PHN Extra: Speculation—Who’s Available in a Pens Shakeup?

Pittsburgh Penguins General Manager Jim Rutherford speaks freely but not haphazardly. He means what he says and says what he means.

And when Rutherford openly questioned if his team “has been together too long,” during the pregame radio show, it rightfully sent shockwaves through the Penguins world. Players will undoubtedly hear about the comments Wednesday night and Thursday.

Jim Rutherford’s most damning comment, though there were others:

“I wonder if this group has been together too long,” Rutherford said. “And maybe we need to change it up. And that’s what I’ll watch for in the next few games.” 

As Rutherford evaluates his team, he must like much of what he saw, Wednesday. To dominate the Washington Capitals so thoroughly showed moxie and aggression.

It’s pure speculation right now. PHN is working diligently with sources around the league to get a sense of the Penguins situation and any conversations which may be occurring. However, “group” does not include Derek Grant or Daniel Sprong. “Group” means core players who have been around for a few or more years. Those conversations would be far more serious and guarded.

And that’s where it gets interesting. Here are the top three possibilities: