Locked On Penguins - Daily Podcast On The Pittsburgh Penguins - Will the Penguins inquire about Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin?

Starting point is 00:00:00 We might as well call the end of this week on Locked-on Penguins Vives Week because we continue our season and review series today with Kevin Hayes, another great vibes guy who is probably on his way out. Let's take a look back at his season on the Friday edition of the Locked-on Penguins podcast. Your Locked-on Penguins, your daily podcast on the Pittsburgh Penguins, part of the Locked-on Podcast Network, your team every day. Happy Friday to all of our locked-on listeners and welcome to the show. I am Patrick Damp. You can follow me across most social media platforms at synonym for wet. Joined as always by my good pal, the one and only Hunter Hodes. You can follow him on Twitter at Hunter Hodes. On today's show, an absolute earthquake has rocked the NHL offseason as Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin has requested a trade out.

Starting point is 00:01:04 of Detroit. We're going to take a look at whether or not the penguins could or should inquire about his availability. We get into your reaction to that as well as your hot takes and questions in another fan take Friday. But before we get into any of that, let's start with continuing our season in review series taking a look at forward Kevin Hayes. He was acquired by the penguins in the 24 offseason from the St. Louis Blues, along with a 2025 second round pick. The penguins, they basically got him for nothing. They took bad money away from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for a draft pick.

Starting point is 00:01:45 Since then, the best way I can describe him, Hunter, a steady soldier and a true professional. He got hurt this year in training camp on the first day, no less. And even then when he got healthy, he was really only a fill in when there were injuries or things of that nature. He only plays 28 games, four goals, four assists for eight points. However, he was a solid locker room presence, and especially considering the fact that he was a 13th slash 14th forward, but he handled that like a real professional. This is more than likely it for him in Pittsburgh. Really don't see him coming back.

Starting point is 00:02:29 It just doesn't make a ton of sense. But if I have to give him a. a letter grade hunter and this might surprise you. It might surprise our audience. I'm giving him an A. And here is why. It doesn't have much to do with his on ice play. It has everything else to do with what I just said. He's a veteran in the NHL. He's a very proud player. He's a very tough player. It would have been really easy for him to be a pain in the ass for management, to mope around, to suck the energy out of the building and be a problem in what was otherwise a great season. And yet he was a good locker room presence.

Starting point is 00:03:12 He was a good guy to have around the team. And he did that with a lot of class and a lot of dignity. He deserves credit for that. His on ice play, I'll say a C, because he didn't play a lot. When he did, he was fine. He wasn't a liability. He also wasn't great. But what say you about?

Starting point is 00:03:31 Kevin Hayes. I'll meet you in the middle in terms of the letter grade. I'll kind of go be mostly just for the off ice reasons. And you said it. He was very well liked in that locker room. A lot of players absolutely love him. They respect him. And he always showed up to practice every day with a smile on his face. He'd rotated on the fourth line at times. And yeah, only played 28 games, four goals, eight assists. But you know, you go back to the end of the season. Bad he really hadn't played that much just because the penguins had finally gotten healthy. You know, he played in that game against Buffalo. They won five two.

Starting point is 00:04:07 But after that, Pat, goes basically a full month without playing. Obviously, the Olympic break doesn't help. He plays that game in Boston, which for obvious reasons. And then after that, Pat goes over a month without playing, just because, again, the penguins were so deep at forward. And he gets to get in the last three games of the season, gets three points in those three games. And that's a nice little send-off for him, because I'm with you.

Starting point is 00:04:29 He's not coming back. I liked the way he played in those games. It was nice to see him just play well because he was a great soldier throughout the season. And he got some good moments. He got to be on the ice with his teammates for three more games before he most likely goes to another team next season, whether that's on a one-year deal or something like that. Because I agree. It really doesn't make any sense to bring him back.

Starting point is 00:04:55 He is 34 years old. This team needs to get younger. I think they can also do better in that 13th slash 14th forward spot heading into next season. They also have other younger players on the way from Wilkesbury, who I think could also take over that spot. But, you know, I'll give him a B just because, again, just the way that everyone loved him, everyone respected him in that room, just seemed like a great dude.

Starting point is 00:05:20 That really trumps it for me. And I also will throw in a little bit of on-nice play. but, you know, when I rate just the on-ice play, Pat, it's probably closer to a C-minus, something like that, just because when you play this year in a lot of games, you can tell wasn't very good, looked a step slow, but that's what happens when you get into your mid-30s. But he's had a pretty fine career overall when you look at the full body of work. Time will tell who he signs with over the off-season, but I'll give him a beat, really good soldier, and I appreciated those last few games, and I think his teammates really did as well.

Starting point is 00:05:55 You know who else really appreciated those final games? This might be my favorite story from this past season in a season that was full of great stories. I was at the Penguins Capitals game, the last one at PPG. And a guy in my section, the entire game, anytime Kevin Hayes touched the ice, and especially when he would have the puck on his stick, if there was any bit of a lull in the crowd, which that game considering none of the big names played except for Ovechkin, there were a lot of lulls in the crowd. Anytime Hayes is on the ice or touches the puck,

Starting point is 00:06:35 this guy in my section just goes, oh my God, it's Kevin Hayes. And remember what happened in that game. He takes the penalty. They kill it off. They catch him coming out of the box and he scores. This dude. in my section went wild.

Starting point is 00:06:57 He snied that thing too. That was a really nice shot. And you could tell the celebration was great. And you can just see how much it meant to his teammates as well, Pat. Because yeah, the game meant nothing for the Penguins at that point. They'd already clinched the playoff spot. But his teammates just mobbed him. They were so excited for him.

Starting point is 00:07:10 They were so happy for him. And that kind of builds on the overarching thing that I was saying about him. Because when our pal Josh Yo, he talked to him later in the season, where he basically said, hey, listen, I understand my role. I know that I'm not going to get into a lot of games. I want to help these guys get better. I want to help mentor these younger players.

Starting point is 00:07:33 I want to be a positive influence on this organization. The flip side of that, it would have been extremely easy for him to go to someone like Yohe or whoever else is covering the team and roast the team for not playing him. And talk about how he's getting a raw deal here. He's not happy. He's, you know, upset that he's not getting into games. He's upset that he's not in a larger role. And the fact that he chose not to do that.

Starting point is 00:08:03 And I don't want to overstate Kevin Hayes' career. He's been a solid middle six-ish forward, bottom six forward, depending upon the team type of player in his career. But the guy is a boat, at least was a bona fide NHL player for the majority of his career. and we all know it's difficult to give that up. It's difficult to accept that that's over for a lot of players. So I still have to continue to give him kudos for doing that this year. Yeah. And he also had a pretty sound year the year before that in 24, 25.

Starting point is 00:08:38 13 goals, 23 points during that season. I will gladly take that for bottom six production in 64 games. Like, yeah, he didn't play every game that season either. Pat was healthy scratched. in some games, obviously this season more so than last year under Sully. But I felt that he was still a totally fine fourth liner. It was his game slipped even more this season. He kind of fell out of favor.

Starting point is 00:09:02 There were other players who were better than him, also because the team was deeper. And you saw it. He just didn't play that much this season. Now, again, I still wish him the best of luck going forward. I would be very stunned if they brought him back. And you also mentioned about being a good soldier. We both have talked about it. I also feel like he could have easily set around the trade deadline,

Starting point is 00:09:24 hey, can you send me somewhere else or maybe I have a chance to play down the stretch? And we haven't seen that reported anywhere. Don't think that happened at all. And that goes to show you, again, how great of a teammate that he was throughout the season, especially because it was really tough just being on the sideline so much. And whether it's here or somewhere else, He strikes me as a guy who when he does hang the skates up, he's going to end up behind a bench somewhere. He has got a future coach, developmental coach written all over him.

Starting point is 00:09:58 Because I do think that that conversation that he had with Yohei near the end of the year kind of hinted towards, once my playing days are done, he kind of feels like he's angling for some sort of coaching or management role. because if you're going to be that guy at age 34 on a team like the penguins where there's no leadership vacuum, you're on a team with Sidney Crosby, Fgeny Malkin, Chris LaTang, Eric Carlson, so on and so on, there's no leadership vacuum. Those guys know what they're doing. But the fact that he took that role and embraced it kind of says a lot about who he is and what he might angle to do once his career comes to an end. So got to give him kudos for that. but that is going to do it for our opening segment for this part of our season in review.

Starting point is 00:10:48 When we come back, oh boy, Dylan Larkin is on the market. Should Kyle Dubus and the Penguins inquire? Would it be worth their time? Let's dive into that question when we come back right after this. But we've got a couple of sponsors to get to before we do that, starting with five-hour energy. If you've got a sweet tooth like I do, you know how tough it is to find that perfect treat without all of the sugar. That's why the fruity rainbow five-hour energy shot brings that nostalgic flavor back in a whole new way. Fruity rainbow five-hour energy shots, treat your taste buds to an explosion of fruity flavor with a tasty caffeine kick.

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Starting point is 00:13:31 interruptions. Click the link here in the show notes or go to Locked-on Podcasts.com slash Everydayer Club and find our show to claim your free trial. A stunning, and I mean stunning development yesterday that broke just as we were recording our Thursday edition confirmed by multiple sources that Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin has requested a trade. So let's go through some of the facts on the ground here and then Hunter and I will have our little discussion about it.

Starting point is 00:14:09 30 plus goals the past five seasons. He is on a deal that is going to age remarkably well in this rising cap era, 8.7 million through the end of the 2030, 2031 season. He has been relatively healthy for the majority of his career, missing very few games over the last 11 years. And if you're the penguins, he can give you a true second line center now behind Crosby. But here's the bad.

Starting point is 00:14:42 He's got a full no move clause, so he does control where he wants to go. But the flip side of that is it is a weak UFA market this summer. So Detroit will still have some leverage to put sewers together for him, especially with the teams that are in need of a center. So I'll say this and then I'll toss it off to you, Hunter. Well, I think Dubis should inquire about him. the price is probably going to be too steep. And the penguins themselves,

Starting point is 00:15:14 they're not just a couple of years away from contention or being true contenders. So while it would be kind of cool to get a name like Dylan Larkin, it's probably not in the cards. I am with you. I love Dylan Larkin a lot. He is a very good player. Another thing, Pat, he's going to be 30 by the start of next season.

Starting point is 00:15:34 If he were a few years younger, I'd be more all over it, but he's a bit on the older side. I just don't really see Kyle Dubus putting together an offer that it's going to beat out some of the other teams that are going to really want him. And who do I mean by other teams? The Minnesota Wild, that one immediately comes to mind. Their top line center right now is Ryan Hartman. I mean no disrespect.

Starting point is 00:15:58 I like Ryan Hartman a lot. Dylan Larkin is a big upgrade over him. And Minnesota has a package that I'm sure can get that done. makes a lot of sense. I think Montreal makes a ton of sense. You put him in that top six. I think they could use another center there for their top six. Who boy, that would be pretty nice.

Starting point is 00:16:15 Obviously, you've got to deal with someone like Tampa Bay. They'll try to do it. Florida, we all know, we'll try to do something around those lines. They're going to try to get aggressive this summer. I don't think they'll be able to do it, Pat, but you always got to watch out for Vegas because they always go after every big fish that's out there. I don't think they get them, but they're going to try.

Starting point is 00:16:33 I think for the Penguins, will Kyle do this call? Probably. But I also think every team is going to call to at least gauge the price. But in my opinion, this asking price for Ben Kindle from a penguin's perspective probably starts at A, Ben Kendall, and B, a first round pick. And then you go from there. It's probably going to be four assets coming back, especially because he has five years left on his contract, 8.7 million. Very nice AAV, by the way, considering that a certain someone on this team has the same AAS. V is also as the same agent as that player.

Starting point is 00:17:06 But there's just no way I'm trading A first and I'm trading Ben Kendall in that. And I'm not trading Ben Kendall at all. Like he's a big part of the long-term future of the Pittsburgh Penguins organization. So while I do think he probably will call as will the rest of the league too steep and I also think he's just too old. I think they're going to try to focus on players who are a bit younger, Pat, you know, maybe in that age 25 to 27 range, if not younger. I think someone who's going to be a bit, you know, someone who's going to be 30, excuse me,

Starting point is 00:17:38 by the start of the season, I'll pass. I don't, I'm not going to say I'll pass in that sense that I'm not, I'm also not as worried as most about the age thing because I have been beating this drum for a long time that I think we as sports prognosticators got to readjust our thought process about age, especially in elite players like Dylan Larkin. Yeah, these guys aren't going to be 100-point players. And I know that Dylan Larkin really isn't technically one of those, but they're not going to be the dominant players that they are for deep into their 30s,

Starting point is 00:18:20 but their falloff isn't going to be the same as it used to be. It's not going to be like the 90s, the 2000s, where these guys hit 33 and just fall off. of a cliff, they're going to get progressively less effective and less dominant. But I do think we have to readjust and realize with the way sports science is, the way training is, the way everything else is now. A player turning 30 is no longer a buyer beware situation. You're probably going to get four to five really good more years out of them. And then that's when it probably starts to tumble.

Starting point is 00:18:55 But at the same time, to build off what you said, if the penguin, were a couple steps further in this retool, I would have Kyle Dubus on this like white on rice because that would look like a close to final piece of this is what we need and this is what we're missing. Yeah, you're just not there yet. Like exactly. I like the progress they're making, but we still got some ways to go here. So I just don't think with where they are they are right now, it makes sense. You have other areas to improve and there's going to be. And there's going to the other younger players than Larkin that you could potentially go after that can really be here for the long haul and maybe you can have them through the rest of their 20s if not most of their

Starting point is 00:19:41 20s depending on who gets made available. So I like Larkin, great player. I just don't think right now it makes sense for them to do it. And to continue that thought, you bring up Ben Kendall, you know that's going to be the asking price. Yes. You know that is exactly who Stevie Y is going to ask for. And to connect everything we're saying, if the penguins were further along, I would give up Ben Kindle for Dylan Larkin. But the penguins aren't further along. So I'm not giving up Ben Kindle for Dylan Larkin. You know what I mean? Like if this was, hey, the penguins, they look like, oh, they're a piece or two away from being a champion.

Starting point is 00:20:20 And if you can give up Ben Kindle to get that piece that makes you a champion, you do it. But they're not at that point right. now. So I would rather hold on to Kindle, build around, not build around him, but keep him as part of the mix and see who else you get. So, and then the other two teams that I'm most curious to see if they put together a package to get him are Dallas. Yep. And St. Louis. And it's because of Robertson and Thomas. I think if you're St. Louis, you can give up Thomas to get Larkin. If you're Dallas, you can give up some players on your roster

Starting point is 00:21:06 so you can both resign Robertson and then add Larkin into the mix because of that 8.7 AAV. That is going to be one of the things that I think gets a lot of teams over the finish line is that a player like Larkin making less than $9 million in a rising cap era is going to be so valuable. I agree with you on Dallas. St. Louis, I will push back a little bit. Thomas, I think, is a better player than Larkin, in my opinion.

Starting point is 00:21:34 That might be a hot take to some. That's fine. You look at the counting stats. He's been better. But just overall, as a pure playmaker, I really like Robert Thomas. And, you know, we'll see if he gets made available. If he is, that market for him is going to be crazy. We already know that the Penguins at least inquired about the asking price.

Starting point is 00:21:51 The rumor was that it started at Ben Gindle Plus and Penguins, rightfully balked because, you know, as much as I do love Robert Thomas, I'm not trading Ben Kindle for him with where the penguins are right now. So I don't think the Blues would do that just because, again, Thomas is younger than Larkin right now. I think they would keep him overgoing to get Larkin, in my opinion. I do agree on Dallas, though. That makes a lot of sense. That's a good shout for them. I will, I'll put Minnesota in there because they could use a top plane center. And that's like their next big. big thing they need to be like a true bona fide cop contender like they're basically right there

Starting point is 00:22:29 they get someone like dylan larkin boom like you're right there maybe someone like i don't know does washington try this like they could use a top line center as well they have a really deep prospect pool they can potentially do this if they want to there's the alex ovecgen rumors if he's coming back whether he's not but i could see washington doing it i've seen new jersey thrown out there a little bit but I don't know if they're going to do that, but Washington, I think, could be a little bit of a sleeper for Larkin,

Starting point is 00:22:57 just considering where they are in their process and just how many top prospects they have to offer. And they've been kind of flirting with like hint or slash hinting at taking a big swing for a player at some point. So I can see that. Disagree the one St. Louis. I don't think they would do that. The good news for Dylan Larkin and also the Detroit Red Wings

Starting point is 00:23:17 is that they are going to have the pick of the litter for this one. because even if Larkin controls where he goes, he is going to demand a big return just because of who he is in that contract. So we are not going to stop the Dillon Larkin discussion here. It was a big topic in our comments for Fan Take Friday. So we are going to go through some of your proposals, some of your responses,

Starting point is 00:23:45 and of course the pull we put out for that when we come back right after. this. But we've got one more sponsor to get to before we do that, and it is Hymns. ED is way more common than most guys think. Millions of guys deal with it at some point, and that is exactly why Hymns offers a straightforward way to handle it. Hems connects you with licensed healthcare professionals online, giving you access to legitimate ED treatment options from the comfort of your own home. No awkward appointments, no weird waiting rooms and no pharmacy lines,

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Starting point is 00:25:11 Slendanafil is the generic version of Viagra. Viagra is a registered trademark of Vietris specialty LLC, and Hymns is not affiliated with or endorsed. by Beatrice. We're closing out the Friday edition of Locked-on Penguins. Thank you so much for hanging out with us on what might be the last really gorgeous day in Pittsburgh this weekend because we're looking like we might get some storms, but that's not neither here nor there. Patrick Damp right alongside Hunter Hodeys.

Starting point is 00:25:43 Hawks and prayers to everyone going to the Morgan Wallen concerts this weekend at Heinz Field. Hopefully it doesn't get rained out. Well, tonight they should be okay. Tomorrow might be a little bit dicey. but like we do every single Friday, we put the call out for your questions, your hot takes, so let's not waste any more time in getting to those.

Starting point is 00:26:01 We put the poll out this morning. Dylan Larkin once out of Detroit, how does Kyle Dubus get him? That was the question. The poll, you had two options. A, Dubus should go after Larkin. B, it'll be too expensive, pass, and let me hit refresh right here,

Starting point is 00:26:20 just to make sure I got the most up-to-date and accurate number. after 136 votes, 66% say it'll be too expensive pass. And 34% say Dubus should go after Larkin. That is kind of where we landed Hunter. And I want to start with somebody who went the opposite way of the poll. This is a comment from Rod Beedling on YouTube. Dubus should go for it.

Starting point is 00:26:50 People seem against it because Larkin is 30. But honestly, I think people take Dubus too literally when he says he wants younger players. Dubus is going to add a veteran or to this offseason, whether people like it or not. And Larkin is a really good player. And also, Larkin is 30. He's not nearing retirement or anything. He still has four or five good seasons left in him. Boy, that sounds like something someone on this show just said a couple of minutes ago.

Starting point is 00:27:15 Yeah. I mean, you also are in agreement with me that we won't do it just because of how high the price. is going to be, and I understand what Rod is saying, and I do think there's going to be a lot of good years ahead for Doin Mark, and I think he's going to be a good top line center on whichever team gets him, for example, Minnesota, as I've talked about. But I know the Penguins do have a need at 2C right now behind Cindy Crosby. I'm not trying to disrespect Tommy Novak.

Starting point is 00:27:42 They could just use an upgrade there for next season, depending on whether he is back or isn't back for next season. I am just not willing to put together that type of offer for Larkin. I would like to get someone a little bit younger. And again, just the asking price is going to be too much. Other teams are going to put up more. And I think with where the penguins are right now in this process, don't think they are at that point where they can be giving up the type of premium assets

Starting point is 00:28:13 that it is going to take to get a player like this. I know the age old saying, well, you know, these trades are always for, less than what you think they're going to be for. Sure. But a center like this is usually not made available super often. And when especially a top center is made available like this, a lot of teams come flocking to them and the price goes up as a bidding more happens.

Starting point is 00:28:36 So with that too, I understand, Rod. I just respectfully disagree with you on that. Here's another one I want to get to as well. This is from another someone on YouTube, obviously on YouTube, says, I can't see Larkin waving his NTC to come to the penguins. I want to expand on that because I agree with that part as well. Interesting. Because here's the thing.

Starting point is 00:28:58 I do think the penguins are ahead of schedule, but what is something we have been saying quite a bit, both on this show and Kyle Dubas has also been saying it, is that development isn't linear. Neither is rebuilding. There are always some times where you have a little bit better of a year than you expect. And we know why Larkin wants out of Detroit.

Starting point is 00:29:24 He's been to the play. I heard this stat today. He has played more games in the Olympics than he has in the Stanley Cup playoffs. He played six games at the Olympics this past year. The one time he was in the playoffs with Detroit, they were out in five. Yeah. So Larkin wants to win a Stanley Cup or at the very least go deep in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Penguins, I don't see them doing that anytime in the next three to four years.

Starting point is 00:29:56 Maybe they have a crazy one last dance run, but that is a gamble. And I don't think Larkin wants to go to another gamble. Yeah, I think he's ready to win right now. I mean, and you saw that. He got the taste of winning at the Olympics. Now, just considering how much he's missed the playoffs, the next biggest thing to check off his list is a Stanley Cup. And I think a lot of players on Team USA who haven't won a Cup yet probably feel that way as well.

Starting point is 00:30:24 Like I'll throw Connor Hellebuck in there to as an example. I'm not comparing Del Marcona Conor Helbuck. I'm just saying like the it's for him now to win a Stanley Cup is that much higher after winning the Olympic gold. And that's why I think Larkin, he's going to, you know, he's going to have his say. He has a full no trade. And I think he's only going to want to go to teams that are basically right there next season, I will have a chance of winning the Stanley Cup. I don't think the penguins are there just yet.

Starting point is 00:30:51 You know, G-Tots, he even said, while he would be nice to have, he does not fit the timeline. I agree with you. I just think it's too soon if they were further down the road and actually, you know, a bona fide contender, I'd understand it a bit more. John Warman kind of says the same thing. I think Dubis needs to call, given the price range and where the team is, I think it is going to be a long shot to land him.

Starting point is 00:31:13 So, yeah, again, a couple of the listeners also echoing my thoughts. some of your thoughts on this as well. But hey, at least it's a nice talking point during the offseason. I don't think this is going to be the last big trade request that we see. I think that we're going to hopefully get more. Just please, I'm crossing my fingers for an actually fun offseason for a change. We keep seeing it from the insiders on. Oh my God.

Starting point is 00:31:38 Like, this is going to be the craziest summer yet. And then nothing ever happens. Please have that change this summer. Yeah, nothing ever happens, gang, stand up. because we continue to be completely vindicated. I will say this to end the show because, like Hunter said, pretty much all of our fan take Friday stuff were responses, mock trades, everything.

Starting point is 00:32:01 It was Larkin Central as expected. But I will say this to end the show. To your point about off seasons, I do think we're about to enter into a different era of player empowerment. And I think it's going to look, and everybody can cringe at this, but it's still a bigger sport than hockey in the United States. It's going to look a little bit more like the NBA,

Starting point is 00:32:24 where we're not going to see as much free agency. We might not see as many, quote, unquote, big trades that come out of nowhere. But I do think a lot of these top tier players are going to go the way of Austin Matthews and Connor McDavid and some others where they're not going to sign for seven years. They're going to sign for two to three. they are going to put the pressure back onto the teams themselves to say, build around me, put me on a contender, and that's the timeline. If you can't meet it, I'm going to either hit free agency or in that final year, you're going to have to find a way to deal me. I think that is the era of player movement

Starting point is 00:33:05 that we're moving into. I agree. I can definitely see it, especially as the cap goes up and the players take things into their own hands now. I mean, you saw it with Quinn Hughes said, hey, I'm not signing. with you guys. Vancouver tried and then it didn't succeed and they're like, okay, well, we're not going to lose him for nothing. We're going to trade him to a team that wants him and it looks like he's probably going to extend in Minnesota. Hell, we might see this in a couple of years. If Edmonton does not win a Stanley Cup with Connor McDavid, I think there is a legit chance that he goes elsewhere. And that will be obviously the story of that offseason in a couple years in 28. I do want to end the show with this one though. This is not about Dunlark and this comes from

Starting point is 00:33:43 Stereo Penguin 66. What Wilkesbury are willing players? Do you think? how the future in Pittsburgh that maybe don't get as much attention as our top prospects. Really cool question, and these are a couple of maybes for me. Defenseman Finn Harding, maybe. When you read up about him, you see the organization really likes him. He's a more steady at-home defenseman but does have some offensive prowess. Maybe Emil Panny Nemi, if he puts it together a little bit more, you know, once he gets here full-time potentially, goaltender Gabriel Dagpat, once he gets to North America full-time.

Starting point is 00:34:15 obviously he was willing to end the season with them after his junior season ended. But once he's there full time, I could potentially see that as well. So those are just a few that maybe don't get enough love, you know, as much as the top prospects that are there. PN and Emmy is the one that I'm really curious about because he looks like he has the pedigree and the potential. He's not going to be a star. Let's not get carried away. But I do think he could develop into a useful NHL player. if he continues down the path he's on.

Starting point is 00:34:48 And Gabriel Deg, man, I don't want to put too much pressure on him, but he strikes me as a little bit lesser Sergei Mershov, where we weren't really talking about Sergey Murshov a couple years ago. There were some rumblings of this kid they had in the system from Russia who might be all right and then exploded onto the scene. Deg kind of strikes me as the same. He's not that big, but he's very athletic. he seems to be able to perform over his head.

Starting point is 00:35:17 So if you got another goaltending gem laid in a round that nobody's really talking about and he turns into something, that's found money. So I'm very curious to see what happens with him. But that is going to do it for our Friday edition of Locked-on Penguins. And what a great question for us to end it on, because when we're back on Monday, we'll have two Wilkes Bear games. to recap they are playing tonight at 7 p.m. and then again on Sunday at 6.05 p.m.

Starting point is 00:35:50 Hopefully we're talking about a birth in the Calder Cup final. We will see about that, though, and we'll obviously continue our season in review series and cover any news that happens between now and then. But for Hunter Hodes, I am Patrick Damp. Thank you as always for tuning in. Have a great weekend. We will see you once again on Monday.

Starting point is 00:36:11 today.

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