Penguins Update: Who’s Out There?—Part I

With the first day of NHL free agency rapidly approaching, I thought I’d evaluate the Penguins potential needs and see who’s available.

First, let’s look at the forwards.

Centers

Nick Bonino and veteran Matt Cullen are set to become free agents on July 1, potentially leaving the black and gold with a gaping hole down the middle.

Bonino, who tallied 18 goals last season while filling a vital two-way role, is likely to draw heavy interest from other clubs and, ultimately, a substantial boost in pay. Cullen, who hasn’t ruled out a return, isn’t likely to announce his decision until later in the summer.

While versatile Carter Rowney has been mentioned as a possibility at center, the locals may need to look outside the organization for help. Here’s a table listing the most prominent free-agent centers.

Player	Age	Team	$ (M)	GP	G	A	PTS	+/-
Nick Bonino	29	PIT	$1.9	80	18	19	37	-5
Brian Boyle	32	TBL-TOR	$2	75	13	12	25	3
Mike Fisher	37	NSH	$4.4	72	18	24	42	1
Sam Gagner	27	CBJ	$0.65	81	18	32	50	10
Martin Hanzal	30	ARI-MIN	$3.1	71	20	19	39	-17
Dominic Moore	36	BOS	$1.0	82	11	14	25	2
Joe Thornton	37	SJS	$6.75	79	7	43	50	7

Sam Gagner, the youngest and cheapest of the bunch, has offensive pedigree. However, he’s inconsistent, weak on faceoffs (45.3% for his career) and falters away from the puck. In many ways, he’s the antithesis of the gritty, shot-blocking Bonino.

Among the other candidates, Brian Boyle and ex-Pen Dominic Moore would seem to be the best fits for the Pens. Neither figures to command an exorbitant salary. Both play a strong two-way game and are good on draws.

According to an article on NHL.com, the hulking Boyle (6’7” 253) hopes to sign with Tampa Bay, where he played for two-plus seasons before landing in Toronto at the 2016-17 trade deadline. That leaves Moore, an excellent skater and penalty killer who plays with an edge, as a strong possibility.

Of course, trades are an option, too. CBC’s Elliotte Friedman suggests the Pens may have an interest in Colorado’s Matt Duchene, an explosive skater and scorer. The price tag, however, is likely to be steep.

Wings

With crease-crasher Patric Hornqvist and kids Conor Sheary (3.27 P/60), Bryan Rust and rookie Daniel Sprong manning the starboard side—not to mention newly acquired banger Ryan Reaves—the Pens are stacked on right wing.

The port side is another matter, especially if feisty free agent Chris Kunitz—who’s drawing lots of interest from other clubs—moves on.

Tom Kuhnhackl, a left-handed shot who’s comfortable playing either side, could slot behind incumbents Carl Hagelin, Scott Wilson and Jake Guentzel, a natural center who performed brilliantly on the wing. However, depth is definitely an issue.

Glancing at a short list of free-agent options, there’s not a lot to choose from.

Player	Age	Team	$ (M)	GP	G	A	PTS	+/-
Shane Doan	40	ARI	$4.83	74	6	21	27	-3
Jarome Iginla	39	COL-LAK	$5.33	80	14	13	27	-30
Jaromir Jagr	45	FLA	$5.51	82	16	30	46	2
Chris Kunitz	37	PIT	$3.85	71	9	20	29	0
Patrick Marleau	37	SJS	$6.66	82	27	19	46	4
Alexander Radulov	30	MTL	$5.75	76	18	36	54	10
Patrick Sharp	35	DAL	$5.9	48	8	10	18	-22
Thomas Vanek	33	FLA	$2.6	68	17	31	48	-5
Kris Versteeg	31	CGY	$0.95	69	15	22	37	-3
Radim Vrbata	36	ARI	$3.25	81	20	35	55	-18
Justin Williams	35	WSH	$3.25	80	24	24	48	14

Among the most prominent free agents, only the Patricks—Marleau and Sharp—play left wing.

Blessed with good size (6’2” 215), a lethal shot and excellent speed for a big man, Marleau is still dangerous, if streaky, at age 37. Although he plays the type of dynamic, power game the Pens could sorely use, he’ll most likely be too rich for GM Jim Rutherford’s blood.

A four-time 30-goal man with Chicago, Sharp’s seen his once prodigious output tumble the past three seasons a la Kunitz. Unlike “Kuny”, he doesn’t play a strong enough all-around game to compensate for the dip in production.

Conclusion? The Pens may seek a trade…or elect to stand pat for now.

Tomorrow we’ll look at defensemen and goalies.