The Pittsburgh Penguins only have one unrestricted free agent on the blue line to account for ahead of 2025 NHL free agency - Matt Grzelcyk.
Among Grzelcyk's contracts, his richest contract came in his prime with the Boston Bruins, a 4-year, $14.75M deal worth $3.69M per year.
His one year deal with the Penguins last season was $2.75M, but with his resurgence in offensive production as well as displaying competency in quarterbacking a power play, he's set to make over $3M in free agency at minimum.
With the Penguins acquiring Connor Clifton from the Sabres, the Penguins are due to pay $3.33M this year for a defensive defenseman. The Penguins are still due to pay Erik Karlsson seven figures and Ryan Graves...yeah we won't talk about that number.
The bottom line is that Grzelcyk might be the odd man out of the returning defensemen. Again, being the only unrestricted free agent, his likelihood of signing back is unlikely.
He'll also be turning 32 midway through this season, so does it really make sense to give him a multi-year deal after a career year? Probably not.
Gryz had 39 assists and a goal in a fully healthy season where he played in all 82 games for Pittsburgh. Reliability is very valuable, that's not in question. What poses a concern is how long he can sustain it.
There will undoubtedly be teams taking a look at him in free agency. I could see the Carolina Hurricanes making a bid for him. Even a team like Anaheim that seems to be on the rise could toss well over $3M a year at Grzelcyk.
What to do?
There are arguments for keeping Grzelcyk, and there are arguments to let him walk.
My suggestion to the Penguins would be to offer him a 1-year, $3M deal, a slight increase from last season. Keeping him around to be used as a trade candidate would be a smart move, especially with how we've seen Kyle Dubas manage his assets in the last year.
If another team makes him a more compelling offer, then let it be, but don't go chasing him if the number is over that $3M mark. Perhaps Grzelcyk enjoyed his time in Pittsburgh enough to take a bit of a discount.
Plus, he did have the best offensive year of his career. He might not want to switch up the mojo. It's a decision you let him make. Make an offer, and let Grzelcyk choose his path. He'd be welcomed back with open arms, but if he walks, nobody would be offended.