The Penguins made decisions on their pending UFAs and RFAs ahead of the start of free agency.
With the exception of forward Vasily Ponomarev, who’s slated to play in the KHL this season, Kyle Dubas didn’t extend qualifying offers to any of our pending RFAs despite being in contact with the agents of Connor Dewar (pictured) and Philip Tomasino.
I’m disappointed that we didn’t qualify Dewar, a gritty, spirited bottom-sixer acquired from Toronto at the deadline. I also thought Tomasino flashed some upside, particularly in the seams and around the net.
On the flip side, I’m okay with letting Emil Bemström and Pierre-Olivier Joseph walk.
The other RFAs set adrift were a pair of prospects, Latvian forward Raivis Ansons and goalie Taylor Gauthier.
A 24-year-old silly-sider, Gauthier posted a .925 save percentage over two seasons with the Wheeling Nailers and a shutout in his only regular-season appearance with the Baby Pens this season. However, his path was blocked by more heralded prospects Sergei Murashov and Joel Blomqvist, not to mention veterans Tristan Jarry, Alex Nedeljkovic and Filip Larsson.
What seems to be a purposeful shedding of players added during the Ron Hextall era continues.
Anyway, much ado about a minor-league goalie.
Among the UFAs, the Pens put the Matts, Grzelcyk and Nieto, out to pasture. With another former Bruin, Connor Clifton, joining the fold, I thought there might be a chance we bring Grzelcyk back for a another go.
No dice.
Make Room for Mike
The Pens have added 63-year-old Mike Stothers to the coaching staff.
The Toronto native has nearly 30 years of coaching experience at the junior, minor pro and NHL levels, both as a head coach and an assistant. He led the Manchester Monarchs to a Calder Cup in 2014-15, an achievement that earned Stothers AHL Coach of the Year honors.
Most recently, he served as an assistant with the Ducks from 2021-23.
A defenseman during his playing days, Stothers will coach the team’s blueliners and penalty kill. Todd Nelson presumably will be in charge of the forwards and power-play, while Nick Bonino will help with faceoffs and other details.
Rich Clune will serve as an eye in the sky along with former Baby Pens assistant Sheldon Brookbank, who’s also been added to Dan Muse’s staff.
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Hey Rick,
Nothing the Pens did yesterday really made them a better team. I don't dislike any of the players they signed yesterday, but there is a reason none of them were offered a contract over $2 Mil, they do not move the needle at all. Unfortunately, the trade Dubas made yesterday may have been a downgrade.
Also, did you see the Rangers yesterday - the Sullivan factor is in full swing. NYR traded K. Miller, shaving 3" of height from their roster but got younger. Getting younger would normally be a good thing except that in defenseman, 27 is the start of the prime years not the end like forwards and more importantly, Sullivan has a track record of destroying prospects.
Just another quickie update.
The Pens brought Tomasino back on a 1-year deal @ $1.75 million. And they traded Ned to San Jose of a 3rd-round pick in 2028.
Rick
Signing No. 2.
Elliotte Friedman announced that the Pens are bringing back Connor Dewar on a 1-year deal for $1 million.
Really happy about this. Really like the kid. With Dewar returning and the addition of Connor Clifton, we're adding guys who play bigger than their size instead of vice versa.
Rick
Hey all.
Extremely busy day at the gym, so I'm not able to put anything official up regarding free agency. But the Pens have signed former Islanders and Bruins defenseman Parker Wotherspoon to a 2-year deal worth a $1 million per.
He's 27, 6'1" 192, a left shot. Regarded as a good skater and outlet passer who plays with a little bit of an edge. Phenomenal JFresh WAR chart.
Rick
Hey Rick,
I am not sure what Dubas is playing, Giving a contract to Koppanen then not tendering an offer sheet to Dewar seems very suspect. Drafting a Goalie nobody ranked then not tendering an offer sheet to Gauthier is another move that makes one go Hmm.
I know you and Mike like Tomasino and I would have made an offer so I could get compensation for him, but he did not impress me any; losing that player will only mean that Dubas gave a 4th round draft pick away for free.
The Team still has 11 contracts they can sign. GIving Dewar and Gauthier qualifying offers certainly could not have hurt. And reaching with the number of reaches Dubas made in the draft, he should be more afraid of someone signing at least Tomasino, Gauthier, and Dewar than someone taking Kindel before the 24th or 25th pick, probably not even in the 1st round, or Horcroff in the 1st round, or D'aigle at all.