In their second player move of the off-season, both involving young’uns, the Penguins re-signed pending free-agent forward Valtteri Puustinen to a two-year deal yesterday with an AAV of $775K.
The Pens previously signed forward Sam Poulin to a two-year extension on April 29.
Personally, I like re-upping Puustinen. The hustling 24-year-old winger provided much needed hop and energy to an aging (and at times uninspired) mix, not to mention some production as well (five goals, 20 points in 52 games).
The power play sprang to life with his insertion into the top unit in late February and early March, notching seven goals over a seven-game span. The former seventh-round pick proceeded to team with Reilly Smith and Lars Eller to form a solid third line.
What’s more, the Pens were 26-17-9 with the peppery Finn in the lineup (12-15-3 without him).
Although likely ticketed for bottom-six duty, Puusti has the skill to play top six. In particular, he sees the ice well, has a knack for finding the seams and possesses a wicked shot, one I’d like to see him use to greater effect. Hopefully, as he grows more accustomed to the speed and pace of the NHL he’ll improve on his 5.8 shooting percentage.
For now, a no-brainer signing by Pens GM Kyle Dubas.
Ex-Pens in the Playoffs
I thought I’d take a glance at how former Pens are faring in the playoffs.
Far and away the most productive is Jake Guentzel, who has four goals and eight points in eight games for Carolina. Teammate Stefan Noesen has three goals, all tallied during the ‘Canes first-round cakewalk over the Islanders.
Evan Rodrigues likewise has three goals, including a pair last night during Florida’s 6-2 Game 3 shellacking of the Bruins. With 24 hits, fellow Panther Dmitry Kulikov has been a surprisingly physical force on the back end.
In the feel-good department, the Avs Jack Johnson continues to defy his detractors…and Father Time. The 37-year-old rearguard is tied for the lead among ex-Pens with a plus-4. On the flip side, Cody Ceci’s a minus-7 for the Oilers (yikes).
Casey DeSmith is the lone expatriate goalie to see action. Unfortunately, the current Canuck suffered a groin strain in his second start. Shades of the 2022 playoffs for the hard-luck netminder.
| SCORING | ||||||||
| Player | Team | Pos | GP | G | A | PTS | PIM | +/- |
| Guentzel | CAR | LW | 8 | 4 | 4 | 8 | 16 | 4 |
| Rodrigues | FLA | C/RW | 8 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 0 | -1 |
| Noesen | CAR | RW | 8 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 21 | 1 |
| Zucker | NSH | LW | 6 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 4 |
| Ceci | EDM | D | 7 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | -7 |
| Jankowski | NSH | C | 6 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | -1 |
| Blueger | VAN | C | 8 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 1 |
| Cole | VAN | D | 8 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Bortuzzo | NYI | D | 5 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 14 | -3 |
| Heinen | BOS | LW | 5 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | -1 |
| Reaves | TOR | RW | 5 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | -1 |
| Staal | CAR | C | 8 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| DeSmith | VAN | G | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Johnson | COL | D | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 4 |
| Kulikov | FLA | D | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 1 |
| Lafferty | VAN | C | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -1 |
| GOALTENDING | ||||||||
| Player | Team | Pos | GP | GA | SH | GAA | SV% | W-L |
| DeSmith | VAN | G | 2 | 4 | 0 | 2.02 | .911 | 1-1 |
| Italics indicates a Penguins draft pick or a free agent who began his career with the Penguins. | ||||||||
Rick
It still amazes me that players like Jack Johnson (Av’s), and Kulikov (Panthers) can’t play for
the Pen’s but are both contributors for two of the best teams in Hockey. Both of the players
would still be an upgrade in our top 6 pairings.
Also, I do like the fact we re-signed Puustinen – it’s a no risk contract but I do find it interesting
how excited we get for a player who scored 5 goals in 52 games and turns (25) in less than
a month. It really gives us a sense of our overall prospect depth in the organization. Plus, he’s
another small forward that IMO won’t be able to develop into a top 6 player.
One last comment. After watching the Bruins, Panthers…etc….etc…..I don’t believe players like
POJ or Shea could with stand the physicality of a long playoff run. I do think their both capable
depth players. Your thoughts?