Pens Labyrinth | A Pittsburgh Penguins Blog » Penguins

Pens Add Skill, Ink Comrie

Bill Mayer — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 17:23:57 +0000

Mike Comrie is coming to town. The Pens signed the journeyman Friday to a no-risk one-year deal, giving the team a versatile skill player that can potentially fill multiple roles. Comrie, who scored 13 goals in Edmonton last season, can play both wing positions and center. In theory, he could line up as a wing on one of the top two lines, or center a third line if Evgeni Malkin or Jordan Staal moves to wing. Comrie could also fill a spot on the second power-play unit.

With all the obvious Hilary Duff joke aside, this moves makes sense. First, there’s virtually no possible downside. Comrie signed a one-year deal for the league minimum ($500,000). If he can’t cut it, the Pens can cut him without suffering financially. Second, Comrie is still a good player. He’s scored over 20 goals five times in his career. Third, as mentioned previously, he’s versatile. Fourth, the man appears to be motivated. Comrie, who’s only 30, wants to win – he hasn’t played in a post-season game since the 06-07 season.

So, the Pens have added yet another piece to their intriguing roster. Should Comrie return to his 20-goal form, this acquisition would be brilliant. If he struggles or worse, at least fans will get to gawk at Duff in the Consol Center stands.

And for those of you that might think Comrie is a skill-only player lacking toughness, I give you this:

Please, Mr. Guerin, I Beg You…

Bill Mayer — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 19:08:07 +0000

…do not sign with Philadelphia. Anybody but the Flyers. News broke yesterday of Billy G. skating with the Flyers, possibly in the hopes of gaining a tryout with the Pens’ hated division rival.

Listen, I know the man wants to play this season. But for the love of all that’s holy, can’t he find another team to ply his trade with? Guerin became a fan favorite in the Burgh almost instantly upon his arrival from the Islanders. It would be very interesting to see how he’s treated if he ends up in Philly. Just thinking of #13 wearing black-and-orange makes me ill.

I can’t believe it’s come to this for Guerin. One would’ve thought a rugged veteran that potted 21 goals just last season would have a team by now. Surely someone could use his offensive and/or leadership skills. But thanks to the salary cap, players like Guerin and Owen Nolan are finding it much more difficult to land a job.

Guerin was a great player for the Pens in his short tenure here. He was a vital cog in the machine that won the Stanley Cup. I hope he finds work this season…just not with the friggin’ Flyers.

Guerin Gone; Staal’s Right Foot

Bill Mayer — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 01:37:24 +0000

Well, it’s official: Bill Guerin won’t be back. The Pens decided not to re-sign the vet and will instead give the youngsters a chance. This is not a bad move. As I wrote earlier this month, I think Guerin’s best days are behind him. I could be wrong (he did score 21 last year), but I think it’s time to give Eric Tangradi, Dustin Jeffrey and Nick Johnson a shot at making the team.

Some far more disturbing news (as far as I’m concerned) is the fact that Jordan Staal is getting his foot re-examined by doctors next week. Staal had a second surgery on the foot in June, and there’s apparently concern that he won’t be ready for the start of training camp. Staal probably shouldn’t have come back and played in the Montreal series. It was a very serious injury, and he only missed two games instead of the anticipated multiple weeks. Let’s not make the same mistake twice. Don’t rush him into training camp – the Pens need a healthy Staal once the season starts.