2009-10 NHL preview: Pittsbugh Penguins


In a salary cap world, how does the defending Stanley cup champions retool for another campaign? Well they have to convince players to play for them at a reduced rate. In return they get a shot at a title, and the potential to play for a dynasty. This past off season Penguins General Manager Ray Shero spent a lot of time convincing free agents of those two things.

The Penguins lost a third of their starting blue line when Rob Scuderi and Hal Gill signed with other teams. However they will begin their title defense with key contributors Bill Guerin, Rusian Fedotenko, and Craig Adams still on the roster. All three had to take pay cuts to stay with the team, and the Penguins may be better off for it. The Penguins also added defenseman Jay McKee, and huge center Mike Rupp, and it looks like the Pens are poised for another run at Lord Stanley’s cup.

Of course things are so bad when your roster features two of the three best forwards in the game today. Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby took huge strides last year scoring a combined 67 points in 24 playoff games. Both players are in the twenties and look to be the core of this roster for years to come.

Additions- RW Wade Brookbank, D Nate Guinen, G Brent Johnson, D Jay McKee, and C Mike Rupp

Subtractions- G Mathieu Garon, D Hal Gill, LW Chris Minard, LW Janne Pesonen, D Rob Scuderi, and C Jeff Taffe

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