This past summer, plenty of Penguins fans were clamoring for a tear down. Let Geno, Tanger and the other free agents walk. Start rebuilding through the draft.
If only it were that simple. Yes, once upon a time the Pens constructed the foundation for two generations of Stanley Cup champions through the draft. But don’t forget…we were fortunate enough to select supernovas Mario Lemieux, Jaromir Jagr, Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. Even then it took time and some adroit trades and free-agent signings by GMs Eddie Johnston, Craig Patrick, Ray Shero and Jim Rutherford to complete the championship puzzle.