Tag Archives: interested

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.

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.

 

Pens interested in Brandon Prust

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Sources around the Internet have claimed that the Pittsburgh Penguins are interested in bringing in free agent Brandon Prust, previously with the New York Rangers, on July 1st.

Prust is coming off of a strong season, putting up 17 points (5 goals, 12 assists) in 82 games. He also finished 144 hits and posted 159 PIM, while leading the NHL in fighting majors (20) scoring victories over Tanner Glass, Matt Martin, Zac Rinaldo, Wayne Simmonds, Paul Gaustad, and Cam Janssen.

The London, Ontario native has above average hands and goal scoring ability for a player with his physicality and fighting resumé.

Prust is believed to be seeking a little over or $2 million per year, and a third-line role on the wing.

Our take:
We believe that Prust is exactly the type of guy that needs to be added to the mix in order for the Penguins to re-establish themselves next year. With rumors swirling about Tyler Kennedy getting dealt this off-season (as early as the Draft next week), don’t be surprised if GM Ray Shero gets a deal worked out with his agent.

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