Thoughts After Day 1 of Free Agency

I like the Pens roster after today. Here's how I envision the lines, taking into consideration GM Ray Shero was quoted last week that, with his expectation of spending big on the blueline, Evgeny Malkin or Jordan Staal may be moved to center. After what may have been the worst compound sentence I've ever written, here's the Penguins depth chart as I see it:

Forwards:
Kunitz-Crosby-Malkin
Cooke-Staal-Kennedy
Tangradi-Talbot-Dupuis
Rupp-Adams-Godard/Jeffrey
Defense:
Martin-Michalek
Orpik-Letang
Goligoski-Lovejoy
Goalies:
Fleury
Johnson

With Cooke and Kunitz on the roster, I see the Pens as heavier with gritty left wing type forwards, and lacking skilled, slick right wingers. That's why I put Malkin on Crosby's wing instead of Staal. Looking at that roster, and realizing they only have around $2 million left to spend, who do you add?

I would love to believe Eric Tanfradi is ready to make a serious impact as a rookie fulfilling his immense promise. But, you have to have a fall back plan in case the kid isn't ready, right? I would love the addition of Chris Higgins on this team. He could easily fill in a 2nd or 3rd line LW spot, kill penalties, and even play a little on the 2nd PP unit.

But if you spend the money on a forward, what do you do with that neon question mark looking back at you from the 6th defenseman spot? Ray Shero has said from the get-go the problem spot on this team was the defense. The Penguins ranked 5th in the league in goals scored. What was exposed in the playoff loss was the weakness on the blueline. This was the group that was reflected by the 20th ranking in goals against.

Mark Eaton has been steady since Shero wooed him to the city of bridges from his Nashville days. Shero likes Eaton. Unless a team drastically overpays for him, Eaton should cost roughly $1.5 million. He's under 35, so the cap risk isn't permanent. I definitely see Shero signing Eaton before I see him bringing in a risk at forward.

Aside from the Pens...

I love the addition of Minnesota-native Matt Cullen to the Wild. Cullen may never dazzle with regular season numbers, but he is money in the playoffs. Great move my Minny, filling their need with the best #2 center on the market.

Vancouver appears to be going the defensive route. The Canucks have added a 6 year deal for Dan Hamhuis and a 5 year deal for Keith Ballard. They are being paid roughly $9 million combined. Both have been given the opportunity to grow into Top 2 defenseman, and I hope they prove worthy. Both are quality men, good teammates, and very emotional and passionate. All good qualities.

Intersting to see Atlanta becoming the landing spot for the Blackhawks cap relief refugees. Chris Mason gives them an upgrade on their goaltending, and Byfuglien and Ladd, as well as Eager, make this a physical team to play.