Quoting: Theozler
If I thought they were still top contenders...yes. The fact that they've bombed the last two years makes me think it was worth the risk of an underachieving Matheson. If he can regain that form of a few years ago it allows them to possibly deal dumolin or pettersson for a superior forward to hornqvist which could make them better. Worst case they dont go far in playoffs which was likely the case anyway.
Quoting: PGHBOB69
No, we needed to get younger and faster. Hornqvist was owed 5.3M for 3 more years. I wish we would have done better in the trade. But it still afforded us 500k in cap space and although people dislike matheson, he’s only 26, he definitely adds speed to our team, and an offensive defensemen, and Pens have a good defensive system and have a descent track record with under-performing talent, so we’ll see!!
I think it was a good idea, and if the best we could get back from a 33 year old Hornqvist, who was owed 5.3M for 3 more years was Matheson, which I’m sure it was the best option, then ya, it’s the right move. But like I said, I would’ve have liked a better return, or Matheson is fine, and I don’t even hate the contract number, it’s the term.
younger and faster--check. matheson is a risk sure, but he's our new fastest d-man and he can move the puck. Hornqvist is always injured and getting alot slower...
Quoting: mhockey91
I’ll remember this when Kap scores 25 goals with Sid. Did they overpay for Kap? Yes no doubt, but they definitely didn’t get a “bad” player in return. He fits our system of speed.
Same with Matheson for hornqvist. I think Matheson will do a lot better in Pit and regain his earlier seasons success. Hornqvist was on a downfall and was treading toward Ladd/Backes territory.
all true. not the best deal for PIT rn, but they both could be pretty BIG wins if they pan out. Hornqvist, the 1st, and Hallander can't help now. Kapanen and matheson can. so it doesn't matter. the pens are ALL-IN for a couple more years.
Quoting: mhockey91
Yup. It was a risk they decided to take. If Matheson can regain his form, they can trade MP for a good forward, thus making their team much better. It’s risky, but I think it could very well work out. We’re not dealing with a jack Johnson or rob scuderi here. Matheson has the tools to be a solid #4D
I love the potential matheson brings. he is a swift puck mover, he just needs to work on not forcing things bc that creates turnovers. get the new coaching staff on him and please let him play with anyone besides Ceci...and I think he can rebound...
Quoting: aadoyle
yep
His contract wasnt great but pp1 is going to suffer without him screening the goalie. In general is presence and abilities were great for them and the return he got is going to hurt in the long run. Matheson is okay but his contract is to long and his defensive lapses can be costly. Sceviour is also okay but with the additions of Jankowski and other 3rd and 4th liners I just dont see how its gonna work.
In general GMJR seems to want this team to continue to be competitive and it should be but the moves he made seem to have kept them relatively the same and not shifted the point to becoming a better team. We will just have to wait and see.
I think the Pens can figure out a way to make the PP work without a good net front presence. ever since Phil left it has been sooooo inconsistent, even with horny... I think new coaches and a new strategy will help the PP. the pens just have too many good options to have a under 20% PP.
I'd go with:
PP1-Geno right half wall, Letang up top, Rust left half wall, guentzel mid slot, Crosby down low
PP2-McCann right half wall, Matheson up top, Kapanen left half wall, zucker mid slot, Jankowski down low
---or on PP2 have both marino and matheson up top and Kapanen and McCann (half-walls) and zucker down low/net front
I think the pens need to get back to quick passing trying to find the cross seam feed. they have good playmakers so they should be able to move the puck quickly, get into the slot, and get off quick high danger shots....