One of the hardest choices Penguins General Manager Ray Shero has to make this off season is whether or not Max Talbot will remain a part if his roster. Talbot does not possess the skill set that will allow him to score 20 goals a season, and hasn't had an NHL season where he reached the 30 point plateau. However, what Talbot does not bring with his skills package he makes up for it by bringing character traits to the rink that would thrive in any NHL locker-room. No question about it, Talbot has been a fan favorite long before his two Stanley Cup Final game 7 goals cemented him into Penguins lore for eternity.
Talbot scored 8 goals and recorded 13 assists this past regular season, and in the playoffs his four points (1G 3A) was tied for the team lead. Talbot always shows up someway in the playoffs, and being among the team leaders in the Penguins' short run is not surprising given all the injuries suffered by the team. Talbot is also an essential part of the Penguins top ranked penalty killing unit. He was second amongst Penguins forwards for short-handed time on ice per game during the regular season.
What makes the decision to resign Talbot a difficult one is the fact that his salary was $1.05 million last season. That seems like a lot of money when compared to Pascal Dupuis' contract of $1.4 million, and the fact that Dupuis brings double the production of what Talbot does. Both are unrestricted free agents, and for a Penguins team that is criticized for its lack of goal scoring wingers, resigning Talbot over Dupuis may be a bit irrational.
Simply stated, Max Talbot is replaceable on the ice in terms of what he brings to the lineup in goal scoring, and point production. The Penguins are filled with capable forwards to kill penalties, including Jordan Staal, Matt Cooke, Pascal Dupuis, and Dustin Jeffery. Replacing Max Talbot off the ice will simply not happen. It is tough to find guys like him in the NHL who act as a rock in the locker-room, as well as the community. The Penguins have enough depth to replace Talbot's production, and his role on the ice, and will be able to do so at a cheaper price. Max Talbot may be a one of a kind guy, but he is not a one of a kind hockey player, and Ray Shero will have to consider whether his character traits are enough to warrant spending the $1 million cap hit, or if saving money would benefit the Penguins in the long run. It would be shocking if Talbot decides to stay with the team for less, because he's done nothing to deserve a pay cut. If he does decide to take less, then it is clear how much this team and city means to Max Talbot.
Talbot scored 8 goals and recorded 13 assists this past regular season, and in the playoffs his four points (1G 3A) was tied for the team lead. Talbot always shows up someway in the playoffs, and being among the team leaders in the Penguins' short run is not surprising given all the injuries suffered by the team. Talbot is also an essential part of the Penguins top ranked penalty killing unit. He was second amongst Penguins forwards for short-handed time on ice per game during the regular season.
What makes the decision to resign Talbot a difficult one is the fact that his salary was $1.05 million last season. That seems like a lot of money when compared to Pascal Dupuis' contract of $1.4 million, and the fact that Dupuis brings double the production of what Talbot does. Both are unrestricted free agents, and for a Penguins team that is criticized for its lack of goal scoring wingers, resigning Talbot over Dupuis may be a bit irrational.
Simply stated, Max Talbot is replaceable on the ice in terms of what he brings to the lineup in goal scoring, and point production. The Penguins are filled with capable forwards to kill penalties, including Jordan Staal, Matt Cooke, Pascal Dupuis, and Dustin Jeffery. Replacing Max Talbot off the ice will simply not happen. It is tough to find guys like him in the NHL who act as a rock in the locker-room, as well as the community. The Penguins have enough depth to replace Talbot's production, and his role on the ice, and will be able to do so at a cheaper price. Max Talbot may be a one of a kind guy, but he is not a one of a kind hockey player, and Ray Shero will have to consider whether his character traits are enough to warrant spending the $1 million cap hit, or if saving money would benefit the Penguins in the long run. It would be shocking if Talbot decides to stay with the team for less, because he's done nothing to deserve a pay cut. If he does decide to take less, then it is clear how much this team and city means to Max Talbot.
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