So far, so good this off-season for the Pens. Re-signing Matt Cooke for three years – at $1.8 million per – is a stroke of genius. I’m a big Cooke fan (when he’s not cheap-shotting unsuspecting opponents). He brings a lot to the table, and I think we got him for a great price. I’ll be glad to see #24 back next season.
The Pens also signed defenseman Ben Lovejoy to a three-year deal, for $525,000 per season. I believe it’s inevitable that Lovejoy will be in the top 6 next year. He’s a solid player who’s only going to get better with more NHL experience. Another great deal for the Pens.
There are some big questions remaining. Will the team be able to re-sign Sergei Gonchar? If not, who will they bring back to replace him? I said in my season-end review the Pens should cut ties with Gonchar. He’s past his prime, and his asking price will most likely be far too high. That said, if he’s willing to give the team a nice hometown discount, it would be worth bringing him back. If a potential deal would tie the team’s hands cap-wise, part ways with #55.
If Gonchar does leave, the logical move would be to re-sign Mark Eaton. In fact, I think it’s a no-brainer to re-sign Eaton. Who knows, there might even be enough cap space left to brink back Jordan Leopold. Guess we’ll have to wait and see.
One other big question: Should the Pens bring back Bill Guerin? Again, and I hate to be repetitive, but if the price is right, why not? There’s no doubt Guerin is a good leader, and let’s not forget he did score 21 goals last season. The fun (free agency, that is) begins July 1.
Original Story:
http://penslabyrinth.com/2010/06/22/p...
