Post by PensGM on May 30, 2003 9:50:23 GMT -5
Pittsburgh, PA(AP)
The Penguins had seemingly just been laying dormant in the offseason. A good draft adding some game ready players. Adding a couple of seasoned vets and resigning an important defensive cog. A quick conversation with the Boston Bruins GM and the Penguins have made their biggest splash of the offseason.
The Penguins reacquired defensive stalwart Scott Stevens and centerman Greg Johnson with a 5th round pick from the Boston Bruins for defensman Dan McGillis, prospect Martin Podlesak and a 4th round pick.
"I hadn't even thought about Scott since the end of last year." GM Bachul started. "I didn't intend to get in any bidding wars on any players. Once you get expensive players in the BRHL trying to move them is like trying to give away the plague. When I noticed that Scott was being offered up, I figured that it would be worthwhile to take a look at. Jesse(Bruins GM) and I got to talking and it only took about 10-15 minutes to get the deal done. I guess the key to the deal was not only getting Scott Stevens but picking up Greg Johnson as well. He is a very solid asset, giving our club some of the best depth at center in the league."
GM Bachul was then asked about team philosophy with rumours swirling that Aaron Miller was on the move. "Aaron is a great player but we have set a benchmark for what we determine his value to be. If someone comes up with an offer for ANY player whether it is Cechmanek, Madden, Carter or anyone on our club that we deem will help our cause then we will obviously consider all of our options. Our goal every year is to be very competitive and contend on a regular basis. This team had salaries that were extremely high and we had to pare it down to something reasonable. Since we have done that we aren't anxious to make tons of moves but we could use one or two more players to round out the roster. We have entered into talks with a few teams about acquiring a scoring winger, and we will see where it goes."
The Penguins had seemingly just been laying dormant in the offseason. A good draft adding some game ready players. Adding a couple of seasoned vets and resigning an important defensive cog. A quick conversation with the Boston Bruins GM and the Penguins have made their biggest splash of the offseason.
The Penguins reacquired defensive stalwart Scott Stevens and centerman Greg Johnson with a 5th round pick from the Boston Bruins for defensman Dan McGillis, prospect Martin Podlesak and a 4th round pick.
"I hadn't even thought about Scott since the end of last year." GM Bachul started. "I didn't intend to get in any bidding wars on any players. Once you get expensive players in the BRHL trying to move them is like trying to give away the plague. When I noticed that Scott was being offered up, I figured that it would be worthwhile to take a look at. Jesse(Bruins GM) and I got to talking and it only took about 10-15 minutes to get the deal done. I guess the key to the deal was not only getting Scott Stevens but picking up Greg Johnson as well. He is a very solid asset, giving our club some of the best depth at center in the league."
GM Bachul was then asked about team philosophy with rumours swirling that Aaron Miller was on the move. "Aaron is a great player but we have set a benchmark for what we determine his value to be. If someone comes up with an offer for ANY player whether it is Cechmanek, Madden, Carter or anyone on our club that we deem will help our cause then we will obviously consider all of our options. Our goal every year is to be very competitive and contend on a regular basis. This team had salaries that were extremely high and we had to pare it down to something reasonable. Since we have done that we aren't anxious to make tons of moves but we could use one or two more players to round out the roster. We have entered into talks with a few teams about acquiring a scoring winger, and we will see where it goes."