Top 5 Ex - Penguins

By Caitlin Boyer (@trubluePensfan)

When a guy plays for your team for a certain amount of time you grow attached to them be it they are a stellar player or they have a great personality one way or another a tiny part of you grows to admire them. But then the worst comes to pass they leave the Penguins team if it is by trade or by free agency and part of you dies with their leaving, maybe you even tear up a little.

The following is a list of former penguins in the past 10 years who left a scar on my heart with their departure from Pittsburgh, and why the Pens miss them in more ways than one.

5. Jussi Jokinen

Another player whom was acquired by trade Jokinen came to the Pens from the Calgary Flames in 2012 He played for the Penguins up until the end of spring 2014. A winger for Sid is what everyone thought when we acquired Jokinen and that he was a decent winger for not a horrible price. A world championship winner twice as well as Olympic medalist, Jokinen was lost to free agency. On the list because of his skill and because of the puns that were born out of his time as a Penguin.

4. Billy Guerin

Another key piece to the cup win in 2009 and a bit of a brawler. Guerin came to the Penguins for a conditional pick in 2009. He was not a regular contributor to goals but more so an enforcer protecting the likes of Both Crosby and Malkin. He was not offered a new contract in 2010 by current GM Ray Shero . Another slip up by Shero as GM, whether you agree with this statement or not it wasn't the best move. Currently assistant general manager of the Penguins . Billy G is on the list for his positive attitude and ability to protect players and the puck.

3. Paul Martin

All American hero and solid defenseman Paul Martin was a Penguin from 2010 -2015

A solid defenseman and a real character as well as an Olympian in both 2006 and 2007. Martin had 19 goals over 297 games played as a Penguin. More impressive his tally at assists,109 assists over the same game span as previously listed. That’s approximately 3 assists per game played. The Penguins lack depth on the blue and although we are slowly trying to correct the issue Paul Martin will still be missed for his presence there.

2 . Max Talbot

Affectionately known as Talbo to the fan base Max Talbot played for the Penguins from 2004-2011 when he left the Penguins after not being able to reach an agreement on new terms for a contract. A third or fourth line center with grit is how I’d describe Talbot. Not afraid to defend his team mates are call out other players for questionable actions. Talbot is most known for his sense of humor , being besties with Marc Andre Fleury and most importantly his happy go lucky attitude. Talbot would be an upgrade from Porter, here’s hoping fate brings him back to the steel city.

Honorable mentions

There are two players in particular that didn't quite make the list but left a scar on my heart none the less Sergei Gonchar and James Neal . Now some of you may be thinking why is Neal an honorable mention. Well first of all I don't love him as a player he may be a decent player but his locker room dynamic did nothing for me and he negates a lot of his scoring in my mind by taking dumb penalties way to often. However when I look past this he did score goals and contribute to scoring in several different areas which is an important part of being party of the team. But the return we got for him Hornqvist helps fill the gap that was left therefore I don't miss him nearly as much as some his scoring ability earns him an honorable mention.

Second we have The original Russian bear Sergei Gonchar two -time Olympic medal winner and a Penguin for two years in 2008 and 2009 helping the Pens lift the cup to spite personal injury . He one of many pieces that lead us to lift lord Stanley. As well as in many ways taking Malkin under his wing when Geno first joined the league. Current developmental coach for the Pens Gonchar is on this list for his grit and continual contributions to the organization .

1 . Pascal Dupuis

Where do I even start with Duper? A much loved player, who many will always cherish and hold a special place in our hearts for Duper . He can light up the room with just a smile. A Penguin by trade from the Atlanta thrashers in 2008. Until injury permanently sidelined him in November 2015. Dupuis is a left winger who just understood the play of Sidney Crosby and continually contributed to goals, and to the team in and out of the locker room. Announcing his retirement in November he was given a position in the front office and will hopefully continue to serve the organization for many years to come. Many including myself would say a part of them died the day he announced his retirement, but the majority of us understand family and health come first. Here’s to everything you have ever done for us Pascal and everything you will continue to do.

In conclusion, while I realize it is realistically impossible to keep every player that comes into your organization, there are just some players that for whatever reason leave an impression on you. For all those on the list and all those not listed thank you for your time as a Penguin you will not be forgotten, and for those still serving the organization in one way or another thank you.

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