Pittsburgh Penguins: Phil Kessel Acquired, Sergei Plotnikov Signed, What’s Next?
It’s been quite the productive day for the Pittsburgh Penguins. First, the Pens acquired superstar sniper Phil Kessel from the Toronto Maple Leafs. Then, they landed Sergei Plotnikov, whom we assumed would be signed today based on previous reports. With a barrage of other acquisitions for depth purposes, you’d think the Pens were about done, right?
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Well, think again. Pittsburgh Penguins GM Jim Rutherford stated that he wasn’t done in an interview following what had already transpired today. He specifically said that he’s looking to add another wing, as well as a fourth line center, and he believes that those acquisitions can occur today.
Prior to the start of free agency, it was reported that the Pens were interested in Mike Santorelli. He’s still available as I write this, and considering what the Pittsburgh Penguins currently have at the center position, he makes total sense.
Barring a Brandon Sutter trade, the Pens currently have Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Sutter down the middle with Oskar Sundqvist expected to make a case for himself on the NHL roster. Santorelli is a versatile center that can also play either wing position. Rutherford stated that he wanted to add players that could also play in the AHL in case his young prospects earn a spot, but what about adding someone that can simply slide to wing?
I’m not sure what the final price will be on Santorelli. But, if it makes sense under the cap, this could be a move to watch for.
Rutherford also said that he wasn’t looking for another top-six wing, as he feels that Plotnikov can fill that role. They do however need to fill out the bottom-six. I see the current roster looking something like this.
Perron – Crosby – Kessel
Plotnikov – Malkin – Hornqvist
Kunitz – Sutter – Dupuis
XXXX – Sundqvist – Bennett
Of course, you can swap Kessel and Hornqvist, but for the sake of looking at how things shake out, that gives you a good idea. At first impression, that’s a pretty serious lineup. Scoring depth throughout, just like Rutherford said he would shoot for.
That LW spot on the fourth line could be filled by Connor Sheary, who signed a new NHL deal with the Pens today, or another player from the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins. Or, if the Pens do sign Santorelli and Sunqvist is NHL ready, Santorelli could occupy that spot.
I wouldn’t expect any other blockbuster moves this summer. At this point it’s about managing cap and filling in depth. Will Rutherford be able to unload Rob Scuderi‘s cap in a trade? If not, we’re likely looking at Scuderi making $3.375 million to be a seventh defenseman. I guess you can’t win them all.
Next: Jim Rutherford's Patience Paying Dividends this Summer