July 1 is a normal day for most people such as the start of a new month, or closer to the Fourth of July. However, for hockey fans, it means the start of free agency. Hockey free agency is one of the best periods of the season due to the madness of the amount of players that sign on the first day. In addition, the amount of trades, superstar movement, and roster turnover that occurs.The Pittsburgh Penguins wasted no time getting free agency started as they signed left defenseman Matt Grzelcyk to a one-year deal. His deal is worth $2.75 million dollars. Now we can look how Grzelcyk can fit into the lineup.
This past season, Grzelyck had a career low 11 points but was a +13 to go along with his 53 hits and 76 blocked shots. However, in the playoffs, he was nowhere to be found as he had zero points and was a +0. During the Bruins playoff run, he only played in three games. Now we see what impact he can have on the Penguins.
How Does Grzelcyk Fit Into the Lineup?
Grzelcyk will slide in the third line with the Penguins playing along with Jack St. Ivany. He is not most physical defenceman as he is just 5’10, 180 lbs. However, he handles the puck very well which is beneficial. Especially for a Penguins team who last season between Ryan Graves and Kris Letang turned over the puck a lot.
However, if he is playing well, he will have the opportunity to pass Graves on the second line. That would allow him to play alongside Letang or Erik Karlsson. Penguins fans can also expect him to play a crucial role on the penalty kill. Whether he is on the first or second unit is still unknown, but expect him to be there one way or the other.
With the signing, the Penguins give Matt Grzelcyk a change of scenery to hopefully improve. Also, since it is just one year, this is a low-risk, high-reward signing for the Penguins. For Grzelcyk, this is a one-year prove it deal for himself, to prove he can once again be a solid top-four defenseman.
Matt Grzelcyk Back With A Familiar Face
Grzelcyk is a perfect fit into the lineup. Now that he is on the Penguins, Grzelcyk is reunited with his former college coach at Boston University in David Quinn. Two weeks ago Quinn was named the assistant coach of the Penguins. He is responsible for the defence and powerplay. Quinn once again gets to coach Grzelyck however, this time in the NHL.
With the Terriers, Grzelcyk had 95 points (26 goals, 69 assists) in 125 games, two-time NCAA East First All-American Team (2015, 2016) member, and was named to the NCAA Championship All-Tournament Team in 2015. He also was captain his junior and senior year.
Quinn is probably thrilled he gets to have a familiar face and player while bringing his style of defense to a new team. As someone who has developed him before, Quinn will most likely be able to do it again.
Both his first NHL Debut and first career goal came against the Penguins. His NHL debut was December 14, 2016 in Pittsburgh. His first NHL goal was November 24, 2017. Now, he gets to play for the Penguins. Interestingly enough, he still gets to play for a team whose colors are black and gold.
Him joining the Penguins is the finishing piece to the Penguins defensive core. The Penguins went after Grzelcyk after non-tendering P.O. Joseph. That put the Penguins at just five defenceman and two left handed.
With this signing and another that will be mentioned later, the Penguins still sit at $6.9 million dollars in cap space. With the defensive unit, centers, and goalies taken care of, expect the Penguins to sign free agents at the wing. The Penguins need one to two more wingers.
Main Photo: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
