Penguins Free-Agent Update: Should They Stay or Should They Go?

Back in 1982, the seminal English punk rock band, The Clash, hit the charts with their catchy classic, “Should I Stay or Should I Go?”

I’ve decided to use the song title as my basis for making the call on the Penguins’ current crop of free agents. Kind of a modern-day version of the Roman emperors’ thumbs up or down.

Purely subjective, of course.

First, the UFAs.

Matt Grzelcyk (D) Go

Initially, I would’ve considered re-signing Gryz if the price was right. After all, he led the team in power-play assists and had a great deal to do with improving that unit’s performance. However, puck distribution skills aside, Matt’s micro stats were pretty bad. And we don’t have an effective physical defenseman to pair with him.

Bokondji Imama (F) Stay

I loved his combination of toughness, aggression and energy, something we’ve been sorely lacking. The downside? Boko’s on the mend from surgery to fix a torn bicep and won’t be available until well into the season. Sign another tough guy, you say? All well and good, except Boko meshed well with his teammates, both in the ‘Burgh and in Wilkes.

Joona Koppanen (F) Stay

I could go either way on the hulking Finn. But he did a decent job in a depth role with the Baby Pens, and the kids need vets to look up to.

Matt Nieto (F) Go

An easy peasy call. The 32-year-old winger displayed lots of character by battling back from multiple knee surgeries but was largely ineffective.

Now, the RFAs.

Connor Dewar (F) Stay

Loved his grit and compete level, not to mention his very good work on the PK. I can envision him skating next to Blake Lizotte and Imama on a pesky, abrasive fourth line.

Pierre-Olivier Joseph (D) Go

There’s a school of thought that suggests many of POJ’s struggles were attributable to a poor working relationship with outgoing coach Mike Sullivan. However, he didn’t exactly shine during his half-season with the Blues, either. The elements are there. I just don’t know if they’ll ever come together to form a consistently effective defenseman.

Vasily Ponomarev (F) Stay

As with Koppanen, I’m a bit ambivalent on Ponomarev. The 23-year-old Muscovite put up solid boxcars and acquitted himself well in Wilkes, but was practically invisible during a couple of brief cameos in the ‘Burgh. Perhaps he’ll show better (and be given more of an opportunity) under our new coach.

Conor Timmins (D) Stay

Saw enough that I liked, including size and an inclination to use it to defend his net front, to bring Timmins back. Experienced some struggles following a solid start, but was shoehorned into playing his off (left) side next to Erik Karlsson. An adventure to say the least.

Philip Tomasino (F) Stay

I seem to be squarely in the minority on the ex-Pred, but I liked him, too. In particular, his elusiveness in open space, decent puck skills, and willingness to attack the net and shoot. As for drawbacks, I wish he would’ve meshed better with Evgeni Malkin.

It’s important to note that all of our RFAs with the exception of Ponomarev have arbitration rights. Which may encourage Kyle Dubas to relinquish their rights with the aim of then signing them to more favorable deals.

On Broadway

Former Pens assistant coaches David Quinn and Ty Hennes have joined Sullivan in the Big Apple. So has former Avs and Bruins skipper Joe Sacco.

Talk about a heavyweight coaching staff!

As an aside Sully, Sacco and Quinn all played their college hockey at Boston University under legendary Terriers coach Jack Parker. They share a palpable synergy that should help when guiding a veteran (and somewhat troubled) team like the Rangers.

EK in Play?

With veteran defenseman Nick Jensen slated to be out long-term and the team looking to make a big push forward, Ottawa has a glaring need for a right-shot defenseman.

Might a certain three-time Norris Trophy winner and former Sen fit the bill?