The Pittsburgh Penguins added to the bottom six in 2023 by signing a right winger. Here we shall look back on Noel Acciari‘s impact and stats with the Penguins so far. It is well known that President of Hockey Operations Kyle Dubas likes to draw from those he knows. Therefore, it is no surprise one of his first moves was to bring in a player he had paid a premium for at the 2023 trade deadline while general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Acciari signed a three-year deal with an average annual value of $2 million per season. He is known for his physical play, penalty killing, and reliability. He was brought into Pittsburgh to add grit and depth to a Penguins bottom six that had been lacking in talent in recent years.
Noel Acciari Stats and Defensive Contributions
Noel Acciari’s defensive ability was a key factor in the Penguins’ decision to bring him onto the team. Throughout the 2023-2024 season, Acciari demonstrated his value as a reliable defensive forward when he was healthy. Averaging 1.5 blocked shots per game and maintaining a faceoff win percentage of 54.5%, Acciari proved to be a dependable option in defensive situations. Acciari’s impact on the penalty kill was evident as he consistently disrupted opposing power plays and cleared the puck. His contributions helped the Penguins maintain a top-ten penalty kill unit in the league.
Acciari’s defensive stats further highlight his impact. With 85 blocks and 26 takeaways compared to only eight giveaways over the season, he provided much needed defensive reliability. His ability to position himself effectively made him a key player in late-game situations. Acciari’s discipline and tenacity under pressure were crucial in maintaining leads.
Offensive Contributions
While Acciari’s primary role is defensive, his offensive contributions were limited due to an injury-riddled season. Noel Acciari’s stats were down as he ended the season with just four goals and three assists, totaling seven points in 55 games. His offensive output was seen as disappointing. Moreover, his 0.13 points per game rate was far lower than his average of 0.28 the prior three seasons. Acciari’s ability to contribute offensively was missing much of last season.
Noel Acciari’s Stats and Impact on the Penguins Team
A crucial aspect of Acciari’s toolbox is his ability to play different positions up front. Throughout the season, Acciari was given the role of winger and centre on various lines, showcasing his versatility. In addition, Acciari’s consistent performance and adaptability made him a reliable fixture on the fourth line with occasional third-line time. Acciari’s experience and work ethic is beneficial to a Penguins team relying on experienced veterans for success. His ability to play multiple positions in a variety of different game situations allow the coaching staff to utilize him in many different ways.
Looking Ahead: The Upcoming Season
As the Penguins prepare for the upcoming season, Noel Acciari is expected to play a pivotal role in the new-look bottom six. His role will be similar to other versatile, hard-nosed forwards like Blake Lizotte and Kevin Hayes. These forwards all provide energy and defensive reliability. The Penguins’ bottom six is full of versatile forwards, with Acciari, Hayes, Lizotte, and Eller all being capable of playing centre. Alongside players like Lars Eller, Acciari could be part of a very strong bottom six that provides depth and stability to the Penguins’ lineup.
Acciari’s leadership and veteran presence will be vital as the Penguins integrate new talent and push for the playoffs. His ability to contribute in all situations, from penalty killing to providing energy on the forecheck, ensures that he will remain a key player in the Penguins’ lineup. Furthermore, the signing of Noel Acciari in the 2023 offseason has shown flashes of brilliance for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Despite his injury-riddled season, his first year with the team highlighted his defensive reliability. Acciari will look to contribute more to the offence this upcoming season while playing with a talented bottom six group. Staying healthy will be most important for Acciari, as his availability gives the Pittsburgh Penguins a valuable bottom six option.
Main photo: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
