Quoting: Pens2000
I disagree with the Erod take. He’s been excellent defensively. Up until the point when geno came back he was playing as a centerman so he had more defensive responsibility and he did well. Ever since he’s transitioned to the wing though I do agree he’s gotten complacent
ERod is a very flawed player, there is a reason he's 28 on a 1 year 1M deal.
He's been a - player his whole career including last year with the penguins.
The only reason he's not this year is because he's been on lines with very responsible players like Crosby's line and Carter/Heinen line.
We can go round and round on the value of the +/- stat but over time it's a telling thing, when you look at that and his style of play, which is to cherry pick, it tallies up.
He is a poor mans Kessel. He doesn't want to engage and just wants the puck to shoot.
Pass to me I'll shoot it, isn't really a great hockey player. Which is why he's never earned a real contract and is a reason why the penguins shouldn't resign him.
If I were to put Puustinen into a lineup, I'd put him on a line with Carter and Kap.
I think that's the best you are going to get out of him.
But as I said, in a long term issue his place is limited by A. the type of player he is, and B. what the second line really is in PIT. Which means Malkin's line and he's lazy when it comes to playing defense.
You couple that with an honest assessment of Malkin aka he's not good at faceoffs, and he's the wrong winger to be on his wing. As he needs people who are more responsible on it and can keep up with him going N/S.