Pittsburgh Penguins: Quick Thoughts of This Week

The Pittsburgh Penguins offseason is coming to its close very soon.

It’s been an offseason of additions and losses, but theres still time to do more. As always, Penguins hockey is on my mind and there is always something to talk about.

This week, there have been a number of quick thoughts passing through my mind.

Pittsburgh Penguins

1) We need to move in on a third line centre soon.

The Pittsburgh Penguins number one priority this offseason has been to replace Nick Bonino. After Bonino signed with the Nashville predators as a free agent, his third line centre role instantly became the Penguins main hole.

There have been a number of candidates floating around. Jordan Staal, Matt Duchene and Tyler Bozak have been the top three names for leading candidates. Out of the three, it looks like Bozak is our best bet. With preseason about a month away, the Penguins need to get a deal done.

2) This third line centre could be picked up using Olli Maatta

I talked about this earlier this week, but it looks like Olli Maatta can be the expendable piece to use to acquire a third line centre. Whether it be Tyler Bozak, Jordan Staal or Matt Duchene, Olli Maatta is the young defenceman that can draw a high calibre out from these rebuilding teams.

3) Zach Aston-Reese is looking very interesting

The more I look at Zach Aston-Reese, the more I love his potential. He was the leading goal scorer in the NCAA this past season and was also tied for the point lead.

Two college players that made an impact on our current Penguins are Jake Guentzel and Conor Sheary, who both play wing to Sidney Crosby. If Aston-Reese can come close to what they’ve accomplished, if not more, I’d be satisfied.

4) I can’t wait for hockey

Ending my thoughts on a lighter note here. Preseason hockey is only a month away. This offseason has felt so long and I for one am ready for the season to start. Let’s go for that three-peat.