The Pittsburgh Penguins did not make a huge splash this offseason, however, they are in “Win Now Mode” for this upcoming 2022-23 NHL Season.
The Penguins re-signed their “Corner Stone D” Letang #58, to a “Penguin for Life” contract.
The Penguins then traded Defensemen Matheson #5 and a 4th Round Pick in 2023 to Montreal for Defensemen Petry and forward Poehling.
The Penguins then traded Defensemen Marino #6 to New Jersey for Defensemen Ty Smith and a 3rd Round pick in 2023.
So, what is the “Net Outcome” from all these moves? Take Note.
The 2022-23 Champion Colorado Avalanche Rolled out: Playoff MVP Makar #8 , Toews #7, Girard #49, Manson #42, Bryam #4, and Johnson #6.
The Back-to-Back Champion (2020-2021) Tampa Bay Lightning Rolled Out: Playoff MVP Hedman #77, Foote #52, McDonagh #27,Cernak #81, Sergachev #98, and Bogosian #24.
As you can see, The Penguins D, will need a Playoff MVP in 2022-23…
Here is The Good, The Bad and The Skinny on this years Penguins Defensemen.
D-Line #1:
Dumoulin #8 Letang #58
The Good:
Letang #58 can still play at a high level. He had his best year as an NHL Pro last season. He just signed a new long-term deal to remain a “Penguin For Life”. All is happy in the Letang World for sure.
Bad:
Can they Defend at a high Level? Both #8 and #58 had moments last year where they, how shall I say this, did not play up to their high standard level of play. The real question here is can they Defend in April May and June? Can Letang #58 be the Playoff MVP in 2022-23?
The Skinny:
Letang #58 will score the points while Dumoulin #8 will guard the D-Zone. It always serves you well to have a stay-at-home D, with a roamer.
D-Line #2:
Pettersson #28 Petry #26
The Good:
I thought Pettersson #28 actually played pretty well last year, defensively speaking. Trading for Petry #26 will give the Penguins some D-men scoring depth, another veteran presence in the room and another big body defending in front of the Penguins net.
The Bad:
I am not sure if Petry #26 is the “Missing Piece” on D.
The Skinny:
We shall see fairly early in the season; just how good their chemistry together is.
Line #3:
Smith #24 Rutta #44
The Good:
It is always good to bring in “youth” to the team. It keeps everyone hungry and reminds everyone just how much fun it is, to actually play in the NHL.
The Bad:
More unknown pieces on D. How will they play in general, how will they play together?
The Skinny:
It is also quite savvy, bringing in Veteran Players who have played on and been around Championship Teams (Rutta #44 played with TB for 4 years and Chicago for 2 years)
My View from the Cheap Seats
Section: TV
Row: PVR
Seat: Couch
The Penguins opted for a slight Re-Jig on their D-Line.
Letang #58-D signed for $6.1 Million over 6 years… will be 41 at the end of this contract.
Petry #26 -D signed for $6.250 Million over 3 years…will be 37 at the end of this contract.
Both D-men will be asked to carry the load this season for the Penguins.
Both D-men have logged a huge amount of ice time on their legs, up to this point in their careers.
Both D-men have shown they can play at a high level.
Both D-men will be old, at they end of their contracts.
Reviewing the above, you can see how “This Year” Must Be Their Year.
Quote of the Day:
“Life Begins at 37”
Everyone who turns 37