Pittsburgh Penguins

With the recent huge contracts signed by Sidney Crosby and Jonathan Quick, some pundits have started to speculate. They wonder whether or not this is good for any player, even if that player helped his team to a Stanley Cup and has a room full of hardware.

Most fans would like to think that their favorite team's coach, general manager, and owner are thinking long term and looking for consistency throughout the organization.

On the surface, these contracts show a couple of things. First and most obviously, it shows the club is looking to lock up one of their most valuable assets.

Secondly, it shows the player is committed to staying with the organization and become on...

It was early May when the rumors started to flow;  the talk of Jordan Staal being traded and Pittsburgh making a major move or two.  Ray Shero and Dan Bylsma said changes will be made and they weren't kidding.

Just before the 2012 NHL Draft got underway; the Pittsburgh Penguins traded Jordan Staal to Carolina.  In return, they received Brandon Sutter, prospect Brian Dumoulin, and the 8th overall pick in the draft that became Derrick Pouliot.  Overall, the value sent to both teams can be considered very fair, but Pittsburgh was not done dealing. 

It was just a few hours later when the Penguins selected another defenseman in the 2012 draft, at number...

 Maatta is a 6’2, 202 pound defenseman that plays for the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League.

The Penguins selected Finnish prospect Olli Maatta with the 22nd pick in the NHL Entry Draft

A Finland native, Maatta is a solid, two-way defenseman who does not possess any significant deficiencies.

His excellent feet and agility allow him to stay with even the speediest of forwards, resulting in quality one-on-one defensive coverage and giving Maatta shutdown capabilities.

Maatta is an aggressive defender, as he takes away time and space from the opposing puck carrier by consistently closing the gap. Though he is not the type to stan...

In an offseason of questions for the Pittsburgh Penguins, there is one thing that cannot be questioned, there will be changes made.  The first move was made as the Pittsburgh Penguins acquired the rights to Washington Capital goaltender Tomas Vokoun and quickly signed him to a two year deal worth $4-Million.   The Penguins traded their 7th round draft pick in the 2012 NHL draft for the negotiation rights.  His signing signals the end of three year backup Brent Johnson, who fell out of favor after a weak season.

This move was extremely surprising, especially to those in Pittsburgh who had expected AHL goaltender Brad Thiessen to make his way up to the NHL level as...