3 Past Penguins Offseason Moves That Led to Postseason Success
When you think of the best Penguins' off-season moves in history, how do these three players not come to mind?
It's already August, and with the NHL in its slowest month, I thought it'd be cool to take a trip down memory lane and revisit some of the biggest off-season moves in recent Pittsburgh Penguins history.
With not much happening now, aside from the possibility of a Sidney Crosby contract extension, it's a good time to look back at players who made a major impact, especially during playoff time.
I had quite a few names in mind, but I decided to focus on three. Here are three players the Penguins acquired through free agency or trades in the off-season who really made a difference for the team in the playoffs.
3. Nick Bonino: The Key to HBK Line Success
When I think of Penguins acquisitions that led to playoff success, Nick Bonino is the first name that comes to mind.
On July 28, 2015, the Pittsburgh Penguins made a trade that quietly set the stage for their impending success. Nick Bonino, along with Adam Clendening and a 2016 second-round pick, was acquired from the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for Brandon Sutter and a 2016 third-round pick. At the time, Bonino wasn't the headliner of the deal, but his impact would soon be felt in a big way.
Bonino’s arrival in Pittsburgh coincided with the formation of one of the most memorable lines in recent Penguins history: the "HBK Line," featuring Carl Hagelin, Bonino, and Phil Kessel. While Kessel often grabbed the headlines, Bonino was the glue that held this dynamic trio together.
During the 2015-16 regular season, Bonino's 9 goals and 20 assists in 63 games might not have turned many heads, but his true value shone in the playoffs. Over 24 playoff games, Bonino tallied 4 goals and 14 assists, proving to be an essential playmaker. His chemistry with Hagelin and Kessel brought a new dimension to the Penguins' offense, often overwhelming opponents with their speed and creativity.
Bonino’s defining moment came in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final against the San Jose Sharks. With the game tied 2-2 in the final minutes, Bonino found himself perfectly positioned to receive a pass from Kris Letang.
He calmly netted the game-winning goal, sending the Pittsburgh crowd into a frenzy and setting the tone for the series. His ability to rise to the occasion in clutch moments underscored his importance to the team’s success.
Bonino continued to be a reliable contributor in the 2016-17 season, posting 18 goals and 19 assists in 80 regular-season games. His versatility and defensive skills were on full display during the playoffs.
Though his offensive numbers dipped slightly, with 7 points in 21 playoff games, his presence on the ice was invaluable. He consistently made smart plays, won critical face-offs, and provided a calming veteran influence.
Bonino’s ability to perform under pressure and his contributions to the team’s defensive efforts were crucial components of the Penguins’ back-to-back Stanley Cup victories. His tenure with the Penguins might not have been the longest, but it was undeniably impactful. His contributions went beyond the stat sheet; he brought a work ethic and determination that embodied the spirit of those championship teams.
Bonino’s role as the underrated impact player in the Penguins’ back-to-back Stanley Cup victories cements his legacy as one of the most crucial off-season acquisitions in recent memory.
2. Patric “Horny” Hornqvist: Toughness and Tenacity
On June 27, 2014, the Pittsburgh Penguins made a trade that would significantly boost their roster's toughness and scoring depth. Patric Hornqvist, along with Nick Spaling, was acquired from the Nashville Predators in exchange for James Neal.
Hornqvist brought a gritty, relentless playing style that quickly became a cornerstone of the Penguins' strategies. He made an immediate impact in his first season with the team, tallying 25 goals and 26 assists in 64 regular-season games.
Although the Penguins were eliminated in the first round of the 2015 playoffs, Hornqvist's physical presence and ability to score crucial goals were evident. His performance laid the groundwork for his pivotal role in the team's future successes.
In the 2015-16 season, Hornqvist continued to be a force on the ice, recording 22 goals and 29 assists in 82 regular-season games. His contributions were even more pronounced during the playoffs, where he notched 9 goals and 4 assists in 24 games.
Hornqvist's net-front presence and relentless forechecking were critical in the Penguins' Stanley Cup victory, making life difficult for opposing goaltenders and defenders.
Hornqvist's defining moment came during the 2016-17 season when he scored the Stanley Cup-clinching goal in Game 6 against his former team, the Nashville Predators. There is nothing more poetic than that.
His ability to deliver in high-pressure situations was invaluable, and his 5 goals and 4 assists in 19 playoff games underscored his importance to the team's success. Beyond the stats, Hornqvist's tenacity and leadership on and off the ice made him a beloved figure in the locker room and among fans.
His tenure with the Penguins exemplifies the impact of a player who combines skill with sheer determination. His ability to perform in critical moments and his unwavering work ethic were instrumental in the Penguins' back-to-back Stanley Cup victories.
Hornqvist's story is a testament to the value of grit and heart in achieving playoff success, solidifying his place as one of the most impactful offseason acquisitions in Penguins' history.
1. Phil Kessel: Hotdogs and Stanley Cups
It’s probably obvious who would top our list, and if you guessed Phil Kessel, you’re right. On July 1, 2015, the Pittsburgh Penguins made a blockbuster trade that would change the trajectory of the franchise.
Kessel was acquired from the Toronto Maple Leafs in a deal that included Tyler Biggs, Tim Erixon, and a second-round pick, in exchange for Kasperi Kapanen (who later returned to the Pens years later), Scott Harrington, Nick Spaling, and a first-round pick.
Known for his elite scoring ability and speed, Kessel brought a dynamic offensive presence to the Penguins. Something at the time was the missing piece needed to take them to the next level.
Kessel’s impact was immediate. During the 2015-16 regular season, he recorded 26 goals and 33 assists in 82 games. However, it was in the playoffs where Kessel truly shone. He led the team in points with 10 goals and 12 assists in 24 games, forming the prolific "HBK Line" alongside Carl Hagelin and Nick Bonino. Looking back, I'm sure the t-shirt business was booming in downtown Pittsburgh when these guys came together.
This line became a nightmare for opponents, combining speed, skill, and relentless pressure. Kessel’s scoring prowess and playmaking ability were pivotal in the Penguins’ Stanley Cup victory, as he consistently found ways to break through defenses and deliver in clutch moments.
The following season, Kessel continued to be a vital player in the Penguins' machine. He posted 23 goals and 47 assists in 82 regular-season games, further solidifying his role as a key offensive contributor. In the 2017 playoffs, Kessel added 8 goals and 15 assists over 25 games, helping the Penguins secure back-to-back Stanley Cup titles.
Kessel’s presence on the ice was more than just about points; it was about the pressure he relieved from the team’s top stars. With Kessel driving one of the most effective secondary lines in hockey, opponents couldn’t solely focus on shutting down Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin. This depth made the Penguins incredibly difficult to defend against, as any line could be a game-changer.
Phil Kessel’s tenure with the Penguins is a testament to the impact a high-caliber player can have when placed in the right system. His elite offensive skills, combined with his ability to perform under playoff pressure, were instrumental in the Penguins’ consecutive championships.
Phil Kessel might just be the best off-season acquisition in the modern history of the team, showing how the right moves can lead to playoff success—and probably boosting hot dog sales around the arena too!