Pittsburgh Penguins Free Agency: To Sign or Not to Sign?

Apr 16, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist (30) makes a save on a shot by Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Steve Downie (23) during the first period of game one of the first round of the the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Steve Downie

Downie, unlike Comeau, likely won’t require a raise this season.  His production was good for a player of his nature, but his untimely penalties became an issue for this team down the stretch of the regular season.

That being said, I would lock Downie into another one-year deal at the same $1 million cap hit as quickly as possible.  That is, if he’s willing, of course.

Mike Johnston seemed to sour on Downie late in the year.  But, he held his own physically against the New York Rangers in round one while also controlling his temper for the most part.  I felt a sense of calm throughout the team that likely spiraled downhill from Johnston, and Downie is one of the players it impacted.  Aside from a bad penalty early in the series, he was good.

I will be shocked if Downie isn’t a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins next season.