Pittsburgh Penguins Free Agency: Pens Should Look to the Rangers for Offer Sheet Targets
There has been speculation that the Pittsburgh Penguins could use an offer sheet to replenish their young group of wingers. One of the names initially mentioned was JT Miller, but Miller might not be the only New York Ranger targeted by the Pens.
The Rangers have three significant offensive players that are restricted free agents: JT Miller, Derek Stepan and Carl Hagelin.
Stepan is due for a huge raise somewhere in the $6 million range and seems to be the top priority for the Rangers. According to the New York Post, the Rangers will have only around $12 million in cap space before signing any free agents and thus only about $6 million after Stepan is paid. If $3.4 million per year was offered to both Miller and Hagelin in the form of an offer sheet, the Rangers would have some major decisions to make, since they are so close to the cap ceiling.
The approximate $3.4 million number is significant as it is the highest amount that can be offered to a restricted free agent before 2nd round compensation turns into a 1st AND 3rd rounder, if matched.
The tricky part for the Pittsburgh Penguins is that they traded away their 2016 second round pick when they acquired Daniel Winnik from the Toronto Maple Leafs. But, with trades likely over the next few weeks, it isn’t far-fetched to assume that they can move back into that round. Especially considering that they now have three third round picks to use in packaged deals.
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Either of these players would be a steal for a 2nd rounder as the offer sheet would have tenure and a reasonable cap hit. They are both young as well, Miller is 22 and Hagelin is 26, which is exactly what the Pens are desperate to obtain. From a scoring perspective, both players produce nearly half of a point per game without any power play time at all. Miller’s age probably makes him the better target of the two, but Hagelin’s speed on a line with Sidney Crosby would be unfair.
Additionally, these actions would remove young, skilled assets from our division rivals in the process. Offer sheets can be extended starting July 1st – the same day as free agency opens – so buckle up, the next couple of weeks should be exciting.
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