I didn't see this elsewhere, and while it's a few days after the fact, I thought I'd share.
During Tuesday's "Legends With the Fans," a 93.7 The Fan monthly live gathering with Bob Pompeani, Jim Rutherford and Ed Johnston discussed their histories as NHL goalies and executives. When Pomp brought up the current roster, and specifically Gonchar, Rutherford said he was brought in to be a calming presence on defense for the young players, to share his vast knowledge, to teach his skills, and to make the team. He said this was not a favor to Gonchar, but rather a real attempt at seeing if he has one last season in him. If his camp goes well, he will have a contract. Maybe that's lip service, but maybe it's the truth. Either way, having Gonchar in camp is a very good thing for this team. Him making the team, on the other hand, clearly is debatable.
On a partially related note, Darren Dreger said earlier this week -- and I can't recall where I read this, now, as I was traveling for work and reading on my cell phone -- that the Penguins are looking to trade Scuderi, but that he believes no trade options will arise until sometime around 15 games into the season, when teams begin to truly see what they have and who is fitting in/who is not. Of course, injuries could speed the process, should a team become desperate for an NHL defenseman.
My opinion on both topics: Gonchar would be nice to have around the room. Fans are polarized on leadership -- some think it's real and legitimate, others think it's a way to give an otherwise useless player a meaningful attribute. When players/coaches/GMs discuss leadership and the need to have it in the room, I tend to believe them over someone who's never been there. So, if the Pens are in need of leadership or, at the very least, a calming locker room presence, I'd much rather Gonchar fill the 7th defense spot at $1 million, than Scuderi at nearly $4 million. Gonchar has more to offer the young defensemen of this team. Most of the youngsters play a two-way game, much more similar to Gonchar's than Scuderi's. Additionally, Scuderi strikes me more as a "just do it right" guy rather than a teaching guy. I don't get the mentor vibe from him, whereas Gonchar clearly enjoys interacting with young players.
Long post, but one final point. Leadership isn't about willing a team to win. It's about encouraging a positive environment for everyone, having fun while working hard, picking up players when they made big mistakes or had bad games, and instilling confidence in the team when things look bleak. Nothing anyone says will win a game. Players need to execute. But when there are players in the room that create a positive environment, others will be more motivated to play their best, which can lead to wins. I'm done