Pittsburgh native Michael Houser, goaltender for the London Knights of the OHL recently went undrafted at this year’s NHL draft. But that does not mean his hockey-playing days are over. The CHL goaltender of the year received prospect camp invites from both the Florida Panthers and the Winnipeg Jets.

Houser overcame a childhood obstacle most would find impossible. He was born with bilateral clubfeet which required 15 surgeries up until he was three years old. At one point, the doctor thought it would nearly impossible to play sports, let alone play at such a high level. Houser’s dad suggested that if his son really did have a love for hockey, that he should play goal where he could stay in the crease instead of worrying about skating a lot. Well dad, I think you made a pretty good decision.

In addition to being a nominee for CHL player of the year, he was also OHL’s most outstanding player, OHL goaltender of the year, OHL first-team all star, and Memorial Cup All Star. No big deal at all.

Current Penguin prospect Scott Harrington is teammates with Houser in London and believes that he deserves every possible chance to play in the NHL. “I hope people don’t hold the foot problem against him. It doesn’t affect his play at all. He absolutely deserves to get drafted.”

To someone who has overcome so much at such a young age, he deserves to make his dreams come true.

Good luck Michael!!

He's Ours

Well slap me silly, Sidney.

The Pittsburgh Penguins announced today that they will re-sign captain Sidney Crosby to a 12 year, $104.4 million contract extension.

If you do the math, that’s $8.7 million a year. Unbelievably, Sid didn’t bother taking a pay raise, even though everyone knows he could have asked for way, way more money.

The Penguins organization are obviously thrilled with this signing. Co-owners Mario Lemieux (also known as Sid’s landlord) and Ron Burkle released this joint statement:

“This is a great day for hockey and tremendous news for the Pittsburgh Penguins and our fans. We are grateful for all that Sidney Crosby has done for our franchise since coming to Pittsburgh in 2005, both on and off the ice, and we look forward to having him in a Penguins uniform for the rest of his career. He is an excellent player and an even better person, and he is a great ambassador for the Penguins and for Pittsburgh.”

Penguins President and CEO David Morehouse said this:

“In an era when players often move from team to team, it’s gratifying to see a young man who is so committed to one city and one franchise. He’s meant so much to the Penguins, to the growth of youth hockey in Pittsburgh, and to the NHL and the game of hockey in general. It’s a tremendous feeling to know he’ll be here through 2025.”

Meanwhile, general manager Ray Shero had this to say:

“He’s a very special player and knowing that he will be here long-term is outstanding news for our players, coaches, staff and fans. Sidney also brings those extra dimensions as our captain, with his leadership in the room and on the ice. We’re all very excited to reach this agreement on an extension.”

There’s something special knowing that even when I get married and have kids, Sid will still be in a Penguins uniform. This is awesome news.

Still. Hurts.

Now that the initial shock of the trade has worn off, it’s easy to see that the Jordan Staal trade is best for both sides. The Pens clear up cap space that is needed, and Jordan can finally become the star he deserves to be.

However, it will be hard to forget Jordan Staal. Ever since he was drafted 2nd overall in 2006, he’s done a lot for the Pens, and will always be remembered as one of the guys who helped the Pens become the successful team that they are today. So, to remember him, I present 5 of his best moments in a Penguins sweater.

» Continue reading “Top 5 Jordan Staal Moments”

Welcome to the Pens, bro

After finding out he was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Friday, no one could blame Brandon Sutter for going into hiding. After all, he wasn’t expecting the trade, which sent center Jordan Staal to the Carolina Hurricanes for Sutter, an 8th overall pick, and a prospect. But after letting the news settle over the weekend, he’s excited about becoming a Penguin, and (hopefully) play in a playoff game.

“I’m four years into my career now and I’m still yet to play in a playoff game,” Sutter said. “For me, I’m at a point now where it’s about winning. That’s what I want to be there for and I want to help with that.”

A defensive forward, Sutter was a key piece in Carolina’s penalty killing. But don’t compare him to Jordan Staal.

“I’m coming in to do what I’ve done,” said Sutter. “I’m my own player. I don’t feel like I’m here to replace anyone. Jordan’s a great player and playing against is player you want to be like. Hopefully one day I can try and find that level that he was at in terms of offensive numbers.”

However, Sutter is hoping for a bigger role on the Pens than the one he had with the Hurricanes.

“One thing I did mention to them was I felt there were times when I was stuck,” Sutter said. “They were always expecting me to be good defensively, which is fine, but in terms of offense, there wasn’t a whole lot of opportunity. I think that comes with playing with different guys and maybe different chemistry. I think playing with maybe different players — on a roster that’s deeper than what we’re used to in Carolina — and a chance to maybe play with more talented players can help. I think for myself, I don’t want to be looked at as just a defensive player. I want to score goals and do things too.”

While Sutter admits he doesn’t really know any Penguins personally, he has already spoken to Ray Shero, coach Dan Bylsma, and Sidney Crosby. He also wants to get to know the city better before the season starts. My advice? Get someone like Geno to take you out on the town.

Fun fact: Sutter scored his first career goal against the Penguins, and his uncle, Rich Sutter, played 9 games with us in the early 80s.

I’ll admit, I was a little wary when I heard Sutter hadn’t talked to the media yet. I was not going to put up with a Jeff Carter on my team, but hearing him talk today has definitely warmed him up to me. No one can replace Jordan Staal to me, but it will be nice to see what Sutter can do for us.

The 2012 Draft was certainly an eventful one for the Penguins.

The biggest news was Jordan Staal. It was announced at the draft that Staal had been traded to the Carolina Hurricanes for Brandon Sutter, defenseman prospect Brian Dumoulin, and Carolina’s 8th overall pick, which the Pens used to draft another defenseman, Derrick Pouliot.

The Penguins used their 22nd overall pick to draft another defenseman, Olli Maata.

Once the first day of the draft was over, Shero kept the surprises coming. In a deal with the Phoenix Coyotes, the Pens sent defenseman Zbynek Michalek back to Phoenix, his former team, and acquired defenseman prospect Harrison Ruopp and goalie Marc Cheverie, along with a 2012 third round pick.

Fun fact about Marc Cheverie: he grew up in Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia and is good friends with Sidney Crosby. They even played on the same  team when they were 5 years old!

During the second day of the draft, the Pens drafted centers Theodor Blueger from Shattuck-St Mary’s (another Crosby connection!), and Oskar Sundqvist from the Swedish Jr league.

The Pens picked up another goalie as well in the form of Matthew Murray. The Thunder Bay native plays for the Sault Ste Marie Greyhounds. One of their more famous alumni is Tyler Kennedy, winger for the Pens.

We also drafted another forward, Matia Marcantuoni (how much fun is that to say!?), and another goalie, Sean Maguire.

We added one more defenseman, Clark Seymour, from the  Peterborough Petes (Jordan Staal is an alumni), and finished the draft with a right winger, Anton Zlobin.

It’s clear the past two disappointing years in the playoffs were in Shero’s mind, and he did what he had to to make the Penguins contenders again. By trading away Staal and Michalek, the Pens have cleared up $6 million in cap space, giving us a total of $15 million to play around with this summer. Does that mean Shero is going after some big name UFAs, like Parise? We have to wait until July 1st to find out.

Never forget <3

Excuse me if this makes no sense. I’m typing this through my tears.

After 6 years and a Stanley Cup, Jordan Staal has been traded to the Carolina Hurricanes for Brandon Sutter, the Hurricane’s number 8 pick this year, and defenceman Brian Dumoulin. The 8th pick was used to draft defenseman Derrick Pouliot.

Thank you for everything, Jordan. I hope that you become the star you deserve to be in Carolina. And have fun playing with your brother!

Praying that the 2012-2013 NHL season starts on time, the Pittsburgh Penguins are going to be living out of their suitcases early for the first couple of weeks. Nine of the team’s 13 first games are on the road.

Highlighted Games:

Thursday October 18th home vs. Hated Cross State Rival Philadelphia Flyers

Wednesday October 31st away vs. Washington Capitals (another Ovie vs. Geno/Ovie vs. Sid showdown)

Saturday November 3rd away vs. Eastern Conference Champion New Jersey Devils

Sunday February 10th home vs. Stanley Cup Champion Los Angeles Kings

Rest of the schedule can be found at http://penguins.nhl.com/club/schedule.htm?season=20122013&gameType=2

Oh.

Well, this is a new development.

After Ray Shero told everyone that he fully intends on re-signing Jordan Staal, news has broke on Twitter that Staalsy has rejected a 10 year, $60 million contract.

Bob McKenzie of TSN first broke the news, which was quickly confirmed by numerous writers.

Staal’s agent, Paul Krepelka, said “My only comment will be that Jordan is not prepared to enter into a contract extension at this time.”

Given that Staalsy is getting married tomorrow, maybe he just wants to enter into one long term contract at a time. Or maybe he remembers what happened to another blond player in Pennsylvania who signed a  year extension.

Whatever this means, I just hope Staal does end up re-signing with the Pens. He’s a major part of our team and no matter what anyone says, we need him. However, it would also be understandable if he decided he wanted to be a first line center elsewhere.

No matter what happens, I’ll end up a bawling mess.

I AM WIN

Huge congratulations go out to Evgeni Malkin (pronounced Ehv-geh-nee). At tonight’s NHL Awards, Geno won both the Ted Lindsay Award and Hart Trophy, naming him the league’s MVP for the 2011/2012 season.

He can add those to his Art Ross trophy, as the leader in points during the regular season.

Malkin beat out New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist and Tampa Bay Lightning forward Steven Stamkos for both awards.

When he took the stage to accept his first award, a visibly nervous Malkin thanked Penguins co-owner Mario Lemieux and GM Ray Shero from a speech he had already prepared. Later on, backstage, Geno said that he was grateful for the support of his parents, and for his mom’s home cooking.

But the most heartwarming moment came when Geno took the stage again to accept his Hart trophy at the end of the night. With no speech in hand, he dedicated the award to former Penguin,  and current  Ottawa Senator, Sergei Gonchar.

“I remember when I come, two years, six year before, it’s different language, I not speak lot, you know, different life and different game, and not easy, and one guy who always support me, whole six year, and still best friend, and I want give this trophy to him, his name, Sergei Gonchar. He is my best friend now, always together, one day, and I’m glad one day, I meet him.”

You could pretty much hear everyone’s hearts grow three sizes during that speech.

Malkin and his linemate, James Neal, were also named to the first NHL All Star team. Geno was named top forward, while Neal was named top right winger.

It was absolutely wonderful to see Geno, who hasn’t always been comfortable with talking to the media, take the stage and speak with little hesitation. A definite “proud mom” kind of moment.

Of course, it was also wonderful to see such an amazing season rewarded. Geno now joins Sidney Crosby, Mario Lemieux, and Jaromir Jagr as the only Penguins to named NHL MVPs. Good company to be in, no?

Don't worry, Staalsy.

In just one interview, Ray Shero has told the media to sit down and shut up when it comes to Jordan Staal. Well, not in those exact words, but you know what I mean.

On Twitter this morning, Dave Molinari, Penguins beat writer for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, posted bits of an interview with the Penguins GM. Shero says that while teams have called and asked about Staal, he tells them all the same thing: that he wants, and hopes, to re-sign the forward. He also says that the Penguins have not put him on the trading block, and that Staal has not expressed interest in playing anywhere else.

Shero also said there is no rush to re-sign both Staal and Sidney Crosby. Both have one more year left on their contracts and can sign an extension after July 1st.

In other interesting news, Shero said that he is expecting to trade a defenseman “or two” before the start of the new season, but refused to say if he was asked to waive no-trade contracts.

Shero expects to talk to Arron Asham and Steve Sullivan’s agents to see what kind of contracts they are looking for. Asham has expressed interest in staying a Penguin, and Sullivan’s agent has said that he absolutely wants to continue playing in the NHL next year. Shero has said they both have been good players for the Penguins.

When it comes to restricted free agents, the Penguins are expected to give qualifying offers to Matt Niskanen, Eric Tangradi, Robert Bortuzzo, Brian Strait, Keven Veilleux, Alex Grant, and Carl Sneep. Should they choose not to accept, they will become restricted free agents on July 1st.  Alex Picard, Casey Pierro-Zabotel, Mattias Modig or Boris Valabik are not expected to get offers and will become restricted free agents on July 1st.

Thank God for this news, especially on Staal, because it was getting quite annoying hearing everyone and their mothers give their worthless $0.02 on what they believe was going to happen. I have no doubt in my mind that Shero knows what he is doing, and that he will do what he believes is the best thing for our team.