wait, we're rehashing the "replace Sutter with Spaling" thing?
My apologies. Didn't realize it was off-limits.
I don't think it's off limits, but Spaling is a downgrade from Sutter. One of my complaints with Sutter is his faceoff ability is below average (if you consider 50% average). Sutter typically takes over 1000 faceoffs a year. I'm not sure Spaling has taken 1000 faceoffs in his career. And when he does, he is usually worse than Sutter on faceoffs. I think Spaling may get better production out of his linemates, but this is debateable as well. Sutter>>Spaling.
The biggest problem out there, whether the cap goes down or up, is this is not a great year for free agent forwards, even for 3rd and 4th liners. Adams, Martin, Ehrhoff, and Greiss should go out as contracts. That's 10.7M right there. I doubt that Downie comes back. He put up great production for a 3rd liner, but he also took too many penalties. Half of those are probably on reputation alone, unfortunately.
I would buyout Scuderi. That really shouldn't be a consideration. He has played well, but his mobility is an issue. His inability to give an effective breakout pass is an issue. I think Lovejoy makes Scuderi obsolete. He may not be as good on the PK, but he has a bit more offensive ability for a bottom pairing defenseman. Buying out Scuderi opens up another 2.1M next year, 1.6M in 16-17, and about 2.4M in the following two years.
After Scuderi, for me, the Pens need to find a way to cut ties with Dupuis and Kunitz. For Dupuis, it pains me to say it. He is truly one of the heart and soul players of this team, but with the injury history of this team the last few years, I don't see how you can keep a 36 year old who had major knee surgery, and two blood clots in less than a year. This team needs to get younger and faster. I know Duper is a workout freak, but again, I can't go into a season with Duper in the starting lineup only to go down again a month into the season. With Kunitz, I think he may be able to be effective on a 3rd line. He can't be guaranteed a top 6 role. 3rd line and 2nd PP unit....but if you want to believe Dejan that the Pens haven't been happy with him all season, then there is a chance he is on the buyout block as well. For now, I only have Scuderi's money coming off the books.
For the guys that are left, I'd look to bring Lapierre back at the same price. He's good on faceoffs, and showing the playoff warrior mentality. He would be a nice upgrade over Craig Adams. I believe Comeau will be back, as I've read reports he loves it here, and is grateful for getting more than 4th line minutes the whole season. His injury and lack of production afterwards is going to hurt his value. I can't see him getting anything more than 2M at this point. Bennett will get resigned, and I believe this will his last hurrah.
If you get rid of Martin, Ehrhoff, Adams, Downie, Scuderi, Kunitz, and Dupuis....this team has gotten MUCH younger just by those subtractions. Up front, I'd look to sign a guy like Michael Frolik. I liked him at the deadline, and he never got an extension done with Winnipeg. He's only 27, has some speed, and has the versatility to play all 3 forward positions. Frolik could probably be had for 4-4.5M a year. I for one, do not believe Kapanen is going to be ready to step in from the outset of the season. I think expecting him to immediately step in at this point is putting unrealistic expectations on him. Give Bennett a shot on Malkin's wing to start the season. If Bennett can't produce after a month or two, bring up Kapanen and give him a shot there. If neither can get the job done, then you have a move to make at the deadline to bring in another top 6 forward. Sundqvist, on the other hand, I think has a better chance of making the club. I think it is easier to step into a bottom 6 role where your primary responsibility is not to come in and score. He can come in and be a defensively responsible forward and provide some additional youth. Again, not a given he makes it, but I think he has a better shot than Kapanen at this point. Still need another guy for the 4th line, and maybe another depth signing, but if you do all this, Dupuis retires, Kunitz gets bought out, there is a ton of cap space to work with. A big key for me in this Penguins lineup is guys that can play multiple positions. When you have such little depth in the minors, and you have a history of injuries, you need guys that can move up and down the lineup, play both wings, etc.
Frolik-Crosby-Hornqvist
Perron-Malkin-Bennett
Spaling-Sutter-Comeau
Sundqvist-Lapierre-X
x-Wilson, Megna, Ebbett
On defense
Letang-Cole
Maata-Pouliot
Chorney/Dumoulin-Lovejoy
xChorney/Dumoulin, Harrington first callup.
Again, this defense isn't very expensive. Having Letang and Maata back, Lovejoy in a bottom pair role would make a world of difference. Chorney and Dumoulin have shown that they can play. Being able to be as sound in the playoffs is all I need to see for now. Pouliot still has some work to do, but paired with Maata or Cole, he will have some room to roam.
Just because we have the space, doesn't mean we have to spend it. Next year's UFA class isn't good. We have tons of young, affordable guys on defense. Play them. Wait until the deadline or 2016 free agency to retool. Don't spend money on crap just because you have the space to spend.
I haven't calculated it out, but this team would defintely be under the cap even with a Scuderi and Kunitz buyout, and a Dupuis retirement. Maybe Dupuis starts the season on the 3rd line, and Comeau plays the 4th line spot. I dunno what the rules are for retiring in season, and the affect on cap hit.....because if Dupuis did come back and had another clot, I would expect that would be the end. Save your money, because in 2016-2017 Perron will be getting a raise, and so will Maata.
Goalie, anyone with a pulse. Go with Zatkoff to start. If Murray plays well in the first half of WBS season, bring him up. I believe Jarry should be in WBS too. If none of those guys are seen as capable, there are always plenty of capable cheap backups out there.
