Locked On Penguins - Daily Podcast On The Pittsburgh Penguins - Is it right to expose Kasperi Kapanen?

Episode Date: July 15, 2021

We finally have some Pittsburgh Penguins news. They signed Teddy Blueger back today on a team-friendly two-year deal and that's what Hunter starts with on the show today! He analyzes the deal from many perspectives and speculates if this could be related to the expansion draft. Are the Penguins now thinking of protecting all four of their centers in case Geno might not be ready? Who then gets the last spot between McCann and Kapanen? He also wonders if how easily the team could replace Kapanen if he is selected by the Kraken. After that, he gets to some notes around the league, including the sad news about Shea Weber moving forward. He also brings up another interesting UFA option in Ryan Getzlaf. Would he chase a cup in Pittsburgh? Does the signing make sense after his struggle from this season?Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!BetOnline AGThere is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus.Built BarBuilt Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKED15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order.Rock AutoAmazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. 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.

Your Locked-on Penguins. Your daily podcast on the Pittsburgh Penguins. Part of the Locked-on Podcast Network. Your team every day. Hey everyone and welcome to this Wednesday evening episode of the Locked-on Penguins podcast. I'm your host, Hunter Hodes. Remember to follow me on Twitter at Hunter Hodes. Follow the show's Twitter at L.O.

We actually finally have news to get to penguin-related news after, you know, know about what has it been now basically a month and a half since i think i think it's been a month and a half since they were about out to the new york islanders before do get to that though this episode is brought to you by spotify green room download the app and join me this week um i'm not sure what day yet but i will tweet out when i am going to go live on the green room map to get in on the action so teddy bluger on the penguin's fourth line center has been re-signed to a two-year deal, 2.2 million per. I mean, my overall thoughts, I tweeted this on my personal account, I tweeted it on the podcast account. This is a flat out steal for the Penguins. I mean, he brings

tremendous defensive values, one of the best penalty killers in the league. Yes, I know I've touched on this podcast numerous times that anyone can kill penalties, but I would say that Bluger is very elite at it. And, you know, and as Jesse Marshall says, it's a bargain for one of the better defensive wards in the league. And, you know, two more years of Bluger on big, defensive zone draws in big time situations we'll see if Zach Aston Reese is next unless he's taken by Seattle but this was the first big order of business for the Penguins assault season was extending Teddy Bluger they did that and now you know as a lot of people have said including myself this raises some

interesting questions and possibilities about the expansion draft which I'm going to spend this first segment talking about with the what's the word I'm looking for here the uneasy feeling about of getting Malkin going to the next season within the organization, it sounds like. I don't know if they know when he's going to be available. It sounds like he's going to miss part of training camp. To do that injury, he may miss a little bit of the season. It looks like they are going to protect Teddy Blugher in the expansion track, which is what

I have wanted from then ever since I started talking about this after the season. I think it makes more sense to protect Bluger over Carter. But at this point, with how they're probably feeling about Malkin, I think they might load up and protect all four of their centers, including Jeff Carter, in the expansion of Jeff. Just to basically have a little bit of insurance going into the season unless Evgeny Malkin is not ready. My current thinking right now on what the organization is feeling,

I think they're going to do Sidney Crosby, Evgeny Malkin, Brian Rust, Jake Gensel, Teddy Bluger, Jeff Carter, and Jared McCann. I think that's what they're going to do, I mean, at least by looking at this contract, I don't think they would have signed to a Lugar before the expansion draft if they were not keen on protecting him.

I think I'm going to die on that hill too. If they didn't want to protect him, I think they would have just left him as an RFA, and I think they would have just let Seattle take him if he were left unprotected, and they can sign him to do a two- or three-year deal, however much else they want to sign him for. But the fact that Pittsburgh went out

got him done a few days before the list is doing, two years, 2.2 million per. That says to me, and I think a lot of other people, that they are going to protect Teddy Bluger in the expansion draft. And I think that is okay. I've been saying this for the last four to five to six weeks. This is the right play. I would honestly, if it were me, I would protect Bluger over Carter,

and I would protect Kaepinin, and I would risk exposing Carter, even though there is the thought out there and the very real possibility that Seattle could take him and then potentially trade him at the deadline for 50% salary, and then the other team gets $1.3 million. Yes, I understand that could very well happen, but I still would not expect Seattle to take him

when he has one more year left on his contract, when they could just take someone like Jason Zucker, who I think might not produce him next year. They could take a defenseman. They could take Zachas and Reese, who's a lot younger and who's really good defensively. I just wouldn't see it. But, you know, I don't think that's how the Penguins are thinking,

going into this especially with the situation with Gina. But I also will say this. I've been seeing a lot of this today. I think the Pittsburgh Post Gazette was talking about this. I've seen a lot of people in my mentions talking about this. If you are a person that would protect Brandon Tannave over Jared McCann, I think you need to see yourself out. Go drink a couple red bulls. I don't know.

That's just, it's insanity, I think, to me. I mean, don't get me wrong. I love Brandon Tanev. Great hair, really good defensively, good player in the locker room, I guess. You know, was better offensively this year than he was last year. But he was also, he's also signed for four more years at $3.5 million per. Jared McCann is better offensively, is also pretty decent defensively, excuse me, and he's only signed for one more year at $2.9 million.

Which player are you protecting there? I mean, if it's not Jared McCann, then I don't really know what the hell we're doing here. I mean, he's just, he's younger, he's cheaper, and he's better. Case closed, that's it. Thank you for listening to this segment of the Lockdown Penguins podcast. I'm just, the fan narrative about Brandon Tanneth and protecting him and all these fourth-liners over Jared McCann, it's just, it's really weird. I mean, I've even seen people saying they would protect Zach Aston Reese over Jared McCann, which is just, again, I really don't understand it at this point. But I do think everyone that there is a very legit possibility that it's going to be Sid Gino, Gensel, Russ, McCann, Carter Blugher.

And I have no problem with that. I mean, Jason said it best as well, who I've shouted out numerous times on the podcast, especially when talking about Casperi Kappen. And I'm going to get to that in a little bit. You know, he even said, you protect this group easily and forget about the four-finders and the one-dimensional wingers with middling analytics. And I might get some heat for this. This might be a bit of a hot take, but I don't think losing Capitan would be as big of a deal as some people would make it out to be. And I'm going to tell you what. Obviously, you know, he's on a good contract for next year.

He's only making $3.3 million. I think he's an RFA after this contract. Yes, he had 30 points in 40 games. But if you dig deeper and don't just use the eye test, his underlying numbers were not that good this year. And it is prone to regress. And don't get me wrong, everyone. I love Cap'nan. I thought he had a good year.

He fit the team really well after coming over, excuse me, made me definitely eat a whole bunch of crow. But one, I wouldn't want to be giving him his next contract. And I think you can definitely replace him via a trade or free agency, you know, cough, cough, Thomas Tatar, or somehow Blake Coleman. And then you can get just as good value with that player as you did with Capitan. Because if you look at Evolving Wild, which please subscribe to, their website. The twins there are so good at what they do with the underlying numbers.

If you look at his actual goals 4 per 60, yes, it's about around 2.5, but for expected goals for per 60, it's below zero. His core C4 per 60, right around minus 1, expected goals against per 60, close to minus 1, chances against per 60, you know, down near the bottom. Then if you look for the power play, actual goals 4 per 60, below 0, expected goals 4 per 60, below 0, it was well so if that actual goals for per 60 of around 2.25 to 2.5 goes down next year look for his his numbers to overall drop and he will not put up over a half a point per game with this team if you see all of that regression next year I just wanted to throw that out there to you all right now I get it exposing captain is definitely not something that I was

thinking about just probably about four to five weeks ago but with how Pittsburgh seems to concerned about this genome injury, it makes sense that he might be exposed due to them protecting Bluger and Carter. And again, I can't see them not protecting Jared McCann. It would be foolish if they didn't because Seattle would take him in an instant in the expansion draft. But if you do protect him and you protect the four centers plus your top two wingers, you can assure yourselves of losing probably one of Kappanin or Zulker. I think if both of them are there, you're probably going to lose capon. I do not think Ron Francis would take Jason Zooker

over Capon. I get it. He's only signed for this last year at $3.3. million, but if Seattle is not good by the playoffs, I think he can just flip Capon at the deadline, and then, you know, what's half of 3.3? I think it's like 1.65 or something like that. That's a good bargain deal for whoever gets

him, and they'll get a player who is a good goal score, but a player who may not put up the same numbers that he did this season going into next season. But those are just my main thoughts on the whole expansion situation. Now that Teddy Bluger has re-signed, what are your thoughts on it? Tweet me at Hunter Hodes, tweet the show at L.O. 1.1.Square Penguins. The lists, I believe, are due, I recall correctly. I believe they are due July 17th. I think they're made available to everyone

either this Saturday or this Sunday. Or it might be Monday, but in the next three to five days, I believe the lists are going to be made available league-wide, so we will see very soon who the Penguins retract. I'm sure, Hexel is not 100% sold on what he's doing yet. He still has a couple more days, but no, he's got to be thinking, definitely I think Teddy Bluger will be on that list. But before you do get to the next segment, it's time to talk about Green Room. It's the perfect place to start or join conversations around the league. You'll find fans just like you on Green Room for watch parties, debates, post-game breakdowns, and of course, reacting to big news. or rumors. You will have a chance to chat with me and might even have a chance to be featured

on the Locked on Penguins podcast throughout our Green Room conversations. Be sure to join me this week. I'm not sure what day I'm going to do yet. Maybe tomorrow night, around 8, 9 o'clock. Go download the free Green Room app right now, currently available on all iOS devices. Be sure to create a profile, link or Twitter, and join the NHL group for the latest lead updates. Follow me at Hunter Hodes have been notified when my room goes live. I know you won't want to miss it. I'm planning again to be live. Hopefully tomorrow at around 8.30 and 9 o'clock and I can't wait to hear everyone's thoughts on the Penguins. We still cannot forget about Bilt Bar. Did you know that Bilt Bar has many delicious flavors? There is something for everyone when you talk to a

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That's promo code locked 15 for 15% off at built.com. But okay, we are back here on this episode of the Locked on Penguins podcast. I'm your host, Hunter Hodes. Remember to follow me on Twitter at Hunter Hodes, follow the show's Twitter at L.O. bonus score penguins. And of course while recording this, there's just huge news that breaks. I'm not penguins related, but it looks like Shea Weber, his career has been threatened by a lingering foot and ankle problems and they are not going to, the Canadians that is, they are not going to be protecting it in the expansion draft. Due to that injury, it might keep him out

the entire season. So that means it looks like they'll just put them on LTIR, Seattle will not take him. And that allows Montreal to protect Jeff Petrie, Ben Chirot, and Joel Edmondson. Don't really know why they would protect Ben Chirot. But this is, This is pretty bad, sad for Shea Weber. I'm reading to Elliot Friedman's story right now. Apparently, obviously he was in tears after the Canadians lost in five games because we have no idea if he's ever going to get back to there. But apparently he missed two weeks with an injury there in February 2020,

returned too much sooner than expected. In 2018, he had surgery to repair tendons in the area. There has been a worry for some time. This problem would become too much to handle. Just looking to see this here. going to multiple sources. They're doing their due diligence on the captain's medical situation and the future. So this injury could potentially threaten his career.

And, you know, that just sucks because I thought Weber enjoyed a really good playoffs. He's definitely not what he used to be. I mean, he wasn't, you know, that top five defenseman that we saw in Nashville, you know, towards, you know, when he got to Montreal, you know, maybe he was still top 10, top 15, but he's definitely fallen off a bit. But he was still good for them this season. And it was pretty funny when we all dumped on that deal at the time in 2016 because he was starting to fall off a bit. P.K. Subbin was really starting to get into his prime. What a 180 it's been since that trade because Suban really fell off.

But then Weber has kind of continued to play the same, if not better. So he's looked better from those last five years than Suban has ever since that trade. But that absolutely sucks. That really puts a dent into Montreal's playoff hopes for next season. And again, you know, we're going to continue to see. news like this and a whole bunch of other stuff leading up to the expansion draft. I mean, obviously, this is not the type of news that you want to see because Weber is a really good player and he's their best defenseman, I think, on the team. But now, you know, it definitely does

open up some interesting possibilities for the Canadians. And obviously, I don't think Bergervin is going to sit around and do nothing. I definitely think he will bring in a defenseman if Weber has to miss all of next season, if not more. Again, they can just put him on LTIR. And will be that. But, you know, really hoping for a speedy recovery from weather because I really thought he enjoyed a good season with the Canadians and was their best defenseman in the playoffs. I thought he outplayed Petrie by a country mile, I think, in my opinion. But also, you know, I just realized this as well after reading this again, if he does have to retire from this, there could be some really big cap recapture penalties because he has

five more years left, 7.85 million per remember. they had that big offer sheet deal heavily front-loaded. Elliott says there's 12 million of cash remaining. Nashville matched that. They would have a cap recapture penalty slightly more than $4.9 million per season through 2025-26 if Weber retires. I mean, good Christ. I mean, again, hopefully this is not like a Marion Hose situation where he has to retire a lot earlier than he thought he would. but Nashville would be pretty screwed here if this does happen with Weber because it would have to be almost $5 million on their cap for the next five years if Weber does decide to retire during this offseason or potentially during the season.

But that was the big breaking news that just happened now. Otherwise, there really wasn't much else that happened around the league today. Just, you know, a whole bunch of rumors. Though I will say evolving hockey, they projected three years at $3 million. for Teddy Bluegar, but at a two-year term, they projected $2.2 million per so. They absolutely nailed that, but they also in their mock Seattle expansion draft,

they have the crack and taking Mike Matheson. So they can nail that. I was telling King Clarkie in my DMs, I will eat a hat, and I will also keep telling everyone that Austin Matthews is going to be on Team Canada, as I messed that up really badly all those months ago.

I will always remember just screwing that up so freaking bad. Imperial Brun also report, reports. He says he's been chatting with a lot of front offices around the league the last couple days. And one word to sum up with the Cracken are still asking for his payment and side deals to navigate the expansion draft. Exorbitant. So it definitely, it seems like it's maybe not going to be as easy as it was in 2017 and 2018 where, you know, you see a lot of trades for just, you know, David Clark saying, Clarks think he's being without dumping that contract

and a whole bunch of others. I still think you will see some trades with the Cracken so that they won't protect this asset, but I don't think it's going to be as much as it was during the last time with the Vegas Golden Knights. But again, we're only a few days away from the list being out. This is going to be crazy. There's one official week until the live expansion draft on TV, on ESPN, where the rights officially shift there. I can't wait to watch it.

Coming up in the next segment, got a couple more things I'm going to talk about with you all. But before we do that, it is time to talk about our favorite betting sites. And of course, that is betonline.ag. Baseball season is in full suite. You can track all that action at BetOnline. It's the fastest and easiest way to bet on all your sports action. Before the next pitch, head over to Bet Online on your laptop or phone and check out all the great supporting news. Send out bonuses and contest information.

Head to the website, your user phone to sign up today and receive a 50% off welcome bonus on your first deposit. That's Ben Online, your online sportsbook experts with the promo code locked on. All right, welcome back to this episode of the Locked-on Penguins podcast. I'm your host, Hunter Hodes. Remember to follow me on Twitter at Hohdi's follow the show's Twitter at. Hello, Hohdersquare Penguins. King Clarkie actually gave me a pretty good topic for this last segment, of course, of the show. And that's because there's so many big-time free agents available.

You know, let's look at one who's a bit older, but could potentially not be in Anaheim next season. and that is Ryan Gatslop, who of his course, you know, he spent his entire career there. Definitely getting close to 40, I think, at this point. I'm trying to remember how old he is. He's 36, he'll be 37 towards the late stages of next season. This year only had five goals, 17 points in the 48 games. Last season, 13 goals, 42 points, and 69 games. He's seen before that 48 points, 67 games.

So he's usually been about a half a point per game player, even though he's gotten to be 33 to 34. But this year, it was just completely different, you know, 17 points in the 48 games. But when you dig deeper and look at his underlying numbers, was on the ice for almost 52% of the shot attempts. I know the actual goals for and goals against are ugly 22 goals for 33 goals against. That's just also because the ducks were really freaking bad this year. But his expected goals was right around 50% close to it. That's not terrible. Usually it's around 51, up to words of 54 to 55%.

He actually, though, was a net positive in scoring chances at 5B5, 294 scoring chances for, 273 scoring chances against, and 5B5 just barely lost the battle 109 to 119 for chances for. Just last season, he was on the ice for 200 high danger chances for and 186 against at 52%. But for actual high danger goals score, he was on the ice for 41.1%. of those. So this is a player that I still think he has a little bit of gas in the tank, but this I think would be a contract

probably maybe around a one year one to two million dollar deal. I think that will be it. I think it does make sense in a way for Pittsburgh to bring him in. I know it would kind of be like I think it was just basically the equivalent of the capitals signings in Dano Charra

but also Charra is a lot older and I think at this point he's a lot worse than Detslop is. But you could just plug Getsloff in anywhere in the lineup. Probably not the top six. Yeah, it would probably have to be a bottom six role, I would think. Put them on the third or fourth line. Preferably at wing, I think, especially if Pittsburgh has all four of their centers next season, all healthy in Crosby, Malkin, Bluger, and Carter, I don't think there's any room for Getslop to play center. I think you're just going to have

put him on the wing. But it makes a lot of sense, especially because I'm sure Getsloth wants to chase a cup one more time. He does have that one championship. from 2007, but ever since then, has not made a Stanley Cup final. He's come close a few times, though, with the Ducks. I think they were within one game of beating the Chicago Blackhawks. I think that was 2014, if I'm not mistaken, or maybe it was 2015. I think it was 2015, if I'm not mistaken. And then just a couple years later, I think against the Predators,

they were within two games of getting back to the Stanley Cup final for the first time since 2007. He knows time is of the essence for him, but with his career, why not go to Pittsburgh and chase a Stanley Cup with Crosby and Malkin, as the window is also closing here for this score to win a Stanley Cup. Ultimately, I think he probably goes back to Anaheim and just does all these one-year deals similar to how some other players have done it over the years. But if he were to go to open market and he had a list of teams that included the penguins that he wanted to go to, I think if I were Ron Hextall, I would consider signing him for a cheap one-year deal, one-two million per. And if it doesn't work out, you just let him walk to market next year. And I think that's that on that. So I think that makes a lot of sense.

And I'll be definitely curious to see if he does go to market or if he signs with Anaheim prior to these next couple weeks. Because remember, two weeks from today, free agency officially opens and we will get all the silly season, offseason contracts that we have been waiting for. I just cannot wait to see what happens in these next one to two weeks. I mean, this is going to be the busiest time of the NHL off season and keep it right here on Locked on, Penguins, all of everything, Penguins-related news for you. So happy we finally actually got some news today, and we finally had something else to talk about

because it had been getting pretty barren in terms of news, but I'm sure it's only going to continue to come up in these next one or two weeks. Again, hoping to have Josh Yoey back on, potentially tomorrow or Friday. We'll see how he's recovering from busting up his ankle a little bit. But I appreciate all of you listening to this episode of Locked on. Penguins podcast and we'll do another one of these tomorrow.