In the upcoming 2013-2014 NHL season the Pittsburgh Penguins will be the second oldest team in the league, behind only the New Jersey Devils. It might not be long, however, until the Penguins have the most aged roster in all of hockey. This summer, General Manager Ray Shero decided to keep Pascal Dupuis, Craig Adams, and extend Chris Kunitz, as well as bring back Rob Scuderi, a key member of the 2009 Stanley Cup team. In all, the Penguins gave these men a combined $40 million dollars in contracts that will keep them in Pittsburgh until they are all 37 or 38 years old. Looking at these contracts individually, it’s hard to complain at first glance. Dupuis and Kunitz both signed for less than what they could have received in the open market. And when you look at the contracts handed out this summer to guys like Ryan Clowe, Dave Clarkson, and Tyler Bozak, it would be easy to argue Scuderi might have been the only big name free agent who wasn’t overpaid in July’s free agent frenzy. While individually all these deals are of great value, the fact remains that the Penguins failed to win the Stanley Cup this year with an aging all star caliber lineup. Aside from the core of Crosby, Malkin, Neal, and Letang, the group of Penguins signed for the future is going to get old—-fast. I would love to see Shero and company add some youth to the Penguins lineup. It may seem like the team doesn’t have much cap to work with when you consider that the aforementioned core plus Marc-Andre Fleury consume about 50% or more of the Penguins salary cap. But when you look at all the other contending teams in the NHL, most of them have this issue. Consider this year’s Stanley Cup champions. The Chicago Blackhawks had around 47% of their salary cap going to their top 5 paid players. What made the Blackhawks a better team than the Penguins, however, wasn’t their top players. It was the depth they had on their 3rd and 4th lines with players like Dave Bolland, Viktor Stalberg, Andrew Shaw, and Bryan Bickell. Locking up so much money and so many years with veterans like Scuderi, Kunitz, and Dupuis can be risky business. Adding to the risk is that the organization hasn’t had much inexpensive, productive talent coming through its farm system lately. Hopefully Beau Bennett and Simon Despres can change that this year. There is still plenty of time left over the next 3 months for Ray Shero to infuse some youth into next season’s lineup. All indications point to Matt Niskanen’s days in the black and gold being numbered when you consider he is set to make more than $2 million next season. Guys like Jussi Jokinen, Deryk Engellend, and Tanner Glass could also be dealt. If the Penguins could deal any of these players for a young, fast, and inexpensive forward, I think they would be foolish not to make a move.
Podcasts
AUDIO: Rebel Yell Podcast: 2024 WPIAL Football Week 7 Recap 12:00 am
donrebelDon Rebel runs down all of the scores and key statistics from Week 7 of the 2024 WPIAL Football season.
VIDEO: Rebel Yell Podcast: 2024 WPIAL Football Week 7 Recap 12:00 am
Don Rebel runs down all of the scores and key statistics from Week 7 of the 2024 WPIAL Football season.
Next On The Tee: S11, Ep 51, Pt 2: Elevate Your Play: Expert Instruction From Golf Tips Magazine Top 25 Instructors Jon Decker & Tom Stickney 10-11-2024
nextgolfI’m joined by two of Golf Tips Magazine’s Top 25 Instructors, Jon Decker and Tom Stickney, for long-overdue conversations packed with invaluable insights.
Next On The Tee: S11, Ep 51, Pt 1: Steelers Legend Rocky Bleier and Dr. Bob Winters 10-11-2024
nextgolfI'm joined by Steelers Legend Rocky Bleier and The Confidence Doctor, Dr. Bob Winters.
AUDIO: Rebel Yell Podcast: 2024 WPIAL Football Week 7 Preview 10-09-2024
donrebelDon Rebel previews the upcoming WPIAL football slate for Week 7.
VIDEO: Rebel Yell Podcast: 2024 WPIAL Football Week 7 Preview 10-09-2024
Don Rebel previews the upcoming WPIAL football slate for Week 7.
Pittsburgh mother transformed by year of crisis in Israel 10-09-2024
fromthenewsroomJustin Vellucci and host Zac Gibson discuss the Rona Kaufman's experiences, insights on parental bonds under stress, and her evolving Jewish identity in the year since the Oct. 7 attacks.
Urban farms are sprouting in Pittsburgh\'s food deserts 10-03-2024
fromthenewsroomIn this episode, TribLive staff writer Julia Burdelski and Zac Gibson explore the growing need for urban farming among new green thumbs. We’ll highlight the journeys of budding local urban farmers, including Ebony, who transformed her backyard gardening into two urban farms and a small store. Join us as we delve into how urban farming can enhance food accessibility and strengthen community bonds.
Unlocking younger votes 09-24-2024
fromthenewsroomTribLive reporter Megan Swift interviewed young voters, including Cory Roma, a passionate advocate for progressive issues, and Mike Chiarlone, a dedicated member of the Allegheny County Young Republicans. Today, we’re unpacking their views on the economy, political representation, and the importance of youth engagement in the electoral process.
Why do police withhold officers\' names in deadly encounters? 09-18-2024
fromthenewsroomJustin Vellucci joins Zac Gibson to explore the challenges Jonathan Faidley, a U.S. Army veteran from Somerset County, faced in his search for answers and the broader implications of transparency in law enforcement.
AUDIO: Rebel Yell Podcast: 2024 WPIAL Football Week 6 Player of the Week: Tasso Whipple of Penn-Trafford 10-06-2024
donrebelDon Rebel chats with the HSSN Week 6 Player of the Week, Tasso Whipple of Penn-Trafford.
VIDEO: Rebel Yell Podcast: 2024 WPIAL Football Week 6 Player of the Week: Tasso Whipple of Penn-Trafford 10-06-2024
Don Rebel chats with the HSSN Week 6 Player of the Week, Tasso Whipple of Penn-Trafford.
AUDIO: Rebel Yell Podcast: 2024 WPIAL Football Week 6 Team of the Week: Ellwood City 10-05-2024
donrebelDon Rebel chats with the head coach of the Week 6 Team of the Week, Dan Bradley of Ellwood City.
VIDEO: Rebel Yell Podcast: 2024 WPIAL Football Week 6 Team of the Week: Ellwood City 10-05-2024
Don Rebel chats with the head coach of the Week 6 Team of the Week, Dan Bradley of Ellwood City.
AUDIO: Rebel Yell Podcast: 2024 WPIAL Football Week 6 Recap 10-05-2024
donrebelDon Rebel runs down all of the scores and key statistics from Week 6 of the 2024 WPIAL Football season.
VIDEO: Rebel Yell Podcast: 2024 WPIAL Football Week 6 Recap 10-05-2024
Don Rebel runs down all of the scores and key statistics from Week 6 of the 2024 WPIAL Football season.
Next On The Tee: S11, Ep 50, Pt 2: Two-Time Tennessee Teacher of the Year Virgil Herring & 2 Time Winner on Tour Rick Fehr 10-04-2024
nextgolfIn Part 2 of Episode 50, I’m joined by two-time Tennessee PGA Teacher of the Year, Virgil Herring, and two-time PGA Tour winner, Rick Fehr
Next On The Tee: S11, Ep 50, Pt 1: Steelers Legend Greg Lloyd Tells It Like It Is & Dr. Kathy Hoeft Helps Us Start & Finish Strong 10-03-2024
nextgolfIn Part 1 of Episode 50, I’m joined by Steelers legend and Hall of Honor member Greg Lloyd, along with top physical therapist and athletic trainer, Dr. Kathy Hoeft.
AUDIO: Rebel Yell Podcast: 2024 WPIAL Football Week 6 Preview 10-02-2024
donrebelDon Rebel previews the upcoming WPIAL football slate for Week 6.
VIDEO: Rebel Yell Podcast: 2024 WPIAL Football Week 6 Preview 10-02-2024
Don Rebel previews the upcoming WPIAL football slate for Week 6.