Bill Guerin and Ruslan Fedotenko

Many fans seem to be debating the merits of Bill Guerin and Ruslan Fedotenko. Let's examine how they might fit for next season.

Guerin is the ying to Crosby's yang. He's the perfect compliment to Sid. Sid is about as pass-first a superstar (he refuses to shoot unless it's after a 'spinerella' - thanks Errey - or he's standing in the crease) as we've seen. Guerin fires the puck at every opportunity. He's also very calm with the puck and above average at protecting it. He also brings veteran leadership, savvy and tough-nosed play when it's needed. So what's the problem. Guerin is 38. That's about the age that Gary Roberts, a comparable player, started declining. If he plays like he did in the playoffs over the course of this next season, he's a bargain at anything 3 million or under. But he can't do that. Age will catch up to him. Guerin can play 2-3 months of hard, fast hockey at this point in his career. I'd let him sign with a bottom feeder, mentor young players, and get him at the trade deadline again if we are in position for another cup run and he looks to be still a useful player. Signing him to a one-year 3 million contract or a two-year 4 million contract just does not seem like a wise move. If he signs, Guerin will frustrate many fans this season.

Fedotenko I'm a little warmer to. He is in the prime of his career, scores 20 goals in a healthy season and brings a physical element to his game when he's not scoring, something Sykora never did. Unfortunately, Fedotenko floats quite often during the regular season. He does, however, bring it in the playoffs. He would be wise to accept the three-year 7.2 million deal that Pittsburgh has been rumored to be willing to offer. He, by merit of this team's cap struggles, would be a top six winger alongside two of the five best players in the world for the next three years.

However, cup teams tend to fall off the next year. Championship teams are comprised of humans, and thus they are only human themselves. There will be a let-up at some point next year. Sid and Bylsma will have this team in the playoffs, though; I don't doubt that. However, new blood will be a good thing for the Penguins. Detroit lost the cup even though they added Hossa, proving luck, chemistry and drive are the things that win cups, not skill.

The Penguins will need to continue to add cheap, tough and speedy wingers to play next to Crosby and Malkin. With their salaries, that's all the team can afford. Guerin and Fedotenko were nice pieces in a cup run, but anyone with heart and a will to win is good enough to play with Crosby and Malkin and continue to win in Pittsburgh. Crosby and Malkin can handle the rest themselves.