Trade Rumors and Free Agent TalkTrade rumors, transactions, and free agent talk. Rumors must contain the word RUMOR in post title. Proposals must contain the word PROPOSAL in post title.
How on earth can you forget Cal O'Reilly last year?
Who could forget the guy who's most memorable moment as a Penguin was almost having his head cut off by a helicoptering Bruins player?
I've never cared much for Boychuk, but it's obviously worth it to try out a former 14th overall pick who's still young on the 2nd line when our in-house options aren't working. If it doesn't work then he goes back to Carolina once Niskanen comes back.
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“The most terrifying fact about the universe is not that it is hostile, but that it is indifferent. If we can come to terms with this indifference and accept the challenges of life within the boundaries of death, our existence as a species can have genuine meaning and fulfillment. However vast the darkness, we must supply our own light.” - Stanley Kubrick
Worth a shot. Teams aren't selling off top 2 line wingers this early in the season so I guess you have to get creative. Pens have tried their own guys (Jeffrey/Tangradi... Glass ) and nothing has worked so far. May as well try this kid for a few games.
Niskanen being out 2-4 weeks should give this kid an opportunity over those 2-4 weeks to make things happen with Neal and Malkin, maybe Crosby instead or at least play well enough to knock someone else off the roster once Niskanen returns.
I remember Boychuk being highly touted a couple of years ago but he has fallen from grace a bit since then. Maybe he can revive his career in Pittsburgh
Kirk Muller putting Boychuk on the 1st line for one game when Semin and Estaal hadn't even developed chemistry yet doesn't qualify as a good chance at top 6 duty for me. In a full season, Boychuk would've been given a better chance with the canes... eventually...
That said, Pittsburgh is slowly solidifying their position as my second favorite eastern conference team.
I think it's a good pickup. He'll get a chance with Malkin and Neal. What more could you ask for? If he doesn't do well with them it's pretty safe to say he's what a lot of people think he is.
If not then Pittsburgh found a gem and the rich get richer.
I saw where some thought that this would be a two week stay until Niskanen comes back. I do not see it even if Boychuk is underwhelming.
Shero made a mistake keeping Lovejoy over Strait, who just got a 4 year contract from the Isle's a couple weeks after being waived. Lovejoy has been beyond bad. And Pittsburgh has defensemen up to their ears throughout the system. The cupboard is pretty bare when it comes to wing. So even if Boychuk struggles a bit, keeping him would be the smart move instead of Lovejoy to give him a real chance to show he can play. I doubt anyone would be stupid enough to pick up Lovejoy if he were sent down, but good riddance either way.
Long and short of it is, I would not hold my breath about Boychuk getting waived again in two weeks, unless Shero is an idiot.
Wow, this could turn out real good for the Pens. And without giving up assets. I admit i dont know much about Boychuk but he seems to be a 1st liner in the AHL. 1st round pick + still young and from what i've understood it isnt safe to call him a bust just yet. Im surprised the Canes werent able to get anything for him.
A little bit of irony in this waiver wire pick up by PIT, as it was on the same day that NYI signs the Pens' earlier waiver casualty, Brian Strait, to a multi-year, one-way deal.
Based on a comment on the Canes board, it sounds like he's getting a tryout until Niskanen comes off IR. After that, he either sticks or gets sent back through waivers with the Hurricanes first in line to claim him back. Kind of a weird situation.
