Pittsburgh Penguins: Free Agency Nears – 5 Options for the Pens in a Weak Market
The Pittsburgh Penguins haven’t given up on acquiring a big name top-six winger via trade. Talks continue with Toronto for Phil Kessel, and T.J. Oshie remains someone of interest for Jim Rutherford and staff. But, it’s time to start looking at the free agency market as well to fill voids.
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The toughest part about free agency this summer is that the Pittsburgh Penguins are quickly being priced out of contention for any real impact players. With the recent contracts given to mid-level UFA’s like Carl Soderberg and Mike Fisher, the price is going to sky rocket for the Drew Stafford‘s of the world.
This simply means that the Pens will need to be smart, and not focus on making a splash when July 1 rolls around. If there’s a trade made before then, obviously the mindset changes and you have to plan accordingly based on what you’ve received and forfeited. However, if you look at what’s available right now, the Pens have few options that are realistic given their current cap space and needs.
On the following slides we’ll discuss a few of the best options for the Pittsburgh Penguins this summer. This is an updated list from when I originally touched on this topic, as we now have a good idea of who will still be on the market. Keep in mind, these aren’t in order of best to worst or vice versa, but just a look at five options that make a lot of sense for this team.
Dec 27, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center
Sidney Crosby(87) and Washington Capitals right wing
Eric Fehr(16) battle for a loose puck during the second period at the CONSOL Energy Center. Washington won 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Eric Fehr
Whether you follow me on Twitter at @Michael29Angelo or simply read my work here, you’ll know that I’m very high on Fehr as a replacement for Brandon Sutter in 2015-16. There’s a reason why he was on this list earlier in the offseason, and still remains today.
The likelihood of Sutter getting traded is growing by the day. I’m confident in saying that any major trade will have to include number 16 in the return. So, assuming that, there were two centers that I was very high on as possibilities for the Pens. Now, it’s down to one as the Colorado Avalanche wrapped up a deal with Carl Soderberg after trading a sixth round draft pick for his negotiating rights.
Fehr had similar point production as Sutter last season, but made close to $2 million less. He’s more responsible defensively and still provides the same offensive potential. He’ll obviously require a raise, but if Sutter is moved he’s a guy that they need to jump on quickly to determine the cost of ownership.
Fehr finished 2014-15 with 33 points (19g, 14a). Also, his HERO chart is below, courtesy of ownthepuck.blogspot.ca, which shows that he produces similar to a second line center in most areas.
Jan 5, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman
Olli Maatta(3) and center
Brian Gibbons(49) battle Winnipeg Jets right wing
Michael Frolik(67) for the puck during the first period at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Penguins won 6-5. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Michael Frolik
Frolik is a name that has circulated since the Pittsburgh Penguins were first eliminated from playoff contention, and he’s another mainstay on my list.
A new report from Josh Yohe from DKonPittsburghSports.Com suggests that the Pens are indeed eyeing Frolik for the start of free agency in a few days. While he isn’t the dynamic scorer that some are hoping for this summer, he is a very solid two-way winger that can produce adequately alongside good players.
Frolik is coming off a 42-point season (19g, 23a) with the Winnipeg Jets. As Yohe stated in his piece, he has only missed one game in the past two seasons, so his durability and reliability are obviously very important traits to a team that seems cursed by injury year-after-year.
One thing to consider, despite the fact that the Pens see him as a cheaper option than other potential suiters on the market, he’s going to get around $5 million per season. The Pittsburgh Penguins can afford him, and it would be beneficial as there are no forfeited assets, but he’s far from a sure thing to fill their top-six void. If it doesn’t work out, he’ll have a hefty contract to deal with.
Also, according to Frank Seravalli of TSN, Montreal is currently at the top of his list as a possible destination.
Michael Frolik has Montreal atop his list for UFA destinations, according to @renlavoietva.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) June 29, 2015
While I understand the draw to Frolik, and I believe he’s good option, the Pens will need to be very careful about cost and term.
May 9, 2015; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens right wing
P.A. Parenteau(15) shoots on Tampa Bay Lightning goalie
Ben Bishop(30) during the second period in game five of the second round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports
P.A. Parenteau
With his recent buyout from Montreal, Parenteau will hit the free agent market. But, if someone is being bought out, does that mean they’re no longer effective?
In the case of Parenteau, no. He’s a player that can still contribute, and could potentially be a 20-25 goal scorer for Pens. One of the most intriguing things about him is that he’ll come cheap, as his stock is obviously quite low following a buyout. How does his production look?
While I don’t believe he’s the ultimate answer to needing a top-six wing, he could move up and down the lineup and provide depth at a cheap cost. Considering his production, which stays consistent in a second line role, he’d be a welcome addition and someone that could pan out the way Blake Comeau did last season before breaking his wrist.
Obviously, this isn’t a splash acquisition by any means. But, for a team that severely needs to add talent to their bottom-six as well, kicking the tires on Parenteau’s asking price is a no-brainer.
Apr 17, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Capitals defenseman
Mike Green(52) checks New York Islanders left wing
Matt Martin(17) in front of Capitals goalie
Philipp Grubauer(31) in the first period in game two of the first round of the the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Mike Green
Mike Green is an interesting name to watch this summer, as he’s a big name that’s due for a decrease in salary due to his recent drop in production. Some will point to his stats and argue that he maintained his normal expectations. However, he was in a third-pairing role for much of the season and faced a lower quality of competition.
However, Green is far from done in the NHL and other teams know this, so the price for his services could skyrocket. If that’s the case, then why put him on this list?
Rob Rossi confirmed on TribLive Radio that Derrick Pouliot was indeed a piece of Jim Rutherford’s package to acquire the services of Phil Kessel. Without getting too in-depth about my opinion on that trade, I’ll simply say that if Pouliot is available via trade the Pittsburgh Penguins need to fill that spot, and they don’t have an internal candidate that can do it.
Green is one of the best defensemen on the market this summer, and he’s someone that the Pens will need to consider if Pouliot is moved.
Apr 22, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman
Paul Martin(7) shoots as New York Rangers center
Derek Stepan(21) and defenseman
Ryan McDonagh(27) and goalie
Henrik Lundqvist(30) defend the net during the first period in game four of the first round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the CONSOL Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Paul Martin
That’s right, I’m officially beginning my Paul Martin back to Pittsburgh chant.
I know, the Pittsburgh Penguins are invested in their youth, and I’ve been one of the many screaming for it to happen. But, again, what if Pouliot gets traded? What if Kris Letang isn’t able to stay healthy?
The truth is, there are better options out there like Cody Franson. But, he is going to start a bidding war that the Pens just can’t get involved in. Paul Martin is also reportedly drawing interest from half the league as we near the opening of free agency, but at his age the price will likely stick in the $5 million range. The issue here is term.
If the Pens can sign Martin to a 2-year deal worth $5 million annually, I say it’s a no-brainer. It isn’t likely, but I’m going to remain hopeful that if Pouliot is on the market, there’s a backup plan like Martin or Green in the works.
Next: Pens Sign Ian Cole to a 3-Year Extension Worth $2.1 million annually