Despite countless changes this offseason, the Pittsburgh Penguins should be open to more moves. With training camp inching closer, the Penguins could be in a tough spot when the season rolls around with their current roster. They should consider adding another piece or two in free agency to help balance out their lineup. Things just aren't as balanced as you would prefer to see right now.
This club is in a tough spot as they try to find future stars to infuse into a lineup of veterans who are trying to compete for playoff success.
The likelihood of both of those pathways for this season working out remains low, like it failed last year. If Pittsburgh wants to compete, they must strengthen their roster with some free agent additions, otherwise they could sink into the depths of the division standings.
Pittsburgh Penguins could add some last minute additions in free agency to boost their lineup
Ian Cole, Defenseman
Perhaps a familiar face could help some of the question marks currently sitting on the left side of the defense. Right now, the Penguins only have Samuel Girard as the only reliable left-handed player on the back end, with Trevor Van Reimsdyk being a potential option to play on his opposite side.
That leaves one glaring hole still open, and it would be best if they considered having two left-handed defensemen join the fold.
One interesting name still available in free agency is Ian Cole. He notably won back-to-back Stanley Cups with the Penguins before enjoying a solid post-Pittsburgh career. He doesn't do anything flashy, but for a bottom pairing guy, he would be a solid last-minute addition. Cole had some issues with the prior coaching staff in Pittsburgh, but with that situation altered, Cole could always return.
Eeli Tolvanen, Winger
Bringing another free agent winger onto the Penguins depth chart probably doesn't make much sense for now. With that said, if they were to consider signing someone in free agency, Eeli Tolvanen makes the most sense. He is still a young player who is entering the prime of his NHL career.
He shouldn't cost much to sign, and he could provide a massive payoff if he finally lives up to expectations.
Pittsburgh has a crowded group of forwards as they approach training camp, and that could only become worse if some younger players show their skills. Tolvanen is someone who fits what the Penguins have looked for recently. A low-risk addition who is a former first round pick, and potentially some untapped potential. Tolvanen is someone the Penguins could be willing to take a risk on.
Carson Soucy, Defenseman
He might not be at the top of everyone's list to add in free agency, but Carson Soucy could be a decent signing. The free agent defenseman is coming off an up-and-down portion of his NHL career, and a rebound spot like Pittsburgh could make sense. He is more of a defensive defenseman than anything, and that is exactly the type of player the Penguins should be searching for.
You could argue that the addition of Soucy doesn't fix their woes on the left side of the defense, but he would provide strong competition for the bottom pair. He has shown the ability to eat large minutes throughout his career despite his recent stumbles. Although the possible signing of Soucy wouldn't get many excited, he could be a nice quiet fix to their alarming defensive concerns.
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