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Pittsburgh Penguins: Looking at Top 9 Forwards in Free Agency

By Matthew Rodrigopulle

PITTSBURGH, PA - FEBRUARY 06: Vegas Golden Knights Right Wing James Neal (18) skates during the first period in the NHL game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Vegas Golden Knights on February 6, 2018, at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA. The Penguins defeated the Golden Knights 5-4. (Photo by Jeanine Leech/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - FEBRUARY 06: Vegas Golden Knights Right Wing James Neal (18) skates during the first period in the NHL game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Vegas Golden Knights on February 6, 2018, at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA. The Penguins defeated the Golden Knights 5-4. (Photo by Jeanine Leech/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Free agency is less than a month away, and for the Pittsburgh Penguins this means they can look to improve their roster.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have been looking to improve upon is their forward core over the course of this season. More specifically, the Penguins have been needing to add a top 9 forward who can help them find more success. Especially in the wake of Phil Kessel trade rumours, finding a top 9 forward is needed more than ever.

Luckily, there are quite a few options in this year’s free agency class. Let’s take a look at a few of these options and what they can bring to the Penguins.

James Neal

James Neal has had a magnificent year for the Vegas Golden Knights, scoring 25 goals and 19 assists in 71 games to help lead the Knights to a historic inaugural season. In the playoffs, he scored 11 points in 19 games so far to help take them to their first Stanley Cup Final.

We know what Neal’s all about. Back in the 2011-12 season he scored 40 goals and 41 assists while playing for the Penguins, instantly becoming a fan favourite and solidifying himself as a top forward in his own right. Although he has slowed down recently, he is still a viable second line winger and can bring a lot to a team.

Pittsburgh Penguins
Pittsburgh Penguins /

Pittsburgh Penguins

However, I can see Vegas trying to resign him after the Finals. They have a ton of cap space and he has proven to be valuable to their new team. He would be a crucial signing if we can get him though.

James Van Reimsdyk

JVR is arguably one of the top, consistent goal scoring wingers in the league right now. This season he put up 36 goals on the season, which is a career high for him. He is only 29-years-old and can bring a whole lot of skill to any top 6 he joins.

The issue is that JVR may be looking for a sizeable contract upgrade. He currently has a contract with an AAV of $4.25 million per year. He’ll be asking for a lot more, and I just don’t think the Penguins can dish that out right now.

Evander Kane

Kane had been finding his way around teams until he finally found a good place to call home in San Jose…well at least for a few months. He was a huge part of the Sharks Cup run this year, putting up five points in nine playoff games. He is skillful and wants to put his potential into a team that can win. That could be the Penguins.

Now Kane has had issues in the past and I am unsure as to how he might be if he came to Pittsburgh. One thing is certain though–we can use a lot of that skill up front.

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