Pittsburgh Penguins: Who should stay and who should go

The unrestricted free agent list for the Pittsburgh Penguins isn’t very long, but at least 1 player will bring up some sleep free nights for the Penguins brass. The 3 players in question are Justin Schultz, Conor Sheary, and the veteran Patrick Marleau. All 3 come with substantial marks, but also, all 3 come with question marks and gaping holes.

Starting with Schultz, we find a defender that has lost his job and never got it back. If he wants the same deal of just over $5 million, he needs to be traded to the first suitor that comes around. The Pens defense has been in question at times, and typically when he has been on the ice. There comes a time when everyone must say goodbye, and unfortunately for him, that time is now.

Up next, Conor Sheary. The long time Penguin took a short vacation before coming back this winter. Now, he needs to square up the same deal that was made for him the last time he was here. Sheary is the type of player you either love or hate. He’s a grinder that doesn’t play pretty but next to Sid on line 1, has gotten the job done.

Pittsburgh Penguins: Who should stay and who should go

He is now 28 years old but still has a few hockey years left in him. If the Penguins can get him for something under $3 million, I say do it. After all, you don’t trade a top winger for an old friend just to let him go. Finally, that leads up to one of the NHL’s iron men, Patrick Marleau.

Once you’ve gotten to the stage in life where Marleau is, you can somewhat choose what you want to do. Right now, he’s playing on a league-minimum deal and will most likely get that same deal offered back. It’s 100% unlikely that he gets more than another 1-year contract, and if he wants to stay in Pittsburgh, then the Penguins should let him.