Penguins fans can't wait to boo Hossa

From Bob Smizik of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:

And now these people are rubbing their hands in glee with anticipation of Feb. 8, when they can show the world the depth of the Pittsburgh knucklehead population. That's when the Stanley Cup champion Detroit Red Wings make their only appearance at Mellon Arena in the 2008-09 regular season. The knuckleheads aren't excited about a chance for the Penguins to get some measure of revenge for their loss in the Cup final. No, what they can't wait for is the chance to rain down boos on Marian Hossa.

Hossa's crime?

He chose to play in Detroit instead of Pittsburgh.

No question, Hossa's decision on where he would play his hockey in 2008-09 was a strange one. He left tens of millions of dollars on the table in Pittsburgh and other places to play in Detroit for one year at $7.4 million.

For that, the knuckleheads want him enshrined in the Benedict Arnold Traitor's Hall of Infamy.

Read the entire article here.

The Penguins fans are going to mercilessly boo Hossa and I don't think there is anything wrong with that. They thought having Hossa on their team for an entire season would result in a Stanley Cup and then he suddenly ended up on the team's Stanley Cup rival.

Therien extended for three years by Penguins

From Seth Rorabaugh of Empty Netters:

The Penguins signed a three-year extension with head coach Michel Therrien. The deal will keep him behind the Penguin's bench until the 2010-11 season.

EN Says: We love this signing. Therrien inherited a mess from Ed Olczyk during the 2005-06 season and the franchise has done nothing but improve since that point. Granted, Therrien has had a roster of talent to deal with that could rival some international teams, but several coaches have failed when put in similar circumstances.

Read the entire post here.

Therien has always been a media target for criticism, mainly because of his temper, but he has done a terrific job in Pittsburgh. While you can argue the Penguins had the most talented team in the Eastern Conference last season, that doesn't always translate into strong defensive play. Nonetheless, the Penguins successfully shutdown the Senators/Rangers/Flyers without much difficulty and demonstrated a strong killer instinct in each series.

Therien's job will almost certainly be more difficult next season, with the loss of Marian Hossa and Ryan Malone, but he definitely earned this extension.

The best/worst off-seasons so far

From Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch:

The events of the past four weeks will best be gauged a few seasons down the road. For now, The Dispatch offers this analysis of the proceedings:

Best offseasons

1. Chicago -- With all that "Youth Gone Wild" up front, the Blackhawks landed offensive-minded defenseman Brian Campbell and No. 1 goaltender Cristobal Huet to balance the attack. They could be the next Pittsburgh Penguins.

2. Detroit -- The Red Wings are so good, talent comes knocking on their door. Witness Marian Hossa taking a one-year deal to leave Sidney Crosby's wing and move to Motown. The Wings lost nobody except forward Dallas Drake (retired yesterday) and still have salary-cap room for the future to stay intact...

Read the entire article here.

No real surprises on Portzline's best/worst list. I'm not so sure I'd put Chicago at number one; in fact, I wouldn't. The Campbell signing was a nice move, but the Huet signing still doesn't make a lot of sense to me, especially at those dollars.

Looking at the remaining free agents

From Kevin Allen of USA Today:

Jaromir Jagr is going to Russia. Marian Hossa left $50 million on the table from other suitors to play one season for the Detroit Red Wings for $7.45 million. The Tampa Bay Lightning have changed a third of their roster.

The league has changed dramatically since the start of free agent signing season, but there still are desirable players:

•Pavol Demitra: At 33, he is a proven scorer who can play center and wing. He's going to produce points, and he has several teams bidding for him. "We are weighing a couple of different situations," said his agent, Matt Keator. "Like with all veteran free agents, winning, style of play and his family come into play."

Read the entire article here.

Almost all the significant free agents remaining are veteran players who have been through the wringer over the years. A couple of them may still be game-changers (Sakic, Selanne, Sundin), but most will be solid players who provide more "name recognition" than actual on-ice value.

Penguins still look good for foreseeable future

From Bob Smizik of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:

On the sixth day of July, with the season still some three months away, the Penguins are not as good a team as they were when they lost the sixth game of the Stanley Cup playoffs in early June.

Gone, most notably, are Marian Hossa and Ryan Malone, the team's best wingers, who were lost in free agency. In their place, both signed to one-year deals, are Miroslav Satan and Ruslan Fedotenko, two wingers who are less productive and older.

Based on this evidence, it would be easy to cite general manager Ray Shero as having been derelict in his duties. But that's not the case at all. Shero had a masterful grand plan in place that would have made the Penguins just about as good a team as they were at the end of the season and a team far better suited to contend for years ahead.

Read the entire story here.

Smizik is exactly right. While Shero wasn't able to sign Marian Hossa, he has done a terrific job of signing all his young and important RFAs. Additionally, he has left space on the cap to sign Jordan Staal after next season. The Penguins should easily be Cup contenders for the next five/six years.

Top four winners so far this off-season

I realize it is only three days into the free agent process, however, there has been an incredible amount of activity the past few days. Therefore, I think it is time to compile a list of the four winners since the off-season began:

Winners

1. Detroit Red Wings: Well this is easy. The Red Wings were able to re-sign Brad Stuart to a four-year contract and then pen Marian Hossa to a one-year deal at $7.4 million. More importantly, the Wings didn't lose anyone off their 2008 Stanley Cup roster. The best team in the entire NHL got substantially better without giving anything up. With the roster the team has lined up for next season, they will be even more overwhelming favorites than they were this past season. What does Ken Holland eat for breakfast in the morning? I'd love to know.

2. San Jose Sharks: The past few seasons, the Sharks have been loaded at forward; unfortunately, the team has been lacking the necessary defensive corps to take the next step. Well, that is no longer an issue for Bay Area fans. The Sharks' back-end is now comprised of Dan Boyle, Marc-Eduard Vlasic, Rob Blake, Christian Ehrhoff, Kyle McLaren, Doug Murray and Brad Lukowich (Craig Rivet was traded as this was written). That is a terrific blend of finesse and toughness. The additions of Boyle and Blake cannot be underestimated. Maybe the most important fact of all is that both players have won the Stanley Cup.

3. Columbus Blue Jackets: Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson has done a great job of molding his team and establishing organizational credibility throughout the NHL. By signing Mike Commodore and trading for Fedor Tyutin and Christian Backman, the Jackets were able to solidify their defense going into next season. Additionally, the team was able to replace the scoring void left by Nikolai Zherdev by quickly signing Kristian Huselius. With these trades, the Jackets are demonstrating their intention of building from the net out. That is a perfect strategy with Ken Hitchcock at the helm. More importantly for Jackets fans is that Howson has signed or acquired players with 3/4 year deals; thus, not handicapping himself down the line when prospects Derrick Brassard, Jakub Voracek, etc. come up for their second contracts.

4. Montreal Canadiens: This may same like a strange team to include on this list but bear with me for a second. The Habs haven't done anything stupid this off-season, in fact, they have actually improved their roster. While they lost Mark Streit to the Islanders, the Habs would have been more foolish had they actually paid Streit that type of money (5yr, $20.5 million). The Habs only really need to replace Streit on the power play, and with Kirk Muller continuing to guide the team with the man-advantage and Andrei Markov playing the point that shouldn't be a big concern. Additionally, the Habs have become more talented up-front with the addition of tremendous passer Alex Tanguay. As well, the team added much needed muscle on the fourth line by signing the hulking Georges Laraque to a three-year contract. Finally, the team signed Andrei Kostitsyn to one of the more reasonable three-year contract extensions I've seen in a while (3yr, $9.75 million). Good work by Bob Gainey and Company.

Honorable mention:
New Jersey Devils

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

Hossa puts winning first

From Drew Sharp of the Detroit Free Press:

Marian Hossa is a Red Wing because he wants to win a Stanley Cup. That's as pure as it gets in sports.

He took less money and fewer years -- shunning guaranteed financial security -- for the best opportunity to win a championship.

On Wednesday, Hossa signed with the Wings for one year at $7.4 million, agreeing to accept a few dollars less than the Wings' competitive compass, Nicklas Lidstrom. That was a prerequisite for the Wings.

Hossa's altruistic sincerity is in stark contrast to his basketball and baseball brethren.

Read the entire article here.

Hossa has surprised and impressed just about everyone in hockey with this decision. I think the only party that isn't impressed is probably the NHLPA.

It is risk/reward for Hossa

From Eric Duhatschek of the Globe & Mail:

The risk for Hossa, who has been a remarkably durable player over the years, is that his good health continues. Hossa had major knee surgery in his final year of junior, but has been a picture of health ever since — missing just 22 games in eight years, 10 of them last year, split between the Penguins and the Atlanta Thrashers.

If Hossa blows out his knee again, then the decision to leave all that guaranteed money on the table may not seem like such a good idea. But for Hossa, the possible reward — a Stanley Cup — was worth it in the end.

Read more from Duhatschek here.

Good points raised by Duhatschek; there is always an inherent risk when signing a one year contract. Lucky for Hossa, the guy has already made tens of millions of dollars over the years and has been a very durable NHL player. Give him credit for choosing winning over top dollar.

Hossa to the Wings for 1 year

From TSN:

Sources tell TSN that free agent Marian Hossa has signed a one-year, $7.4 million deal with the defending Stanley Cup champions the Detroit Red Wings.

Read the entire story here.

Just give them the Cup now? I mean, this is a terrific signing. The Wings get a dominant Hossa for only 1 year, so they don't box themselves in when they need to re-sign Henrik Zetterberg next off-season. Wow. Kenny Holland is a mastermind.

Oilers making hard push for Hossa

From TSN:

Ryan Rishaug just said on TSN that the Oilers are making a hard push and are still in the mix for Marian Hossa.

The rumors have the Oilers offering around $9 million per season. That is an awful lot of money for Hossa. If the Oilers sign the big Slovak, then they will have to drop some salary before the season begins.

Penguins won't increase their offer for Hossa

From Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review:

Actually, Hossa probably made some choices for them.

The Penguins want to keep him. But they will not increase their offer, believed to be slightly more than $7 million annually over five years.

Hossa declined that proposal on June 21, presumably because he expects to command more on the open market. Indications are the Vancouver Canucks, Boston Bruins and possibly the Montreal Canadiens are willing to spend $8 million annually for his stellar two-way services.

Read the entire story here.

Hossa is going to get some massive offers today, so I don't expect him to return to Pittsburgh.

Rangers interested in Hossa and Streit

From Larry Brooks of the NY Post:

Sharks are on Marian Hossa's short list on which the New York Rangers, Penguins and Red Wings also appear, a source reports. If San Jose adds Hossa, who is believed seeking between $7.5-8M per, they will intensify their efforts to deal Jonathan Cheechoo, who was dangled at the draft. Blueshirts will be all ears.

Brian Campbell, good but hardly a difference-maker, is seeking $7M a year. That's why there is going to be so much interest - cough, cough, Rangers - in Montreal's Mark Streit, who compiled 52 of his 62 points from the point this season and will probably come in at half Campbell's cost.

Read the entire article here.

Rumors have been around for a while that the Rangers are interested in both Hossa and Streit. Personally, I think Streit should be of more priority than Hossa. The Rangers don't particularly need another big money, long-term deal like Hossa will demand and the team is in dire need of a point-man on the power play. Never mind the fact that he will cost significantly less.

Bruins gearing up for free agency

From the Boston Globe:

Boston Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli said Wednesday he's is thinking of moving some high-priced contracts in order to pursue high-profile player.

Among the free agents he's considering is Marian Hossa, a highly skilled goal-scorer who helped the Pittsburgh Penguins reach the Stanley Cup finals this spring.

Read more about the Bruins' off-season plans here.

Rumors have been around for a while that Chiarelli will target Marian Hossa come July 1. There have no reports that contradict these rumors, so it seems like the Bruins will have a big offer ready for the Slovakian winger. I'm sure Chiarelli's experience with Hossa in Ottawa won't hurt (see: Zdeno Chara).

Are the Bruins interested in Hossa?

From Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe:

Could the Bruins already be talking contract with superstar winger Marian Hossa?

Asked that question last night, Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli offered little in the way of candor.

"Very good question," he responded in a terse e-mail. "But can't comment. Cheers."

Read the entire article here.

It has been rumored for months that the Bruins are very interested in signing Marian Hossa this off-season. Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli spent time with Hossa in Ottawa and knows exactly what he would be getting from the big Slovak winger.

Hossa suspends contract talks

From Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:

The Penguins and right winger Marian Hossa have suspended contract talks.

Hossa is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent July 1, and general manager Ray Shero said Hossa informed him today that he plans to see what his options are at that point.

"We look to be his first choice, but I believe he's going to look ay July 1, just to be sure," Shero said. "We'll see what that brings both of us."

Read the entire article here.

This is not overly surprising. Hossa will want to check what he can get on the open market, and I guess if it is similar to what Pittsburgh is offering he will stay put. However, I have a feeling he will probably get a substantially higher offer.

Malkin on the block?

From Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun:

The Pittsburgh Penguins are looking to make a big move before the first round of the NHL entry draft tomorrow night at Scotiabank Place.

Trying to pry the No. 2 pick away from the Los Angeles Kings and get into the first round, league sources say Pittsburgh general manager Ray Shero has dangled all-star centre Evgeni Malkin to the Kings in a deal that may have included centre Mike Cammalleri going the other way.

While many NHL executives refused to believe the Penguins actually would trade the 21-year-old Malkin because he has one year left on his entry-level contract at $984,000 US, the indications are that Shero is trying to find a way to keep Marian Hossa from becoming an unrestricted free agent.

Read more rumors for Garrioch here.

Can't say I believe that rumor. In fact, it sounds completely ridiculous. Why would the Penguins opt to sign Hossa over Malkin?

Hossa numbers aren't true

From Seth Rorabaugh of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:

Several media outlets have reported that the Penguins extended a contract offer of between $50-52 million over seven years to Marian Hossa but Hossa's agent Ritch Winter said those reports were completely off base.

Read his short entry at Empty Netters here.

Reports are coming from all angles, but if Winter is saying those weren't the figues offered, or that there haven't been any offers at all, then we will take his word for it.

Hossa situation about to get interesting

From Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review:

Hossa, a star right wing who played a pivotal role in helping the Penguins reach the Stanley Cup final with 26 points in 20 playoff games, is vacationing in the Bahamas. He is expected to return later this week.

At that point, the Penguins are expected to make their best pitch to keep him in Pittsburgh. Their objective is to sign him soon to a long-term contract.

If a deal with Hossa cannot be reached, the Penguins are open to the idea of trading his rights before he becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

Read the entire story here.

I guess we will see if Hossa decides to pass up the open market to sign a contract that is similar in pay to the one he has now. There have been rumors both ways, so I won't try and speculate.

Re-examining the Marian Hossa trade

On February 26 of this year, the Penguins acquired Marian Hossa from the Atlanta Thrashers for Erik Christensen, Colby Armstrong, Angelo Esposito and a 1st round draft pick. At the time of the trade, analysts and fans were both staunchly for the trade and staunchly opposed to it.

Now, I am here to analyze whether I believe the trade was worthwhile. To be fair, on February 26th I believed that the Penguins gave up far too much for a playoff rental. With that established, I will begin my analysis.

What the Penguins gave up:

The Penguins did not just give up four young assets, but they gave up four cheap assets. In today's game, the cost of a player's salary is far more important than it has been in the past.

1. Colby Armstrong: The young winger has one more year remaining on his contract at $1.2 million dollars, after which he is a restricted free agent (The team carries the right to match any offer the player receives after July 1 of that year). In terms of skills, the Saskatchewan native had 35 points this past season, is a very good skater and is a physical force.
2. Erik Christensen: The 23 year old center has one more year remaining on his contract at $750,000, after which he is a restricted free agent. In terms of skills, the Edmonton native has golden hands, and has proven to be a scorer at all levels.
3. Angelo Esposito: Finished last season with the Quebec Ramparts of the QMJHL. Has yet to play a NHL game and when he does, he will do so on a three-year entry contract. The much-heralded Quebec native has been over-analyzed for years, however, he still has immense skill and will get a chance to prove his worth in the state of Georgia.
4. 1st round draft pick: Will be at the end of the first round, and when signed will be on an entry-level contract.

So there we have it. The Thrashers acquired four cheap assets who carry with them a fair amount of offensive skill. But we cannot overlook how important inexpensive players are in this context because the Penguins are going to have a lot of difficulty signing Marian Hossa or some of their other superstar players without significantly cutting into the money they can afford to pay their supporting cast.

What the Penguins received:

The Penguins received the type of production from Marian Hossa that they expected. The big Slovakian winger produced 10 points in 12 regular season games but proved his worth during the playoffs with a 26 point performance in just 20 games. Hossa was arguably the Penguins' second best player during their entire run to the Stanley Cup finals. In reality, the Pens could not have asked for much more from the talented winger.

Would the Penguins have made the Finals without Hossa?

This is obviously complete guess-work, but in my opinion the Penguins would have made the Finals even without Marian Hossa.

To explain, let's conduct a quick round-by-round examination:

1. Ottawa Senators: Let's put it this way, my grandmother and her friends could have beaten the Senators. Ottawa mailed in the season way before the playoffs began. If anyone wants to argue that, I will personally force them to watch that series over again.
2. New York Rangers: In my opinion, the Rangers were the Penguins' most difficult opponent on the way to the finals. Even so, after the Penguins' awful start to Game 1 of the series (which saw them trailing 3-0) they went on to dominate the subsequent three games. The Rangers were outscored 12-4 in the series from that point until the start of Game 4. Would the Penguins have defeated the Rangers without Hossa? Well, the series was only five games long and was never in doubt from the Pens perspective.
3. Philadelphia Flyers: When the Flyers reached the third round, they looked worn down. That was evident in their play. Furthermore, the team did not have the defense to handle the Penguins speed and offensive creativity. Without Hossa, the series may have gone on longer, but the Penguins would not have lost to their in-state rivals.

If the Penguins had won the Cup, would the trade have been worth it?

In a word--yes. Winning changes everything. Besides, who ever remembers the team that loses the championship?

The Penguins left the finals without a championship; instead, they now face a far more difficult summer than they would have before.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

Feel free to leave your comments below.

The pressure is on Ray Shero

From Bob Smizik of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:

And so the question of the day is this: Will Penguins fans ever get to see their team raise the Cup? Will they some day get to wonder who captain Sidney Crosby will turn to first?

For the moment the answer to those questions rests not with Crosby or Evgeni Malkin or Marc-Andre Fleury or even coach Michel Therrien. The fate of the franchise left their hands Wednesday night around 10:45 and was passed to general manager Ray Shero. It will be the decision-making ability of Shero, steeped in hockey knowledge but an inexperienced GM, that will impact the team's future the most.

Read Bob's entire article here.

Smizik covers all the important decisions that Shero is going to face this summer. Personally, I think it will be extremely difficult for the Penguins to re-sign Marian Hossa. With both Evgeni Malkin and Jordan Staal up for free agency next season, and Fleury up for free agency as of July 1st, how are the Penguins going to have enough money to afford Hossa and still have anything close to a serviceable supporting cast? I guess this is why the pay Shero the big bucks, to make decisions like these.