Despite Kyle Dubas saying the Penguins wouldn't be super active in free agency, that's not to say they'll be silent. Just after the noon opening, the Penguins signed Parker Wotherspoon, former Bruins and Islanders defenseman.
Wotherspoon will be 28 when the 2025-26 season begins. He is a former 4th round pick of the New York Islanders in 2015. He made his NHL debut for the Isles in 2022-23, then played his last two seasons with Boston.
The deal is for 2 years at $1M a year. He's not an offensive defenseman by any means. Last year he logged just seven points (one goal, six assists) in 55 games for the Bruins.
However, for a third pairing defenseman, Wotherspoon plays very solid defense - a trend Kyle Dubas seems to be favoring this offseason. With the Penguins being one of the most inept defensive teams last season, this signing seems to be in response to that.
Parker Wotherspoon, signed 2x$1M by PIT, is a two-way third-pairing defenceman who did very very well in that role for the Bruins all things considered. Maybe gets a chance at a bigger role with the Penguins. #LetsGoPens pic.twitter.com/pWHCKxr5kY
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) July 1, 2025
This signing comes shortly after the Penguins traded for Connor Clifton and traded away Conor Timmins. With P.O. Joseph not being given a qualifying offer as a restricted free agent, Dubas seems to be seeking outside help to patch up the blue line. Expect more of these types of signings for Pittsburgh.
This move might have implications on what happens with Matt Grzelcyk, who is the one unrestricted free agency among the Penguins defense.
Penguins fans seem to like this move, and Bruins fans are softly upset that he's gone. What do you think about this signing? Let us know on Twitter/X @PensLabyrinthFS, and tell us who you'd like to see the Pittsburgh Penguins sign as the free agency frenzy continues.