1. Naming a New Coach.
Two of the top choices of current GM Jim Rutherford were Desjardins and Bill Peters, both of whom decided otherwise and will coach the Canucks and Hurricanes respectively. Among the top candidates remaining are former Penguin and current Rangers asst. Ulf Samuelsson (who now reportedly having second thoughts), Ron Wilson, and WBS coach John Hynes. Rumors have been speculated as well that the Pens hope to add Rich Tocchet to the coaching staff. The search is set to resume this coming week.
Looking at what has transpired in the last three days or so with the coaching situation, the Pens really need to make a decision: Are they waiting on Mike Babcock or are they being too picky? You cannot afford to wait on Babcock because what if he spurns you and at this point you can't be too picky. There is a week until the draft and two weeks until free agency. The coach needs to be in place.
I'd personally love to see Ulf Samuelsson get the job, but with all that's transpired over the last 72 hours I wouldn't be surprised if he turns it down. I agree with a lot of the fan base out there in that they need a "No BS" coach. They need a guy like Michel Therrien was in 2006-09 or a guy like Mike Keenan who can take the helm now. My top choices are Samuelsson, Keenan and Rich Tocchet.
2. Preliminary Free Agent Discussions.
It is also vital that a coach is named for the likes of the young free agents, primarily Brian Gibbons, Jayson Megna, Simon Despres and Philip Samuelsson. All are free agents this summer and are believed to be part of the future going forward. The naming of the coach will allow these young guys to know their future with the organization. I personally feel Gibbons, Megna and Samuelsson need to be brought back and into the mix next year.
3. NHL Draft
Another thing to be on the lookout for during the draft are trades. You can guarantee that the Pens WILL make a move during Round 1. Whether that means the movement of a James Neal or Kris Letang remains to be seen, but a move needs to be made to not only free up cap space, but to add key pieces to this team going forward. I expect Neal is the likely choice to be moved, but I wouldn't be surprised to see Letang moved either. As far as who we might get, Ryan Kesler will be a favorite among the fan base if that could happen, but I'd expect a move that would net more players to fill the roles than for a big shiny toy for David Morehouse to market.
4. July 1st: Free Agent Frenzy
Among the few guys to look for that could help us get that "grit and characters are some of the following:
LW Matt Moulson (BUF/NYI/MIN)
RW Dustin Penner (LAK/WSH)
D Anton Stralman (NYR)
RW Shawn Thorton (BOS)
C Dominic Moore (NYR)
C Colin Fraser (LAK)
C Brian Boyle (NYR)
RW Mike Rupp (MIN)
RW Benoit Pouliot (NYR)
LW Mason Raymond (TOR)
C Derrick MacKenzie (CBJ)
Conclusions
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