Locked On Penguins - Daily Podcast On The Pittsburgh Penguins - Are the Penguins getting closer to finishing this GM search?

Episode Date: May 16, 2023

It was a busy Monday when it comes to the Pittsburgh Penguins and updates on their GM search. Hunter starts the show by diving into those updates and how the Penguins have finished their first round of interviews. He discusses the latest report from Pierre LeBrun and why it's great seeing Eric Tulsky mentioned for the gig. That said, he does dive into why both Marc Bergevin and Peter Chiarelli should not be GMs again in this league since they didn't do much of anything in their last stops. Also: What is Hunter's dream Penguins front office based on the latest names? You can find that answer here, too. He then dives into Marcus Pettersson's season in review and why he had his best one yet. He looks at the numbers and what he saw on the ice to assess his play before thinking about what he's going to do next season and beyond. Remember when people wanted to trade him? Finally, he ends the show with some playoff talk as the Vegas Golden Knights took out the Edmonton Oilers on Sunday night.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!BirddogsGo to birddogs.com/lockedonnhl and when you enter promo code, LOCKEDONNHL, they’ll throw in a free custom birddogs Yeti-style tumbler with every order.Athletic GreensTo make it easy, Athletic Greens is going to give you a FREE 1-year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase. All you have to do is visit athleticgreens.com/NHLNETWORKGametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHL for $20 off your first purchase.eBay MotorsFor parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit is only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply.Built BarBuilt Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order.FanDuelMake Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go to FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as non-withdrawable free bets that expire in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Wow, so there is a whole swath of news relating to the Pittsburgh Penguins' GM search on Monday. After this drop, I'm going to discuss it all in full length for you. So that's coming up right after this. You're Locked-on Penguins. Your daily podcast on the Pittsburgh Penguins. Part of the Locked-on Podcast Network. Your team every day. Hello and welcome back to another episode of the Locked-on Penguins podcast.

I'm your host, Hunter Hodes, and follow to follow me on Twitter at Hunter Hodes follow the show's Twitter at L-O-Nsore Penguins. And of course, thank you so much for making this. Your first list in the day. We are free and available on all platforms. This episode is bought to you by GameTime. You can download the GameTime app.

Crane account and Use Code Lock and Intel for $20 off your first purchase. So let's just jump right in. It comes to this massive money when it comes to updates for the GM search. All started on the Elliott Freeman 30, Two Thoughts podcast with Jeff Merrick. He says that there was going to be some clarity this week, thinks there could be potentially even be higher at the end of this week. Do not drop any new names. But then I listened to Frank Sorvali, and he actually did drop another name or two, said that he thinks they've talked to Cam Lawrence, who does some of the analytics for the Columbus Blue Jackets,

also dropped the same names that he had in his report last week, also speculated if the things I talked to Sam Ventura or not. And he said he doesn't really buy the speculation that the GM search could be over the end of this week. he said they have June 1st in mind, which is, today say, May 15th. It's about two, two and a half weeks away is when they want this finalize. Unless, of course, Frank is wrong on that account. And then we got a big tweet from Pierre LeBron this evening where he said the Penguins have wrapped up.

It looks like the first round of interviews. And this was the tweet in full. Penguins were aiming to interview 10 to 12 GM candidates as part of the first wave via Zoom. Mark Bursman, Eric Tolski, Jason Kerminos, and Peter Shrelli confirmed as being among those 10 and 12 candidates who interviewed now comes the second phase or the second amount of interviews for some of them. Okay. It's just dissect that.

Version, that has been reported on here. That's been reported in other outlets. That is not a secret that they have talked to him, whether it's for the GM spot or the president of hockey operation spot. Virginian is also interviewed in Calgary for their GM job of Coimner Freeman on the third two thoughts podcast today. So his name is definitely out there for at least a couple. jobs. I don't know if he's fully in consideration for these jobs or if it's just his agent just putting out that info that like, oh, he's in there, not really, but I'm just going to put it

out there that he is. And I would honestly say the same maybe for Peter Shirelli. I can't believe I even have to discuss him on here in terms of the Penguins' GM job. They cannot hire him. Kids close. Point blank. There's no more to say about it. I'm obviously going in and say more. I had to say that for effect. But there is no possible way he can be. in this organization. Honestly, he doesn't deserve to step foot in another organization, again, considering the train wreck that he is. He drove the Evanton Oilers into a ditch. Do I need not remind you all of the Taylor Hall for Adam Arson deal? He signed Chris Russell to a ridiculous contract. He traded Jordan Everley to the Islanders for literally nothing in return.

He traded the 15th overall pick for Griffin-Rinehart. Remember that guy's name? Remember Griffin Reinhart? That's a good throwback for you all. And you know what that pick was, remember? Matt Barzell. Which, I mean, it ended up being, it's part of that cycle, it ended up being Matt Barzell.

Just a total clueless man cannot have him in this organization. Case closed. Jason Carmanos, I like that. He's been in the organization before. He worked under Germethford, was an assistant general manager. He did a really nice job,

building out the analytics department while he was here in Pittsburgh. Heck, he even helped hire Sam Ventura. And San Ventura actually reported to Carmanos when he was here. Now it's, you know, Carminos and Ventura are in Buffalo. Both are, you know, assistant general managers.

They've done a really nice job. So I see Carminos getting an interview. And then obviously the big one there is Eratolski. My number one target all along. Don Waddell's right-hand man in Carolina. it's good to see that confirmation of the penguins did have him on their list. I'm just going to say at the top because I don't know what the top of their list looks like. It's good to see that he is on their list and that the hurricanes granted permission to have the penguins interview him, even though they're still playing.

You can do it while a team is still playing. Sometimes teams decline. But I guess the hurricanes, maybe they feel he has a good shot at the getting this role. Maybe the Penguins said that to him. So they interviewed him via Zoom. would very much expect Tolski to get to the second round. There are something seriously wrong with your process if you do not have Eric Tolski, at least as your finalist, if not getting the gig overall.

But if it were up to me, I would give him the GM job right now. I obviously know he probably can't take it because he's with the hurricanes and they're about to play in the Eastern Conference final against the Florida Panthers. But it is a slam dunk if you are asking me. Now, I know this sent Penguins Twitter into a frenzy, the Penguins subreddit, into a frenzy, let's have everyone chill out here. Okay. Let's go over the list of names that have been connected to the search, whether it's people have speculated, that they've talked to or that they have actually interviewed. Okay. Eric Tolski, Steve Greeley, Cam Lawrence,

Ryan Martin, Mark Virginin, Peter Shrelli, Jason Carmanos, Matthew Dars, John Chicaa, and Jason Botrol. So 10 people right there, whether That's from Elliot Friedman, Mark, I'm a poor person, Elliot Freeman, Frank Servali, or Peter LeBrun,

or even Rob Rossi, 10 people right there who they've been connected to slash interviewed. And remember what the penguin said during this end of the season press comments with Dave Beeson and Kevin Ackland? They were going to talk to a lot of people.

Elliot Friedman even said himself on the 32 Thoughts podcast, they were going to cast a wide net here. This is what casting a wide net looks like people. You were interviewing people of all different backgrounds. You have the stats guys in there like Tolski and Grilion Cam Lawrence, Jason Carmanos. And then you have the old heads like Peter Scherrelli and Mark Bergevin. John Chicoe, you have kind of like a mold of an

analytic slash old head. I don't really think he's that good. Then you have Ryan Martin and Matthew Darsh. Two guys who are assistants. But you see where I'm going here? Jason Bottsrell. I wouldn't say he's an old head. He's kind of hockey man. He was the GM of Buffalo. But he knows the organization.

People of all different backgrounds. I don't think it's bad of me to say, or wrong of me to say, excuse me, that Fenway, do you think this ownership group knew who almost any of these people were before they started a search? Probably not. Why? Because they're new to hockey. This is their first time they're dabbling with a GM search. There is a search firm involved, according to DK of DK.

Piths through sports. So, of course, they're going to recommend people from all different backgrounds. Those people I mentioned, that was what? 10, 11 people, that Fitzp. Pets, P.O. Brun's report of 10 to 12 interviews via Zoom, whether it's for GM or present hockey operations. Now the fun part is going to begin. Cut that list down.

Let's see who's on the list of finalists. That's all I'll say. Let's see who's there. You all can freak out if Peter Shirelli and or Mark version are there on the list of finalists. Right now, I'm not really thinking anything of it. I wouldn't hire either one of them. I don't think they're good at their jobs. I don't think they have been good at their jobs when they have been, they have been GMs.

I don't think they would be any good now because I doubt they've learned anything. So again, I'm not really too worried about it. You shouldn't be either. This is how job interview process is work. Talk to a lot of people. You cut it down. You bring a few people back for second round of interviews. Sometimes do a third round where you cut it down even more than you decide.

But for this one, it looks like they're just going to cut it down, do some in-person interviews. Then they'll decide. Let's see the names who are still there after the second round of interviews. This will be phase two. I expect this to really pick up his team this week and next week. Let's see what happens. I do have faith in fine way to get this right. But, of course, I'm feeling a little uneasy that when I saw two very big retreads on there.

I am just not interested in really any retread, to be honest, whether that's Peter Trelli, Mark Bergevin, Jason Bottow, or John Chaka. I just don't think they were any good at their jobs when they were full-time GMs. I think of those four, Botterill could probably work the most. because he knows the organization and i think if you surround him with a good front office maybe he could get some results but i was never thrilled of the results that he had in buffalo outside of the tage thompson deal with rhine o'riley and he kind of got lucky that thompson found his game a couple years ago because that trade was looking really bad as well for a while so let me know your thoughts down in the comments or you can send me a dm what do you think

of these updates who would you hire as gm i should have mentioned out the top that Kyle Dubus has basically removed himself from this search. He said it's Toronto robust for him. So Kyle Dubus will not be coming here based off what he said to the media on Monday. So you can cross him off in a way's group. So those are the updates for the GM search today. Again, I mean, if what my dream front office is, people, right now, based on today, Eratolski, Jason Carmanos, a one-two punch right there.

or Air Tolstski and San Ventura is a one-two bunch for president of hockey ops and a GM. That would be pretty, pretty fine. I know it's pretty data-centric. I know they haven't been, you know, GMs, like full-time GMs before. But I think those would be two really sound hires for your organization, two people that get it. They know where the game is going. they use data in their decisions.

I think that's like my dream front office for the Penguins. But that'll be it for this first time. Coming up in the second seven, we're continuing our season reviews with the dragon himself, Marcus Pedersen, and why I think he had his best season of his career this past season. So that's coming up right after this. But before we get to that,

we do have to discuss athletic greens. They have a product I use literally every day because I didn't really have time to work out in the morning. I want a better gut health, more energy, a better immune system. I don't really like taking pills and vitamins and all that stuff. So you're probably wondering what is this. Well, with one delicious scoop of athletic games, you're resorting 75 high-quality vitamins, minerals, whole food, source,

superfoods, and prologics to help you start your day right. The special brand of ingredients supports your gut health, your nervous system, your immune system, your energy, recovery, focus, and aging. All of those things, also lifestyle-friendly. where to be keto, paleo, vegan, dairy-free, or gluten-free. It also has over 7,000, five-star views, and it costs you less than $3 a day. You're investing in health, it's cheaper than your cold brew habit. Right now, it's time to reclaim your health and arm your immune system with a convenient daily nutrition.

It's one scoop and a cup of water every day, and that's it. There's no need for a million different bills and supplements to look out for your health. And to make it easy, athletic greens is going to give you a free one-year supply of immune-supporting vitamin D and five free child packs with your first purchase. All you have to do is visit the website Athletic Greens.com slash an actual network.

Again, that's at Therogreens.com slash an actual network to take ownership over your health and pick up the ultimate daily nutritional insurance. All right, I'm back on this episode of the Locked on Penguins podcast. I'm your host, Hon.

Hotis. Remember to follow me on Twitter. Hunter Hodes. Follow the shows Twitter at our own screenings. And of course, thank you all so much for making this your first list in the day. We're freely available on all platforms.

So let's jump right in now. As we continue our season reviews, I had to take a nice sip of water there because I get almost out of breath when I talk for almost 15 straight minutes. Let's continue now with Marcus Patterson played in 68 games a season. One goal, 24 points in those 68 games. 27 years old right now still signed for a number of years. This was in terms of his point production,

the second most points that he's had for his career. It comes one point behind his career high in 2018-19 when he played 84 games just because that's how it was with just going from the ducks and penguins. And 25 points, two goals. One goal this year. This actually breaks a streak of where he had four straight seasons of two, at least two goals this season, though. Only one goal. But I do think his offensive ability took big strides this season. He was making moves in the offensive zone that I had never seen him make before.

even during one of the games, he went around the net and tried to pull off Gino's spinorama move that he had on Cam Ward back in 2009. And I was like, what? I just stood there and I just couldn't believe it because where did that come from? And you could just see the signs of him feeling so confident in the offensive zone this season. He did numerous curls and drag, curl and drags, excuse me, on, you know, just defensemen forwards, whoever was out there where it was like wow he is feeling it and he had one heck of a season

for the penguins played over 1,200 minutes on 5-on-5 ice time when he was on the ice penguins had 52% of the shot attempts 50% of the actual goals for 56% of the expected goal share 70% of the expected goals for which is just awesome 52.7% of the scoring chances 55.7% of the high danger chances 52% of the high danger goals who are shot about 8% this season. All of his numbers, very, very strong. He has been an above-average possession player

ever since he came over to the Penguins in that trade back in 2018, 2019 for Daniel Sprong. That's actually a trade, you know. I know Daniel Sprong is not with Anaheim right now. He's doing well in Seattle, but I'd say that's working out, you know, for whatever team has each player right now. You know, Daniel Sprong has really turned into a nice bottom-six player. double-digit goals this season.

Marcus Pedersen turned himself into a reliable top-for shutdown defenseman who could potentially be playing top minutes next season. And again, you know, the data backs it up. He was great. Honestly, you can make an argument that he was their most consistent defenseman this season, and it's one I think I would agree with you on. Let's hang. He was a bit inconsistent early on, which I think puts him a step, a tier,

I actually didn't say a tier, a small step below, Pedersen. But that just goes to show how good Marcus was. this season. Remember when everyone was clamoring for the penguins to trade him last off season? Heck, they almost did. Ron Hextall, the original trade to get Jeff Petrie, and this was told to me that before it was reported by another outlet, I believe it was Josh, Josh Joey that reported it, and of course he'll be on the show tomorrow, 2 o'clock Eastern time. But I was told, and again, he confirmed it, that it was Marcus Pedersen and Teddy Bluger for a Jeff Petrie. Wouldn't have minded

Bluger going because he didn't really do much here. But Hederson, oh, I would have loved to see where this team would be this year. Well, actually, I probably wouldn't have loved to see that. I think it's for the opposite, right?

I would have hated to see this team this season without him in the lineup for a full-way, almost a full-eight two games. Where would the team be without his play? he was a wizard, especially in the defensive zone. He played good minutes with Crystal Teng.

They had some strong underlings together. I would give that pairing some more juice next season. Well, I would give it more juice if the Penguins can't go out and acquire a full-fledged top left-handed defenseman to play with Lattang. If they can't do that, I would just slide Pedersen up to play with Lattang and then get someone else to play the second pairing. where you can probably get for a little bit cheaper, whether it's via free agency or via trade.

But I think he has definitely earned the right to maybe get a look next to Lutang if they don't think it's a big need. But he's ready for those minutes. He's ready for any of those minutes. He showed it this season. He has been a rock for this team. And I can't say good enough things about him. He was also good on the penalty kill, good shot blocker,

just an all-around good NAs. shell defenseman. There is really no full glaring weakness to his game. If you want to say a weakness is that he doesn't produce enough offense, sure, one goal is really nothing to write home about. I would like to see more offense from him in that department. But still had almost 30 points overall this season, contributed in the offensive zone. I'll still take that from a number two defenseman. If you can get a defensive core that has three good puck movers slash point producers and maybe three players who are good defensively in their own zone but can also contribute a little bit offensively that's good at my book i don't i don't think you mean peterson

to be a great offensive defenseman he's fine the way he is it's just surrounding him and surrounding letang especially with more players that can contribute offensively of course defenseman that is in the offensive zone and then in turn for peterson you know, getting people around him who can, who are good, shut down defenders, who can go one-on-one and beat whoever's coming in. So I really enjoyed his season this year. A-plus in my book, really excited to see what he does for next season. Still under contract.

Pretty good cap hit. Really nice deal when he was signed. They better not even think to trade him. Just don't even consider it unless you're getting some very, very, very, very good player in return, but no, I'm not really interested in that right now. So that wraps up this first segment. First, sorry, second segment coming up to end the show. We're going to continue to discuss the playoffs why no one should be surprised at Vegas

took down the Oilers and so much more. So, but before we get to that, we do have to discuss game time buying tickets to your favorite events should not be stressful. That's why game time is the fastest. easiest way to buy tickets for all the sports, music, comedy, and theater near you. With killer deals on last minute tickets and their best price guarantee, you can stop stressing over the tickets and start getting hyped for the fun that you will have. Game time is the place for last minute ticket deals. Forget planning months in advance.

They have deals on tickets right up to the day of the event. Get exclusive flash deals on tickets for football, basketball, baseball, concerts, comedy theater, and so much more. You can download the GameTime app, create an account, and use code lock on NHL for $20 off your first purchase. apply. Again, create an account and redeem code locked on NHL for $20 off. Download game time today. Last minute tickets, lowest price guaranteed. Remember, that code is locked on NHL NHL. All right, we're back here in this episode of the Lockdown Penguins podcast. I'm your host, Hunter Hodes. Remember to follow me on Twitter at Hunter Hodes, saw on the show's Twitter at

El Ors for Penguins. And of course, thank you all so much for making this your first listen slash first watch of the day. So we got another series. And on Sunday night, the Edmond and Oilers in six games to the Vegas Golden Knights. I finally get on the board with my second round predictions. I predicted the Devils and the Leaves to win their respective series. I will take a fat L right there. I predicted the Devils in seven. Perkins five.

I predicted the Leaves, I think, in six or seven. They lost in five. L there. I predicted Vegas to win. I forget it was six or seven, but I got that one right. I saw the ESPN panelist. I think it was like 22 of the 26, had Edmonton winning, saw so many other people on social media picking

Oilers and I don't know why people just counted out Vegas. I kept tweeting about this. Vegas is one of the only teams that can go blow for blow with them. And you saw that during this series. Jonathan Margeysoe gets a natural hatred. Mark Stone was great. Jack Eichol has really come out during these playoffs. He has been fantastic.

Shea Theodore, has been very good. Lauren Busswa, before he got hurt, was good. Aidan Hill. What a night he had on Sunday night shutting down. The Oilers throughout the entire game. they have the star power to beat you. And you saw that here. Also, the Oilers, they were too dependent on their power play.

I kept saying on this show and on my Twitter, if you can just keep the game to 5E5, you can beat them. And sure enough, the Knights were able to do a decent job with that, and that's why the Oilers lost. If you don't put the Oilers on the power play, they can't beat you as much. And I know that sounds weird to say because Leon Dries out on Connor McDavid to play so many minutes either together or separately,

but still it's five on five versus a five on four where they can pick you apart like it's nothing. The Oilers didn't have enough depth scoring when McDavid and Drysaddle run on the ice, which has been a big issue for them during the McDavid Drysaddle era. It worked on the regular season, but it disappeared during the playoffs. And once again, they did not have the goaltending.

I didn't trust Lauren Buswa or Aiden Hill coming in, but I definitely didn't trust Stuart Skinner. I thought he was really bad against Los Angeles. I think the Oilers got lucky that Yoners, Corpus Hollow was honestly not that good. I guess something. They also feasted on the power play there. But Skinner was, he was bad.

And he had a pretty decent season. He's up for the Calder. I don't know if he's going to win it. I would probably give it to Benares. Maddie Bennears, of course, of the Cracken, which they're playing right now. But he just ran out of gas. I think that's the main thing. And I was kind of surprised that Jay Woodcroft did not go to Jack Campbell for that

game sex. I understand the the sentiment of, well, you play the guy who got you there. And sure, I totally understand that. But with how Skinner was playing, I just thought they should have went to the guy you paid a good chunk of money for this all season. Because I thought

when Campbell came in during these playoffs, he was perfectly fine. But oilers out in six, McTaywin and DrySan aren't getting any younger. And And that sounds weird to say because they just put up both just put up historic seasons. McDavid just did stuff that we haven't seen in the league in a very long time. He's going to win the Hart Trophy.

Drys title is awesome. But you can't keep wasting these opportunities when they are playing like this. You have to break through at some point. And I think that falls also on the general manager, Ken Holland right now, to put a better team around those two superstars. But kudos to Vegas. They did a great job shutting down the Oilers at five on five. they limited their damage as much as they could in terms of the Oilers power play, and they were able to be the better team of the even strength,

and also get the goal tending to advance in six games. They have the short talent to go up against the Oilers. They beat them. They won the Pacific Division for a reason. You saw it. I'm just glad I got that one right. I predicted Dallas to win this game seven tonight. We'll have to see if that comes true so I can finish it at 500.

No matter what, I think these conference finals are going to be really fun. Carolina, Florida. People can solve all they want. like, well, the ratings are going to be bad. Who cares? Like, people really, like, care so much about that stuff. I'm sorry. I don't need to see the Tampa Lightning

and the Eastern Conference final for, like, the 8th billion year in a row. I don't. This is perfectly fine seeing two fresh new teams in there. Vegas. I actually not know this until yesterday. This is the four time in the last six years they've been to the Western Conference final.

Pretty good. Still, that's a good market to have. They're a very good team. Vegas, Seattle, I think, will be the league's dream because two expansion teams playing against each other. Vegas, Dallas, that would also be a lot of fun. And also, four pretty southern hockey markets or non-traditional hockey markets, if you want to put it that way. In the conference final, that's pretty good. None of these, none of those big market teams in there for a change.

I think the ratings will probably be fine. I'm looking forward to watching a Stanley Cal Final where it's two fresh teams in there. that's what I'm really excited about. So that does it for this episode, the logged on the Penguins podcast. Really appreciate all of you listening to us watching. I'll be back with another episode for you all on Tuesday with Josh Yoey of the Athletic joins me at 2 or 3 o'clock in the afternoon.

We'll discuss everything regarding the GM search, maybe do some pre-agency slash trade stuff, mostly some GM search stuff. It's going to be a lot of fun. Can't wait to do it. So again, until then, thank you all so much. I'll talk with you all on Tuesday.