Penguins Update: Behind-the-Curve Grumble
Hey all. Just noticed news of a free-agent signing by the Cup-champion Panthers from nine days ago that stirred my dander and set my blood a boilin’. (Yes, news travels slooooowly in this neck of the Penguins Nation woods.) I could’ve easily added my diatribe as a comment to my most recent article, but instead decided to make it a full-fledged rant.
The transaction that’s peeved me so? Panthers POHO/GM Bill Zito (now there’s a genius) inking defenseman Jaycob Megna to a one-year, two-way contract for the bargain-basement price of $775K.
Why does this tick me off? After all, Megna (not to be confused with his brother and former Pen Jayson) is a 31-year-old journeyman who’s suited up for four teams during an NHL career that only began in earnest in 2017-18.
Just this. When Erik Karlsson enjoyed his breakout, 25-goal, 101-point season with the Sharks a couple years back, guess who served as his partner? (I’ll give you five guesses and the first four don’t count.)
Yep.
Megna.
Correction. Make that the 6’6” 220-pound, shot-blocking, crease-clearing Megna.