By my count, we’re three days away from Training camp begins.
In other words, it’s time to start talking hockey for the next eight or nine months.
While there aren’t a significant amount of roster decisionsMike Sullivan will be at camp when it begins. Questions concerning his wellbeing are welcome. Penguins persist. It seems that we are entering the last chapters of the greatest era in Penguins hockey. It should be quite the ride.
We go.
Did E-Rod make a mistake by letting go? — @MarcieWodlinger
Consider the price Evan RodriguesYes, it was signed in Colorado. He could be a maddening player, as evidenced by a wonderful first half that was followed by him scoring once a month — literally — in the second half of last season. You can’t trust Rodrigues to produce consistently.
However, there’s real talent there. He’s a heck of a good Swiss Army knife. Even more important, he was an excellent insurance policy. Sidney CrosbyOder Evgeni Malkin get injured. In the No. 2 position, he played his best hockey for the Penguins. He plays the No. 2 central role.
I don’t love the decision of letting him walk, even though I realize it wasn’t easy. Remember Rodrigues’ retaliation against the RangersIn Game 6, the Penguins led 2-0. After that play, many in the organization were angry with him for a long time. I’m not saying that’s why he wasn’t brought back. It would be quite petty. I bring it up, however, because I don’t believe it helped his cause. (Go back and watch the replay … it was actually a horrible call.)
What do you think? I’m struggling with the $3.2 million cap hit for Kap when Evan seemed more productive for $1 million less. — @HarshVe
I don’t love the cap hit, either. I suppose one could argue that Kasperi Kapanen has a higher ceiling than Rodrigues and adds to the Penguins’ overall speed. Plus, he’s a natural right wing, a position that was more of a need because of their extreme depth down the center. Rodrigues can be a good right-winger, but he is better at the center.
Still, there isn’t much question about who’s the more reliable player at the moment. It was a strange decision.
Is Fleury a signee of the Penguins on a one-day contract? — @JadeAlexandria
It’s possible to see something similar happening. He didn’t leave the organization on terrible terms and remains a franchise icon. It would be nice of both sides to do so.
However, it seems unlikely that he would ever have the chance to end his career with Penguins.
In a few years, the Penguins could be heading over a cliff. How bad is it going to get, and how long will it take? It is still a barren farm system and could take many drafts to reload. — @cgibson412
If you know your Penguins history, you know that it’s a franchise of peaks and valleys. Crosby’s era was a great peak. They’ve been so, so good for so long.
Sure, there’s a dry period coming. It is visible to all of us. Perhaps it will take a whole year. Maybe three. Or five. Or seven. But it’s coming.
It is almost certain that how fortunate they are in future drafts will affect their ability to rebuild quickly. Drafts are, in fact, a lot about luck.
Do you think women’s pro hockey will come to Pittsburgh and if it does, will it succeed? — @CaptainCrash95
It is possible, I think, to do so at any time.
Pittsburgh has turned into such a sensational hockey market, and I believe hockey fans in this region would be supportive of the women’s game.
A lot of Pittsburgh’s little girls dream about becoming professional hockey players. They should be given the same opportunities as boys.
If the Penguins win the 7th game against the IslandersWould Stevens have been able, in 1993 to make it back to the playoffs. It seems unlikely. Also, why does everyone forget about Mario’s health in the discussion of why the Pens lost that series? This was as important as any other factor. — @n8thegrr8
This is an excellent question/comment. It has been the narrative that the Penguins were shocked, and would have won without any doubt if it wasn’t for the David Volek goal.
I’m not so sure. Oh, I’m aware of how dominant that team was. They seemed to be out of gas in the second round against Islanders. Tom Barrasso wasn’t playing well. Kevin Stevens almost definitely wouldn’t have been available for the remainder of the playoffs, and don’t discount that. He was that team’s heartbeat.
But the most important point you made pertained to Mario Lemieux’s health. His back was totally shot. It was injured in the first round of the match against the Devils and, frankly, wasn’t the same for more than two years.
Although we won’t know the outcome, given this information, I think they would have lost to Montreal at the conference final. Patrick Roy often gave them trouble, and the Penguins weren’t really the Penguins during May 1993.
Josh, how are you? Hope you’re having a great summer. Let’s assume you have a wonderful summer. Ty SmithP-O Joseph is in a fight for the sixth defenseman slot. What happens the runner-up of the battle? Is he going to Wilkes-Barre instead? Use him as depth? Shopped? — @ItsAaronMartin
Aaron. It does look like this is the battle, though I’d remind you that Mark FriedmanShould be included.
Remember this: Smith doesn’t have to clear waivers. So, that’s a nice and neat way to get under the cap. But, I sense they like him and his ceiling is probably higher than that. Pierre-Olivier Joseph’s ceiling.
Things are very murky.
What team in the East do you think makes the most jumps and drops? Is your fantasy team as bad, Kaboly claims? — @ayteekay24
I think OttawaCould be a contender for a playoff spot. The Senators have a really serious nucleus of young talent and they’re worth keeping an eye on. Their forwards are great.
The team will take a step back The Florida Panthers. They played over their heads last season, and, while Matthew Thakuck is a great player, I still don’t view the Panthers as a Cup team. They’ll make the playoffs, but what they did last season had a fluky element to it.
As for my fantasy football team, I’ll have you know that Net Front Presence is 1-0 and has an 85 percent chance to make it 2-0 this evening. Don’t let Kaboly cloud your thoughts.
Crosby will Crosby continue to play after Letang and Malkin retire? — @Ryanevansz
These things are impossible to project. Sid wants to play until he’s 40, and, health permitting, I’m sure he will. The thing about Letang is that he probably wants to play until he’s 50.
I’ve always assumed Malkin would be the first of the Big Three to retire. I’d guess the contract he just signed will be his last. After that, it’s a crapshoot.
I don’t know if the number of violent altercations between fans at football games is escalating or just being shared on social media more. To my knowledge, hockey isn’t as bad but do you have concerns it will get worse? — @neildbrown
Social media is a key factor in all this. Three Rivers Stadium was home to many of my favorite fights as a teenager. I was in the crowd at yesterday’s Steelers game and didn’t see one fight. Didn’t even see many drunks, to be honest.
However, your observation is true. It’s a different class of crowd at hockey games. I don’t know how else to put it. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a fight at a Penguins game and I’ve covered close to 1,000 of them. (I do know that fights have occurred. But it’s pretty rare.)
Josh, What do you think about Jarry getting a longer extension? Personally, I see both the pros and the cons. — @OhioPensFan
There are pros and cons to every decision. I’m not a huge fan of locking up goalies to lucrative contracts. It’s not that goalies are interchangeable, but really, how many of them do you trust from one year to the next?
That said, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Penguins do offer him a long-term deal. Ron Hextall, general manager of the Penguins really, really loves him. Tristan Jarry played well for most of his time. He’s a good regular-season goalie, and there is something to be said for that. The postseason is the real elephant in the room, however.
Which would you prefer to sign first? Jarry or Guentzel would you prefer? — @GlennKaplan13
Jarry will sign first, as Jake Guentzel’s contract has two more years. Jake’s deal will be done, but don’t let that fool you. The Penguins aren’t about to let Crosby lose his preferred winger in the final years of his career.
Guentzel will cost how much? I have to think we’re getting close to $8 million annually if he keeps performing at his current level.
Will Matt MurrayWin the Cup in Toronto and win three Cups prior to the age of 30. — @vincelaboon
I laughed when I first read this question, but then I started thinking about Murray’s confusing legacy, and I just shook my head.
It would not place him in the Hall of Fame. There is no way. But if he were to win back-to-back titles with the Penguins and then end the Leafs’ drought, I mean, that’s a historically significant goaltender. To earn this distinction, he would still need to be healthy and win many games in his 30s. I won’t put it past him. Of course, he could also be out of the league in two years and I wouldn’t be shocked.
He remains among the most confusing players we’ve ever witnessed.
Your top five favorite places to eat out in Pittsburgh NHL travels? — @mikeyp3258
Gibbys Montreal is one my favourite steakhouses. You can’t go wrong there. When in Philly, one must make the drive to Atlantic City to eat at Chef Vola’s (always trust Rick Tocchet with restaurant recommendations).
I have been to many other restaurants where I have been stuffed over the years. They are the most outstanding of all.
Your job involves a lot of travel. What has been the most challenging weather/travel experience you have had while covering the Pens in the past? — @RyanPawloski
One time, I drove from Edmonton to Calgary through a snowstorm so intense that I had to accept the fact that I was going mad and that the world was ending. I’m not kidding. It was scary.
I’ve been stuck in the Erie/Buffalo deathtrap on Interstate 90 a time or two, and it’s never fun.
It’s been many years since I was in Ottawa. It was minus-28 Fahrenheit outside. It was cold outside. I wanted to feel it. So I took a deep, exhaling breath and went outside. Initially, I didn’t think it was that bad. My lungs began to burn, and I ran back into my hotel lobby.
It’s never been THAT cold when I’ve been in Winnipeg over the years. I try to make it work every time, but sometimes I fail. It is possible to leave that trip and get back on your feet, so there you go.
Which day was your best? What was the one that you loved most and remember fondly? — @ItspelledGraig
Yes, many. We are just days away from the five year anniversary of my joining. The Athletic, and I can’t tell you how special that day was for me on so many levels. I still have a vivid memory of where I was at Lambert Airport, St. Louis, when James Mirtle called. When I tweeted out the announcement, I went to my mom’s house because I always feel a little more comfortable there. It’s all I can remember.
When The AthleticAll of it sounded too good to true. But it wasn’t. It’s been the best decision I’ve ever made.
I’m not a “career-oriented” person. I love my job and am very grateful, but I’m not one of those people who derives joy from work. I’m not married to my job. But that day, the moment I signed on with this business? That was amazing. First thing I did was drive to Wendy’s and devour a Baconator.
What is your favorite restaurant or meal? You can be anything. — @nwoAmy
I feel like I’m doing a food mailbag. Ha ha.
Chicken Romano, Caesar salad, and warm, delicious bread Al’s CafeDo the trick every time.
Josh, baby is now one week old. First-time parent. The baby’s needs and preferences change a lot. What advice can you give to a father who is a good man? — @BrunoPittsburgh
Let me be clear, there aren’t any perfect parents. I’ve learned that over the years. In the beginning, my greatest advice was to ensure mom gets plenty of rest. That’s really important. She’s been through a lot physically and emotionally. It is important to be able to carry the burden for a while. I wish I’d been better about that way back when, but then, this is how wisdom/advice can be distributed for future generations.
My situation is different than that of others. My children are Canadian. I’m there a minimum of once a month, and I try to be there more. When I say goodbye to my children, I tell them kindness is key to a good life. This is something I strongly believe in.
Kaboly seems to be struggling to keep his feet on the ground with all of his fame? I’m frankly concerned he’s becoming like Balboa in Rocky 3. — @Dameshek
It’s actually getting out of control, Dave. When he’s on Pat McAfee, he calls me humblebrags. It’s usually something like, “I was just a big hit on McAfee. I get 500 Twitter followers every time I’m on his show.”
But in all seriousness, I’m happy he’s becoming such a big deal. I’ve been in this business a long, long time. When I say that nobody works harder than him I mean it.
How do you feel? — @JimmyDunphy1
Well, I’ve been stuffy for a week. This is not related to COVID. I’ve just been sleeping like hell for about a month now and I don’t really know why. Stress. Jimmy, there is a lot of stress. It’s always something, you know?
I also attended the Steelers game yesterday. Aside from the game being a snooze fest, I absorbed a bit too much sun, so my face is a little burnt as I’m writing this. But I’m feeling OK. Been eating healthier lately, trying to exercise regularly, things of that nature.
This is a very simple question for you. What are you doing? — @skiminer36
These are the kind of questions that I enjoy answering. I love that you think of me as a person, and not just one who produces hockey content (even though that’s important).
I’m OK. Been in a bit of a funk recently, but to be honest, most of it is my own doing. I’m fighting my way out of it. Also, my car is making strange noises. I think it’s the brakes. Hopefully it’s nothing more serious.
This is my favorite time of the year. The transition from summer and fall is good for your soul, I always find.
Reminder: Training camp starts Thursday. We’re allowed back in locker rooms, so our content should be back to pre-COVID level, and I hope it satisfies everyone.
Hockey season is upon us. All of you will be at the rink shortly.
(Photo by Sidney Crosby: Kim Klement/USA Today)
