penciled in as a starter on Team USA at the 2014 Winter Olympics. Parise plays the Penguins “style”, in that he forechecks relentlessly and is always looking to move the puck north. Not only did Crosby and Parise attend the same notable prep school at Shattuck-St. Mary’s, but Crosby spent a good amount of time in Parise’s personal/family box during these past 2012 Stanley Cup Finals.

We expect Shero to offer the elite winger a 6-year deal worth $45 million, tomorrow on July 1st, the start of free agency frenzy.

An artist’s rendition of Zach Parise alongside Sidney Crosby. A potential match made in hockey heaven.

 

Penguins targeting Zach Parise, Ryan Suter

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General Manager Ray Shero and the Pittsburgh Penguins are looking to upgrade their team this off-season, and they are not playing around.

Shero, who has cleared up to $15 million in cap space, is in pursuit of the top two available free agents on the market.

 

  • Zach Parise

Parise is the undisputed best free agent winger available this season, and that is probably because he is one of, if not the best winger in the NHL. He has the elite skillset, goal scoring ability and speed of a 1st line All-Star, and the work ethic and determination of a 4th line grinder. No one works harder on the ice than Parise except one guy – Sidney Crosby. To call him “Sid’s winger for life” would be an understatement, and one could only imagine the chemistry these two would display together.

Parise, 28 years old, is entering his prime as he produced 69 points (31+38) in 82 games last year for New Jersey. He made an annual salary of $6 million, and will be seeking a pay raise. Crosby is reportedly in talks with Parise personally, in hopes to lure him to Pittsburgh on July 1st.

 

  • Ryan Suter

Suter is an elite NHL All-Star defenseman, and one could argue he is the best overall D-man in the current NHL. Plays a strong two-way game, and can literally do anything. His passing, shot, physicality, and defensive coverage are all at above average levels.

Suter, 27 years old and also entering his prime, made $3.5 million last season with the Nashville Predators, and could be seeking any amount up to $7 million per season. It has been made known that the Penguins would love to add him to their roster, and they have the cap room to do so, but there are some questions about whether he wants to remain in the Western Conference or not.

 

Both Parise and Suter are US born players and represent Team USA on the national stage.