Legit serious... you're the first Panthers fan I ever encountered. Didnt know they even existed. I always figured they used AI on the TV to make their arena look 1/2 full.
- SuperHenderson13

He's only been a Panthers fan for about 2 hours...

Should I activate Jake off the IR in fantasy for tonight? Saying GTD but he's going to play, isnt he?
- MattStrat

brind'amour says he'll know for sure in warmups but looks like he's probably good to go, yep.

he's been activated from IR

Legit serious... you're the first Panthers fan I ever encountered. Didnt know they even existed. I always figured they used AI on the TV to make their arena look 1/2 full.
- SuperHenderson13

Lol, it's probably true. My buddy who's originally from NJ, lived here for about 15 years then moved to Miami recently is always a NJ fan first but obviously he went all in on the Panthers run hahah. It's like all transplant fans.

I can understand Dubas not wanting to sign Jake to a long term deal and I can understand Jake wanting nothing but a high $ deal. Guy's played on a $6M/year deal while average players made more than him in some cases. This is his last chance to cash out.

I think Dubas thought he'd be playing for Jake for what he did versus what he is going to do. I think 29/30 is the right age for a 4-5 year deal, but I'm sure Jake wanted 7-8. I more blame Dubas for fumbling this whole thing and not trading him sooner. You could've traded him in the summer and used those assets to put a better team together

Still one of my favorite players to watch. There was even a part of me that saw him as the next captain once Sid retired.
- SuperHenderson13

Even if I disagree with the decision, I do see the logic in moving Guentzel. Would have felt better with a different return. Seemed like Dubas took a slightly lesser deal because he values Bunting and Koivunen more than most and that's a bit scary to me.

As a fan, a big part of what I'm looking forward to next year is Malkin's pursuit to become I believe only the second Russian to score 500. And seeing Sid begin to climb the top ten all-time scorers list and go for 600. Especially for Sid, that feels more difficult without Jake.

Some people may say all that matters is winning, but in a different era, I'll adjust what I root for to what the team can do, just like I'll root for marginal prospects to become contributors to the next competitive team even if it will be ugly.

Even if I disagree with the decision, I do see the logic in moving Guentzel. Would have felt better with a different return. Seemed like Dubas took a slightly lesser deal because he values Bunting and Koivunen more than most and that's a bit scary to me.

As a fan, a big part of what I'm looking forward to next year is Malkin's pursuit to become I believe only the second Russian to score 500. And seeing Sid begin to climb the top ten all-time scorers list and go for 600. Especially for Sid, that feels more difficult without Jake.

Some people may say all that matters is winning, but in a different era, I'll adjust what I root for to what the team can do, just like I'll root for marginal prospects to become contributors to the next competitive team even if it will be ugly.
- Tojo.

Poulin

I hear ya...8 goals is painful...Answer the quistion. Why didn't they sign guentzel? Who makes the most money on this team? as of now?
- jb55

You do know Jake gets to decide where he signs his next contract right?

brind'amour says he'll know for sure in warmups but looks like he's probably good to go, yep.

he's been activated from IR
- BINGO!

Awesome. I hope he does well and especially hope you guys can make it to the Stanley cup finals.

Even if I disagree with the decision, I do see the logic in moving Guentzel. Would have felt better with a different return. Seemed like Dubas took a slightly lesser deal because he values Bunting and Koivunen more than most and that's a bit scary to me.

As a fan, a big part of what I'm looking forward to next year is Malkin's pursuit to become I believe only the second Russian to score 500. And seeing Sid begin to climb the top ten all-time scorers list and go for 600. Especially for Sid, that feels more difficult without Jake.

Some people may say all that matters is winning, but in a different era, I'll adjust what I root for to what the team can do, just like I'll root for marginal prospects to become contributors to the next competitive team even if it will be ugly.
- Tojo.

Had they not had so many 30+ long contracts I can see not giving Jake the value he commands. But you have rak and rust locked up beyond age 35 I can see the hesitation. Anyone would walk from those guys if it meant keeping Jake.

Reality is maybe 1 season left with Sid and 2 max w Malkin. I’m not convinced someone like Crosby wants to lose his last game. I see a Tom Brady finish for him.

Poulin
- Victoro311

Exactly I feel seen

Poulin
- Victoro311

Exactly I feel seen

Had they not had so many 30+ long contracts I can see not giving Jake the value he commands. But you have rak and rust locked up beyond age 35 I can see the hesitation. Anyone would walk from those guys if it meant keeping Jake.

Reality is maybe 1 season left with Sid and 2 max w Malkin. I’m not convinced someone like Crosby wants to lose his last game. I see a Tom Brady finish for him.
- sammy87

Sucks for the narrative that everyone has already reported that Crosby will sign an extension the minute he's eligible in July.

Exactly I feel seen
- Tojo.

In my mind his name is Sam "Tojo" Poulin.

Sucks for the narrative that everyone has already reported that Crosby will sign an extension the minute he's eligible in July.
- Victoro311

Right?! Also some reports that Crosby and Dubas met regarding the plan for the team and that is the same time they agreed to the extension.

DOC top six! Look out!

DOC top six! Look out!
- Grinder47

Just focus on your new boy Bunting and ignore the rest of the noise. He's playing with Malkin, so you hate the second line already anyways.

IDK why O'Conner and Rakell are both being played on their weak sides. Top 6 should be

Bunting-Crosby-Rakell
Smith-Malkin-Rust

If you absolutely want to have DOC in the top 6, then demote smith to keep everyone on their strong side (smith deserves it anyways). Guentzel is gone. Guentzel-Crosby-Rust is dead. There's no reason to staple Rust to Crosby anymore when Rakell works just as well Malkin could use some extra help.

I can understand Dubas not wanting to sign Jake to a long term deal and I can understand Jake wanting nothing but a high $ deal. Guy's played on a $6M/year deal while average players made more than him in some cases. This is his last chance to cash out.

I think Dubas thought he'd be playing for Jake for what he did versus what he is going to do. I think 29/30 is the right age for a 4-5 year deal, but I'm sure Jake wanted 7-8. I more blame Dubas for fumbling this whole thing and not trading him sooner. You could've traded him in the summer and used those assets to put a better team together

Still one of my favorite players to watch. There was even a part of me that saw him as the next captain once Sid retired.
- SuperHenderson13

100%. I don't think you should ever let a good player play out his last year. You either sign him or trade him. I just assumed a contract would be coming, but I'm pretty sure Dubas was willing to let him play out the year if the Pens were competitive. I agree with Bingo... He was never going to sign him.

Here we go, puke bucket in hand.

Good all around by Ludwig. Good hit, takes down the plug that got mad about it.

I hate when good, solid hits have to turn into a fight. Ridiculous.

I hate when good, solid hits have to turn into a fight. Ridiculous.
- madmike71

I think the instigator as it exists does more harm than good, but if they changed it to be officiated kind like how embellishment is for when plugs do poop like this, this would be a great enforcement of it.

Sloppy play but they at least have some energy so far tonight.

Just focus on your new boy Bunting and ignore the rest of the noise. He's playing with Malkin, so you hate the second line already anyways.
- Victoro311

Malkin a like my top 6 fav pens of all time. Settle down.

I hate when good, solid hits have to turn into a fight. Ridiculous.
- madmike71

I get it.

EK doing his Zoolander impersonation again