Pittsburgh Penguins long-time forward Chris Kunitz may be on the move once free agency hits on July 1st.
Chris Kunitz, who has been a part of the Pittsburgh Penguins since 2008-09, has helped the team become successful in so many ways. Whether it being Sidney Crosby’s long-time linemate or coming clutch at the right moment’s, Kunitz has contributed to the team’s success ever since he arrived.
Pittsburgh Penguins
That all may be over now. As Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette explains, “Agent Ben Hankinson, who represents Kunitz, said he’s fielded calls from as many as 10 teams with a legitimate shot at knocking off the Penguins next season, all interested in signing Kunitz.”
Interest in Chris Kunitz could complicate his return to the Penguins https://t.co/C6myC87yxA pic.twitter.com/0DETi2tQW3
— Post-Gazette Sports (@PGSportsNow) June 29, 2017
There seems to definitely be interest in Chris Kunitz from other teams. Frankly, the Penguins may also not be the most interested team of the crop.
Losing Interest
The Pittsburgh Penguins may be losing interest in Chris Kunitz quicker than most teams, and there is reasoning for it. Although Kunitz may be an important part of our core, at 37 years old, he has definitely slown down.
This past season was his worst full offensive season. Scoring only 29 points in 71 games, it is clear to see that he is not the same player he once was. After all, Crosby has even found newer and younger linemates in Conor Sheary and Jake Guentzel.
Kunitz is still a great player, but with the amount of free agent’s we have to sign, it is looking like the vet is one of the most expendable players on our roster. If need be, he will have to go. At this point, he shouldn’t be too difficult to replace either.