Pittsburgh Penguins: What Do The Newcomers Have To Offer?

The Pittsburgh Penguins have added a lot of new faces in this offseason thus far, what qualities does each acquisition have to offer?

There was no been doubt that changes were coming as the Penguins try to capitalize on their remaining years in their Stanley Cup window.

Rutherford has addressed two of his biggest needs which were a left-handed defenseman and a top-six forward. It will be interesting whether the offseason is done for Rutherford or whether he utilizes the little cap space he has remaining.

The Penguins have added Kasperi Kapanen (TOR), Mark Jankowski (CGY),  Sceviour (FLA) and Michael Matheson (FLA).

Kasperi Kapanen

Kapanen brings several qualities the Penguins desired including speed and a quality shot. The Penguins are hoping Kapanen can slide right into a top-six role and be an immediate impact offensive producer.

While the former first-round pick — drafted by the Penguins — has some weaknesses, he does bring several qualities that the Penguins lacked and desperately desired.

The 24-year-old winger has 33 goals in the past two seasons and brings to the table similar qualities like Jason Zucker. It is interesting to note that Rutherford surrendered a first in both trades to do so.

There is no doubt that the Penguins have versatility, quickness and playmaking in their top-six.

 Mark Jankowski

Jankowski was a fine free-agent signing by the Penguins. He will likely slot in as the third-line center. While he is not a very strong offensive player or playmaker, he brings an element of discipline and defensive awareness.

The former first-round pick is a very strong defensive player and is incredibly disciplined. He can hold his own — plus more — as the anchor of the third line.

It is paramount for a team like the Penguins to have a strong third-line who can be depended on defensively and in the key times of the game.

Colton Sceviour

Sceviour was actually a decent depth signing for the Penguins, he is an above-average fourth-liner who can provide steady production while still being able to avoid being exposed defensively.

He is a strong offensive contributor, but he lacks the shooting talent to make a considerable difference.

In order for him to thrive in Pittsburgh and reach top value, I think he needs to be on a line with someone who can execute and put the puck in the net.

Michael Matheson

This trade never made sense because the Penguins didn’t have a lack of depth on the left side. Riikola is an above-average third-pairing defenseman on a cheap contract.

In essence, the Penguins brought in a lesser value third-pairing defenseman with a more lucrative contract with term.

However, Matheson is a decent two-way defenseman who has a good shot and is good in transition. His transition metrics display he is a high-end defenseman for entering the zone.

The Bottom Line

Each Penguin brings a different and valued element to the table. They all are depth acquisitions and provide the Penguins with some additional value.

The Penguins should be encouraged with the reformation of their depth. It is the pinnacle for every team to have some depth.

The question or not is whether these acquisitions are enough for the Penguins to avoid getting their bubble bursted once again.