Penguins RFA Plans: Qualify Kapanen, Nix Heinen

 

According to a report that broke first on Pittsburgh Hockey Now, the Penguins are expected to extend a qualifying offer to restricted free agent forward Kasperi Kapanen. Not so with fellow RFA forward Danton Heinen.

Thanks to the way Toronto general manager Kyle Dubas structured his contract, Kapanen’s offer will be for $840,000. Heinen’s would’ve been for $1.1 million…his 2021-22 cap hit.

Personally, I would’ve prioritized Heinen over Kapanen. The former Bruin and Duck was in my humble opinion a pleasant surprise, tallying a career-best 18 goals while averaging a relatively modest 12:43 of ice time per game. The stealthy forward was good enough to place fifth among black-and-gold skaters in shooting percentage (13) and fourth in goals per 60 minutes (1.04).

By comparison, Sidney Crosby’s G/60 mark was .85 and Kapanen’s was .67.

In a backhanded way, Heinen’s surprising production may work against him receiving an offer. Given that the blonde-haired winger has arbitration rights (so does Kapanen), the Pens’ brain trust may fear he’ll receive a steeper pay hike than they’re willing to shell out. Particularly for a skater who’s been a bit streaky over the course of his six-year NHL career.

Too, Ron Hextall and Co. have the option of pursuing Heinen as a UFA and signing him at an acceptable cap hit.

Meanwhile, Kapanen, who admittedly lost his confidence, was a virtual no-show for wide swaths of the season (only two goals over his final 39 regular-season games). However, having surrendered a first-round pick to acquire his services, the Pens have a significant investment in Kappy and the flying Finn is undeniably talented if more than a little star-crossed.

Plus, he does great GetGo commercials (just being silly).

Defenseman Pierre-Olivier Joseph and forward Kasper Bjorkqvist (who signed to play in Finland) will also receive qualifying offers.

In other organizational news, the Pens have agreed to terms with forward Alexander Nylander on a one-year, two-way contract that calls for $750,000 at the NHL level.

A former eighth overall pick of Buffalo in 2016, Nylander was acquired from Chicago on January 5 for Sam Lafferty.

The 6’1” 192-pounder enjoyed a resurgence with the Baby Pens, tallying 16 goals and 32 points in 44 games. Impressive output on an offensively challenged club.

Could the skilled 24-year-old, who can play either wing, potentially be in the mix for a forward slot this season?