Consequences of keeping Phil Kessel…
Dan Kingerski of Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Keeping Phil Kessel creates a salary logjam that could last seasons. There is little cap space to do much now even if Jack Johnson is sent out of Pittsburgh. Even Mike Sullivan may be gone as soon as this season. The inmates are running the asylum again and that bodes poorly for 2019-20.
Rob Rossi of The Athletic: Again, Olli Maatta was all but gone out of Pittsburgh. However, something telling of Jim Rutherford‘s philosophy is noted.
“It’s a mix of both,” Rutherford said of styles proven to be successful over the past half-decade. “But if I was picking, and I am, I’d still pick a high-tempo game for us.”
Rutherford emphasizes a Phil Kessel exemplifies that high-tempo game and is viable for Pittsburgh going forward. Olli Maatta did not have strong skating ability with pace and skill. Phil Kessel does and so does Dominik Kahun (acquired in Maatta deal). The team has co-existed before with this core but can they now? Rutherford acknowledged they are in win-now mode. The window is short.
What about Wayne Simmonds?
Dan Kingerski of Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Then, there are reports that Jim Rutherford could be interested in Wayne Simmonds on a cheaper AAV. Remember, these are secondary sources but Pittsburgh could use a bit more in the physical department. Also, Simmonds turns 31 before the season starts. The forward expects offers to come in around $4 million AAV — depending on the term.
Is Jim Rutherford moving down?
Matt Vensel of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette: Jim Rutherford believes this draft is “real deep” in his words. If one takes that at face value, no one should be surprised if Pittsburgh shuffles the chairs around to move in this draft.
Positioning for more draft picks looks like a feasible strategy for Pittsburgh. The Penguins possess five picks in the 2019 NHL Draft but could move a Tristan Jarry for more picks as well. There are options.
Jonathan Bombulie: Jim Rutherford opens himself up to making more moves always. Clearly, he knows something most do not before the upcoming draft and beyond.