The Pittsburgh Penguins will be looking to make a splash somewhere to significantly improve the roster. Goaltending is one area of concern, depth scoring another, improving the top four defense is another avenue Kyle Dubas will likely explore. Some of these options are going to take draft capital and cap space, things in limited supply for the Penguins. One of Dubas’ strengths is finding value on the margins. Not that he needs my help but, I have a suggestion which should help with the depth scoring, not cost any assets, and be a financially sound risk.
Last year, I very much wanted the Penguins to take a run at acquiring Jakub Vrana who was severely undervalued in the trade market despite being a 5v5 goal scoring machine for the lion’s share of his career. He ultimately went to the St. Louis Blues for a seventh round pick with 50% of his salary retained. Vrana went on to put up 10 goals and 14 points in 20 games for the Blues. A true missed opportunity for the Penguins.
Fast forward to the current environment and there is a player coming off two serious injuries, but has a decorated goal scoring past. He would be the kind of risk the Penguins need to take because of their limited resources. He is a six-time 30 goal scorer. He is an unrestricted free agent. It is Max Pacioretty.
This player card is not from this year. He didn’t play enough minutes due to his second Achille’s injury after only five games played. The injury is a very valid concern. It is a serious and difficult to overcome injury. It is also why his cap hit will be manageable. You have to take a risk. The Penguins are absolutely the kind of team that should be taking this risk. I think it would be a no brainer to try and see if Pacioretty can return to his goal scoring ways. If things don’t go well injury-wise LTIR is a thing.
As far as his recovery it looks like he should be ready near the beginning of the season per Daily Faceoff
Pacioretty is out indefinitely with a torn Achilles.Pacioretty tore his Achilles in the period of the Hurricanes' win over the Wild on Thursday. This is the exact same injury that he suffered in August and kept Pacioretty out long-term, and will do so again. If his rehab goes well, there's a chance he's ready for training camp in 2023-24.
There are no perfect options out there for the Penguins. They are aging with a limited time frame. My preference is to acquire as many high ceiling players as possible and hope a few hit. Pacrioretty would be one of those bets and the ante should be reasonable. The Penguins whiffed on Jakub Vrana. This is the chance for somewhat of a redo.
If the Penguins are going to max out their window they should try out a Pacioretty.
Thanks for reading!