Pens just aren't the same team without those key depth guys: Bonino, Kunitz, and Cullen. Wish there was a way they could have kept Bonino, in particular -- he's awesome on the PK, plus his willingness to block shots is borderline masochistic. Cullen seemed dead-set on finishing his career in his home state of Minnesota, but he brought experience and savvy to the 4th line. Kunitz' physical presence is still a void the team hasn't really filled. He wasn't so much a goon or an enforcer -- rather, he was an offensive thumper, occupying defenders and creating space for the offense to operate.
Losing Trevor Daley also hurts some, but the acquisition of Jamie Oleksiak from Dallas is one of the better moves the team has made since July 1. He's been a much better addition than Matt Hunwick (get well soon, Chad Ruwhedel).
And then there are the long-term injuries to other solid guys like Bryan Rust, Ian Cole, and Justin Schultz.
Bear with me for a moment while I get on my soapbox to talk about Kris Letang. His best years are behind him, even though he's still relatively in his prime (in hockey years). He must have made the All-Star team because of fan votes, because he sure as hell didn't earn that spot from his on-ice play this year. Pens proved this past spring they didn't need him to win the cup, and we're fast approaching that time of year where he'll get injured and miss 4-6 weeks (yet again). Then there's his contract, which accounts for 10% of the team's cap. Personally, I would have dealt Letang and freed up the cap space to keep Bonino instead.
As much as I'd love to see them 3-peat, I just don't think they have the horses to go deep in the playoffs this year.
