Examining the best signings for the Pittsburgh Penguins in free agency is crucial as the Penguins hope to compete in a spot for the playoffs. With the 2024-2025 NHL season looming, the Pittsburgh Penguins have an aging roster aiming to compete. A few weeks into Free Agency, the Penguins are left with about 3.5 million dollars in cap space. The team has filled many holes through the acquisitions of players like Kevin Hayes, Anthony Beauvillier, and Matt Grzelcyk. Nevertheless, there are still some question marks on the roster for the Penguins to address. A seasoned winger can provide stability, experience, and additional scoring depth, which is crucial for a successful campaign. Additionally, the Penguins need to strengthen their defence by finding a good partner to play third-pair right defence minutes alongside veteran Matt Grzelcyk. A proven two-way player would add depth and reliability to the defensive unit, ensuring the team has a balanced and effective blue line.
Free Agent Targets
Forwards
James van Riemsdyk (LW/RW)
Previous Team: Boston Bruins
2023-2024 Stats: 71 GP, 11 G, 27 A, 38 PTS
Player Report: Van Riemsdyk has a history of being a consistent scorer, with multiple 50+ point seasons throughout his career. He brings experience and a scoring touch that would complement Crosby’s playmaking abilities. The large winger loves to crash the net and could be a great fit with Crosby and Rust on the top line.
Daniel Sprong (RW)
Previous Team: Detroit Red Wings
2023-2024 Stats: 76 GP, 18 G, 25 A, 43 PTS
Player Report: A reunion with Pittsburgh may be due for Daniel Sprong. Sprong has developed into a reliable middle-six scorer with a knack for finding the back of the net. His efficient scoring at five-on-five makes him a valuable addition to the Penguins’ forward group. Sprong’s defensive game lacks strength; consequently, he may need to play more sheltered minutes as a result.
Defence
Kevin Shattenkirk (RD)
Previous Team: Boston Bruins
2023-2024 Stats: 61 GP, 6 G, 18 A, 24 PTS
Player Report: Shattenkirk has had a solid NHL career with over 400 points. His puck-moving abilities and power play contributions make him a suitable partner for Grzelcyk on the third pair. Shattenkirk is capable of playing offensively and defensively. His presence on the blueline would give the Penguins a puck-moving right defenceman on every pair alongside Erik Karlsson and Kris Letang.
Calvin de Haan (LD)
Previous Team: Carolina Hurricanes
2023-2024 Stats: 65 GP, 2 G, 8 A, 10 PTS
Player Report: De Haan reliably defends, excels at shot-blocking, and has a strong penalty-killing record. His experience and defensive acumen would solidify the Penguins’ blue line. However, De Haan is left-handed, meaning a defenceman would have to play on his off-hand.
The Best Fit for the Pittsburgh Penguins at Forward
With $3.5 million in cap space, the Penguins need to make value signings. James Van Riemsdyk is the best choice at forward for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Van Riemsdyk has extensive experience crashing the net, and his style of play suits the top line with Crosby and Rust well. Signing Van Riemsdyk provides an excellent option to play anywhere in the top 9, as him, O’Connor, and Micheal Bunting fill similar roles. Daniel Sprong would be a great scoring threat in Pittsburgh; however, his defense leaves too much to be desired for a team that needs to be better than the sum of its parts. Conversely, Van Riemsdyk’s last contract was a one-year deal at just one million dollars against the cap with the Boston Bruins. Therefore, it is unlikely he would demand too much more than that on a short-term deal again this season.
The Best Fit for the Pittsburgh Penguins at Defence
At defence, Kevin Shattenkirk could be an incredibly valuable signing for the Penguins in Free Agency. Shattenkirk can play on the powerplay, and the penalty kill, making him a valuable asset to the Penguins. Shattenkirk’s 0.39 points per game last season with the Boston Bruins would be a significant boost to the offense the third pairing is capable of offering. Calvin De Haan could be a serviceable defenceman, but Matt Grzelcyk already fills his role. Meanwhile, Shattenkirk’s right-handedness balances out the defense corps of the Penguins. Shattenkirk previously had a 1-year contract at an average annual value of 1.05 million dollars against the cap. Like Van Riemsdyk, it is unlikely Shattenkirk will demand much more in a new deal. These signings would likely be inexpensive, giving the Penguins some room heading into the season.
Options Going Forward
The Pittsburgh Penguins can enhance their lineup by adding valuable free agents without compromising their cap situation. Players like James van Riemsdyk and Kevin Shattenkirk provide the experience and skill needed to support the team’s core. Additionally, these players are unlikely to be expensive or want many years on their contracts. If the Penguins are not in the playoff hunt come February next season, players like Van Riemsdyk and Shattenkirk are valuable adds for contending teams. By making strategic signings, the Penguins in free agency can ensure they ice a competitive roster while maintaining the ability to recuperate assets should the season not go according to plan.
Main Photo: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
