The Penguins have re-signed forward Joona Koppanen to a one-year, two-way deal worth $775K at the NHL level.
One of Kyle Dubas’ first free-agent signings in 2023, Koppanen has spent the vast majority of his two seasons in the Penguins’ organization skating for the Baby Pens. Over that span, the hulking 6’5” 215-pounder has tallied 14 goals and 44 points in 114 games at Wilkes while filling a depth role.
The 27-year-old native of Tampere, Finland, has also appeared in 15 games for the Pens (11 last season) with one goal on his resume.
Despite the big guy’s paucity of production, the Pens’ brass was said to be pleased with Koppanen’s work. Enough to re-up the former fifth-round pick for another season.
According to PuckPedia, the Pens currently have 38 players signed to Standard Player Contracts. The SPC limit is 50.
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Rick
This appears to be a sensible signing by Dubas. Koppanen brings size, which adds value to the team’s depth, particularly in the bottom-six forward group. His effectiveness on the forecheck and penalty kill suggests he can fill a defined role, especially under a new coaching staff looking to establish systems. Given the low risk and potential upside, the decision to bring him in for a closer evaluation is both logical and strategically sound.
Mike, Rick,
On one hand the signing of Koppanen is another possible signal of an end to the Smurf era that has plagued this team for 8 long years. However, I do worry that Dubas is not being all that judicious with contracts. Each team is limited in the number of players they may have under contract (I believe it is around 50). Signing 27 year old players to contracts, even if they are still considered prospects isn't all that much better than signing veterans above that last season of their prime, maybe even less wise. I think I would have felt better with this signing if it occurred in late August, after the team had started to shape up a little more, rather than June when its make up is still so foggy. I would not want to be out of contract space when some prospect may distinguish themselves all because a journeyman AHL er was given a contract.