Who Will Be The Penguins' Alternate Captains?

I've told you before that I call my writing style at PSaMP "stream of consciousness sportsblogging." When I give you the MPotD (or CMPotD), I have no idea what I'm going to write about later that day regarding sports. Ill flip through the blogosphere, check some newspaper websites, Google News, Youtube, emailed tips from readers, whatever it takes to find something that sparks my interest. I can count on one hand (maybe two) the amount of times in the 15 or so months of PSaMP's existence that I've actually prepared a post prior to the day it gets published.

Writing like this can really stress me out at times, but I've been able to give my two cents on topics that I wouldn't have thought of had already prepared something. Case in point, this morning, I got my daily Pensblog read, which linked to Pens Nation (which is now making its way to the Wild Ass Links in my sidebar). On Pens Nation, their sidebar has a ton of information that you usually don't find on blogs: team captains, HOFers, free agents, trophy winners, etc. It was in looking at the team's current captain/alternate captains list that I came to a realization, could we potentially lose 75% of our alternates?

Sergei Gonchar is locked up. There is no way he loses the A next season. The other 3 might not even be in Pens unis next year. Ryan Malone seems to be on his way out. Pensblog asks if the $2.5 mil Sydor is owed next season could be better used elsewhere. Would Sydor be traded or let go? Gary Roberts made $2.5 mil this year, and could potentially retire or seek a one year contract for a similar amount elsewhere. As much as he's loved in Pittsburgh, these are the truths in hockey that fans have to understand.

That makes Gonchar the only sure alternate. Who gets the other 3 spots if Roberts, Sydor and Malone don't return and the team figures on keeping 4 revolving alternates?

Geno Gino. Apparently, its spelled with an I rather than an E. I'll still use Geno as a tag on posts mentioning Malkin to keep consistency, though. If the Pens don't trade the kid (I'm sick of hearing that nonsense, bullshit rumor), he'd have to be next in line to don the A. With Sid out this past season, Gino was the unspoken captain of the team, elevating his play to heights unseen. The weight of the A should ensure his continued upward progression by adding team responsibility.

Hossa. If he is indeed in line for a contract from Ray Shero, I'd imagine Hossa getting an A to go with the money. He could be a captain on several lowly clubs, a notion that might've scared potential suitors prior to this year's playoffs. He showed that he can perform with the spotlight on, and should proudly wear the A.

Sykora, Staal or Fleury. The last alternate is a tough one. I've ruled out any big name free agent (hinging on a potential Hossa contract), seeing how the tight money issue should nullify any chance of acquiring a free agent worthy of wearing the alternate's A. Long term contracts for both Staal and Fleury are still a thought for the future, as would be the addition of an A to their jerseys. Staal is still young, and could be an option down the road if Shero can find money for a contract for Staal. Fleury has played well, but his name might be a stretch. If its Sykora, that would make a Canadian captain and 4 European alternates (provided Gino and Hossa join Gonch).

Also, adding Gino would officially signal the new era of Pens stars. Prior to Malone getting the A this season, Mark Recchi joined Sydor, Gonch and Roberts. It was all about veteran leadership and experience. What with making the playoffs the past two seasons and suffering incredible heartbreak both times, I think the young stars have gained the experience to begin a new era of Pittsburgh dominance on ice. Giving Gino an A to compliment Sid's C would effectively tell the rest of the league that there's no more excuses revolving around youth inexperience, and our young stars are leading the way.

So, any thoughts on who might back up Sid in 08-09? I know I picked three forwards in Gino, Hossa and Sykora, but would a blueliner accompany Gonch?

Or will Shero find a way to keep as many of the current alternates as possible?

Pens Ink Crosby!

Rejoice, Pens fans! Sid's not going anywhere!

Crosby inked a 5 year/$45 mil deal to stay with the Pens.

With collective bargaining, Crosby was able to demand up to $10.06 mil a year, but settled for a cool $9 mil a year. It'll give Shero a little wiggle room to help re-sign guys like Geno, Staal and MAF over the next 2 to 3 years.

This has turned out to be a legendary offseason for Shero. First, he re-signs Whitney to a 6 year deal, has a former top prospect fall into his lap at the 20th selection, signs Cup-winning veterans like Sydor and Sykora, brings back young contributors in Christensen and Talbot, then inks the regining MVP to a contract extension. At a bargain, mind you.

Well done, Ray Ray. You too, Sid. I'm gonna go be happy for a while. See you in a bit...

Despite Shero's Claim, Pens Sign Several Early Free Agents

Ray Shero denied that the team was interested in signing free agents on Sunday, the opening day of the free agent market. The big names went off the board, and Shero stayed true to his claim. Briere to Philly (damn), Drury and Gomez to the Rangers (damn, again). However, Shero did add some pieces among the 2nd tier free agents that could help the team immediately. Here's a quick recap:

First and foremost, D Ryan Whitney was inked to a 6 yr./$24 mil contract. Whitney just got paid, and the signing was well worth it. Safe to say I'm thouroughly pleased that Whitney will be around for awhile.

More help on the blue line, as Shero signed defenseman Darryl Sydor. He's a 2-time All-Star who has also won 2 Stanley Cups. Shero wanted experience...Shero got experience.

And what about the winger that everyone claimed we needed to sign? Well, Ray Ray continued the experience-theme, signing veteran winger Petr Sykora. PSaMP was never a huge fan of Sykora, mainly because he played for the hated Devils. He does, though, have his name on the Cup, so signing him was a no-brainer that I can accept.

Goalie Dany Sabourin is back. In his relatively short career, Sabourin has bounced between the Flames, Pens and most recently, the Canucks. He backed up Vezina-winner Roberto Luongo last season. Will this signal the end of the Jocelyn Thibault-era?

I'm exhausted. I didn't think I'd have to update on so many free agent signings within the first 24 hours of free agency. Get to know these players, Pens fans. They'll be the guys helping the team to its first Cup since '92!