Be a GM Mode 2014: Defense and Goalies

As promised last time, I'm taking this Penguins team APART! That's admittedly a bit dramatic. The fact is that this team underperformed again (maybe), and now it's time for the offseason. I'm going to take a look at the roster, with thoughts on who gets re-signed, who leaves, who gets fired, and even some trade and new hire prognostication. I guess since I dragged my feet, this isn't exactly my interview for the GM position anymore, but merely prognostications of another Penguins fan.

Last time, we jettisoned some of the unsignable players, retained a few others, ant built a...well honestly a rather unimpressive 4 lines of forward. That said, the plan is probably going to make more sense here. The best bet is going to the UFA pool to fill in the bottom-six out until there are some forwards drafted.

So, to recap quickly from last time...
Players retained: Brandon Sutter, Lee Stempniak, Tanner Glass, Brian Gibbons, Harry Zolnierczyk, Zach Sill, Spencer Machacek, Jayson Megna.

With the projection from the forwards preview, cap remaining: $4,780,833

All figures and Player contract information found on CapGeek.com.

Unrestricted Free Agents (UFAs) - Players the Penguins either sign or are up for grabs to any team come July first.
Restricted Free Agents (RFAs) - Players the Penguins need to submit a qualifying offer to to maintain rights. If not signed by July first, they can sign an offer sheet from another team. The Penguins can match this offer and keep the player or not match it and get draft picks in return (number depending on the value of the offer sheet).
Players marked with * are considered non-roster players (Currently Minor League-ers or didn't play with NHL team enough this season)

UFAs TH's Thoughts What TH would do Brooks Orpik Brooks Orpik is more or less the 'Original' Penguin. The longest tenured player on the team, and a leader in the locker room, unfortunately, he's just too expensive to bring back with his age and likely asking price. I'd love to see Brooks back, but he just isn't able to do what he used to. He's a tough player who's played a tough game for a bit too long. Hate to do it, but let Brooks go. He'll probably find work somewhere that needs a veteran presence. Matt Niskanen Ah, Matt Niskanen...he had a career year in a contract year. He's also going to make absolute bank in free agency, rumors are he's looking to start at 5.5 million per season. He had a great season, I wish him all the luck, but that's more than I allowed the penguins to have to fill out the D and play free agency. Not to mention, he's not really that good, and was a beneficiary of a good system, extra attention (Thanks Disco!) and good support. Psh. Let him go. He's the new Jeff Finger. Deryk Engellend I'm not sure what's going to happen with Engellend this offseason. I don't think it's worth re-signing him, he'll cut into the cap and there are better players waiting in the wings. The Penguins just don't need a player who is better as a forward but wants to play D. He, like Niskanen was a beneficiary of extra attention, and is likely to get overpaid. I they want a physical presence, they should be able to get one cheap in free agency. I just dont see any reason to keep Engellend Let him go. He'll either end up in the AHL/ECHL, or get a fat contract. Tomas Vokoun Vokoun will probably always have fans in Pittsburgh because of his work prolonging the Penguin's playoff run in 2013. However, after last season's health issues, it's not far-fetched to say his NHL, maybe even his pro hockey career is over. Thank him for his help, wish him all the best. Brendan Mikkelson* I don't know much about Mikkelson. I can tell you he's 26 and had 37 points in 73 games with WBS this season. Based on his age and the fact that if given control, I would be filling out the 'D' corps with all of Shero's first round picks. Sure, they're unproven, but they were all first round picks for a reason. I don't think it's fair to say every one of them will be like an Olli Maatta, but at the same time, they need a chance, and they are a cheap option on the blueline, that will allow the Penguins to add some depth via free agency. Mikkelson stays on the cheap only to fill out WBS. 2 years, 600k per. RFAs TH's Thoughts What Pens will probably do Simone Despres Simone Despres was, in my opinion, not really given a fair chance under the previous coaching regime. He would make a single mistake and Deryk Engellend would be put in for him. He actually still had more games in the AHL than in the NHL, and I don't believe this has anything to do with ability. Despres is a former first rounder (I remember I was impressed with his height and compared him to Jaws), and seems to have the talent, but needs some NHL level coaching and opportunity to really start to shine, and the Pens are running out of time to get him that. It'll only cost a little over 850k to qualify him, but I want to beat that to try and rebuild his trust in the organization. 2 year bridge contract, 950k, then 1.05m for 1mil cap hit Philip Samuelsson* Samuelsson is still a young 22, with just 5 NHL regular season games experience. He's going to be borderline NHL-ready this season, and probably a top pair in WBS, coming up to the bigs to fill in for an injured player, probably Maatta or Pouliot until their ready healthy to play, but expect him to make the jump full time (or close to it) in the 2015-2016 season. That said, I think you have to sign Samuelsson for at least 3 years, so you can get 2 to evaluate him at the NHL level. He'll only cost about 600k to qualify, so that probably where to start. 3 years, 650k, 750k, 8450k for a cap hit of 750k. Should know if he's able to cut it after this contract is up.

Players retained: Simone Despres, Philip Samuelsson, Brendan Mikkelson.

Projected Salary Cap next season: $70mil
Current Salary Spent: $65,219,167 on already signed players and forwards from previous entry
Projected cap available: $4,780,833

With the above defensive projection, cap remaining: $2,430,833

It's time to evaluate Shero's 'trade pieces.' He spent years drafting the best available player in the draft, and as a result, the team is STACKED at defense, but doesn't have much to show for forward depth. These young players will be cheap, and should be skilled being high picks. Some may require seasoning in WBS, sure, but we need to get these guys evaluated, and moved if there's no place for them.

I guess considering where Ray Shero came from (Nashville, notorious for good 'D' and no forward depth), this shouldn't be a surprise, but you would still think that with more cap space available, and the okay to make whatever moves you want, you would have acquired more than Brendan Morrow for a defensive prospect. If nothing else, it may be a boon to bring in a new GM/Team just because he won't be attached to the draft pick and may be more willing to move these players for what the team needs.

Be sure to check back next time, when we'll have the wrap up, including thoughts on the team, the draft, and free agency!