Regarding the issue of an enforcer to ride shotgun on Sid’s line, it’s a great idea … in theory. You pointed out that Marty McSorley served (quite successfully) as Wayne Gretzky’s bodyguard. Our own Pierre Larouche had “Battleship” Kelly as his protector, while Mario Lemieux had—at various times—Warren Young, Terry Ruskowski, and Rick Tocchet to look after his well being.

Problem is, it’s a different game now. The instigator rule—which, ironically, was intended to protect stars like Sid from unwanted muggings—drastically reduced the players’ ability to police themselves. As a result, there’s been a dramatic increase in the type of head shots and dirty hits the league is now trying to outlaw.

Sadly, the rule also pretty much eliminated classic, fighting power forwards such as Kelly, Tocchet, and Gary Roberts from the game. There are only a handful of guys (Milan Lucic, Jerome Iginla, and ex-Pen Ryan Malone come to mind) like that in the league now. And that’s precisely the type of player Sid needs on his wing—a combative type who can play.

I’m still steamed at Ray Shero for letting Mike Rupp walk away this summer. While he’s obviously not in a class with Lucic, he could score some (22 goals in two seasons) and stand up for his mates. With the money Shero spent (wasted) on Steve MacIntyre and Richard Park, he could’ve signed Rupp, who wanted to stay in Pittsburgh.

Okay, that’s water under the bridge. Phil mentioned Asham and Engelland as possible protectors. Both are tough as nails and aren’t afraid of anyone. However, Engelland’s developed into a really solid NHL defenseman. You don’t want him fighting all the time—especially since it would leave the Pens a d-man short. Asham more closely fits the bill. But don’t kid yourself. Although “Ash” has some underrated skills, he’s never been more than a 10-15 goal guy, tops. He wouldn’t suddenly morph into James Neal.

Speaking of Neal, the guy I do think would fit the bill would be Chris Neil from Ottawa. He’s a bigger, scarier version of Asham, and I think he’d keep people off of Sid and contribute on the score sheet. Given the lack of love between Sens GM Bryan Murray and the Pens, I don’t know if a deal would be possible. Perhaps Tampa Bay would be willing to part with Steve Downie. Two years ago he scored 22 goals (with 208 penalty minutes). An under-the-radar guy is the Islanders’ Micheal Haley. Although he’s a bit undersized, this kid can really throw ‘em, and he’ll fight anyone, anytime. It’s no coincidence that the Isles have started winning since he was called up. However, his skill level is suspect.

I don’t know what the answer is. But I agree Shero needs to find someone who can provide some consistent protection for Sid.

Asham has won me over because he is willing to fight for his teammates and shows a lot of heart. I think he’d be perfect, especially since he wouldn’t be a one-dimensional goon. I’d like to see Malkin get more help from his teammates, too. (Speaking of which, I remember Crosby getting into a fight on Malkin’s behalf a couple seasons ago, but someone else should’ve been at least as eager to defend him.) MacIntyre and the way he’s been used have disappointed me.

I think if the Internet had been around when Gretzky was playing, he (and Lemieux, and others) would have been called all kinds of names.

Thanks for this. If only the Penguins organization would listen to some of our brilliant ideas, right?