Offseason Reset and Look Ahead

Who stays and who goes?

We entered the offseason with a laundry list of free agents that required new contracts. Shortly after the overtime loss in Game 7 of the Playoffs to the Rangers, the first brick was placed, as Bryan Rust agreed to a 6-year, $5M AAV contract. The term left a few of us confused, but that was the theme of the offseason.

As the clock wound down towards the draft and the opening of free agency, all eyes turned to Kris Letang and Evgeni Malkin. On the eve of the draft, Letang signed a 6-year, $6.1M extension, assuring that he will finish his career with the only team he has known.

Then the world waited as the Evgeni Malkin drama unfolded. After the war of words played out through the media, many fans began writing obituaries on the Malkin Era in the Steel City. As the clock rolled towards midnight on the eve of free agency, Sidney Crosby pulled the two sides back together, and Malkin signed a 4-year, $6.1M AAV deal that likely finishes up his career in Pittsburgh.

With the core locked back up, Ron Hextall and co. began work on filling out the roster. That began with inking Rickard Rakell to a 5-year deal. The winger, acquired from Anaheim at the deadline will earn $5M annually. In his short stint last season, he showed great chemistry on a line with Crosby and Jake Guentzel.

Our lone “splash” in free agency was to sign RD Jan Ruuta to a 3-year deal at $2.75M per. The 32-year old spent the last few seasons with the Tampa Bay Lightning, appearing in three straight Stanley Cup Finals.

Beyond re-signing players and free agency, the Pens dipped their toes in the trade market to help re-shape their blueline. Sending the resurgent Mike Matheson to Montreal, in exchange for veteran and Jeff Petry and prospect Ryan Poehling. They also sent out John Marino to New Jersey for youngster Ty Smith and a 3rd round pick in 2023.

After a few other inconsequential signings, the team sits about $1.5M over the cap, and one player over the 23 man max, per CapFriendly.

Positional Breakdown:

Center:

As has become the norm, Center is the team’s biggest strength. With Crosby and Malkin still being one of the best 1-2 punches in the NHL. The ultimate anti-hero, Jeff Carter will anchor the 3rd line, while defensive stalwart Teddy Blueger centers the 4th line. The Pens have some young depth pieces, if the need arises, with Filip Hallander and Samuel Poulin.

Winger:

This is where things get shaky. Obviously any combination of Guentzel, Rust, and Rakell in the top six will make tough matchups for the league. If healthy, Jason Zucker will likely get the first crack on Malkin’s left wing. Kasperi Kappanen will have a lot to prove, after fleecing Ron Hextall for a 2-year, $3.2M AAV extension. Brock McGinn needs to find some consistency, but should be a viable bottom six player. Danton Heinen signed back on for one year, after not being tendered.

This is probably where some youngsters have a chance to make their mark. Drew O’Connor, Samuel Poulin, Nathan Legare, Ryan Poehling, Radim Zahorna, and Alex Nylander could all be fighting for a spot in training camp. If one or two of them can put their mark on a roster spot, the team could gain some much needed financial flexibility, by waiving or trading one of our overpriced veterans.

Defense:

We can sort out the top four pretty quickly, as it stands now. Kris Letang and Brian Dumoulin will get top pair minutes, but will yield a lot of their usual load to Jeff Petry and Marcus Pettersson. Jan Ruuta will likely start as the third pair on the right side. That final spot on the left side will likely be the most talked about when camp opens. Ty Smith and Pierre Oliver Joseph will battle to earn the coaches approval, but with veterans like Mark Friedman and Chad Ruhwedel still on the roster, it’s not a guarantee that either Smith or POJ win that job.

Goaltenders:

Tristan Jarry will start. Casey DeSmith will be his backup. Any questions?

My Boldest Take:

Evgeni Malkin puts a tumultuous offseason behind him and finishes the season with 90+ points. He looked very strong on his skates last season, and should be even stronger with a full offseason to train. As part of this take, I believe Jason Zucker benefits from “Angry Geno” and finishes the season with 30 goals.

Until my next article, bang the glass and let’s play hockey.