The Pittsburgh Penguins and GM Kyle Dubas went into free agency without a goal. If they had a chance to upgrade the roster without a high price tag they would do it. Did they need to go all out and bring in elite names? No, but they did add a few names that could help them get back into the playoffs again. No bog names but players who fit their needs, not wants. Overall, it was a solid beginning to the free agency period.
Who are the new Penguins?
Three forwards and two defensemen are welcomed to Pittsburgh after day one. The biggest acquisition via trade was forward Nick Robertson, who was picked up from the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for a fourth-round pick. Last season, he produced 32 points in 78 games in a middle-six role. Robertson has a hard, yet accurate, shot, NHL speed, has high energy, and has a nonstop motor. A valuable pickup that could pay off immediately.
At the top of the free agent pickups was forward Andrei Kuzmenko, who spent last season with the Los Angeles Kings. A right-handed shot, he plays the off wing and is underrated in the offensive zone, combining a sneaky wrist shot with precise passing abilities. Kuzmenko is excellent on the power play, is a top-six forward, and can play anywhere in the lineup. The 1-year deal at $5 million is a great deal for both Kuzmenko and the Penguins because of Pittsburgh's need for scoring and Kuzmenko's ability to supply offense.
Defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk was signed in free agency to the tune of a two-year deal with an average annual value (AAV) of $4 million. The 6-foot-3 and 210-pound defenseman has played 751 games in the NHL over his career. A solid defenseman who is primarily a defense-first player but can throw in the odd point form time to time. He is a good shot blocker and excellent on the penalty kill. he should slot in on the third pairing but will play plenty in a penalty killing role.
Players also signed in free agency
These players could very well split time between Pittsburgh and the WIlkes-Barre/ Scranton Penguins of the American Hockey League (AHL). This includes center Atley Calvert and defenseman Declan Carlile. Calvert was signed to a two-year deal worth $1.8 million and Carlile was signed to a two-year deal worth $3 million. Calvert provides two-way play while Carlile is a good penalty killer and is smart defensively. They will be up and down all season between Pittsburgh and Wilkes-Barre/ Scranton.
Pittsburgh and Dubas did not need to make eye-popping moves. That was not the goal. They need to acquire to fill holes and that can contribute offense and be a 200-foot player. Pittsburgh's goal is to get back to the playoffs this season and they made the necessary moves to do so. Smart moves, not moves that will get headlines, is what will get this team farther. Dubas achieved his goal without trading away key assets and spending loads of money.
Add us as a preferred source on Google