Pittsburgh Penguins: 5 Pens That Provided Unexpected Value

Matt Nikanen – Pittsburgh Penguins Defenseman (2010-2014)

Niskanen, a former first round pick with the Dallas Stars, was viewed as a bust by many around the league and especially in Dallas when Pittsburgh acquired him. He can be considered a throw-in on a deal that brought James Neal to Pittsburgh in exchange for Alex Goligoski. The Pens saw Niskanen as someone who could help occupy minutes on the blue line in Goligoski’s absence. Or, was there more to what they saw?

Over the course of Niskanen’s first few weeks in Pittsburgh many thought, this guy actually isn’t that bad. But, even then, Pens’ fans didn’t know exactly what they got in the unproven defenseman.

He went on to help solidify the Pittsburgh blue line and turned out to be one of the more steady hands on that unit. He showed his offensive ability on a nightly basis and was very solid defensively throughout his remaining time with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He provided nice depth at the point on the power play unit as well.

Niskanen moved on to the Washington Capitals for much more money than the Pittsburgh Penguins could afford to give him at the time. Is he worth the $5.75 million annual cap hit he carries? That’s obviously debatable. What isn’t debatable though, is the value he provided Pittsburgh over the course of his four seasons with the Pens.

Next: Pascal Dupuis