And we're off! The Pittsburgh Penguins have lost some players and they have gained some players. Let's talk about it.
First things first. Nick Bonino and Trevor Daley went to the Nashville Predators and the Detroit Red Wings respectively. Both were for contracts that didn't make sense for the Penguins and probably won't make sense for their new teams either.
Pittsburgh's first signing was the depth defenseman Jim Rutherford eluded to. It wasn't Ryan Murphy. It was former Maple Leaf Matt Hunwick.
The #Pens have signed defenseman Matt Hunwick to a three-year contract. The deal has an AAV of $2.25 million. Info: https://t.co/moHpy1Ttz6 pic.twitter.com/HKMug7F7nQ
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) July 1, 2017
This isn't a bad signing, it isn't a good signing. It's a whatever signing. He is what he is, a depth guy. The money is fine, but I'm not sure you need to hand out three year contracts to this kind of player when they are 32 years of age. They did, so be it. Better than giving Daley the three year deal he got in Detroit
What makes the signing more interesting is that there are too many left handed defensemen on the roster now with Brian Dumoulin, Olli Maatta, Ian Cole, Matt Hunwick, and a non-waiver eligible Derrick Pouliot. Yes, Hunwick has played the right side at times in his career, but it hasn't been the majority of the time for a reason. It's more advantageous to be on your strong side. I feel strongly that somebody is getting moved. Olli Maatta is the even money bet.
Pittsburgh has a Stanley Cup winning backup goalie for the second consecutive season. This time it is Antti Niemi.
Welcome to the squad! The #Pens have signed goaltender Antti Niemi to a one-year contract for $700,000. Details: https://t.co/y6ufgi8vy4 pic.twitter.com/Xc1uLNOUFb
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) July 1, 2017
It's dirt cheap and if it doesn't work out it can be easily fixed. Niemi will look to rebound from what was a bad 2016-17. This goaltending duo comes in at 4.45M which is 1.3M cheaper than Marc-Andre Fleury's contract. This gives Rutherford some more flexibility with the roster in front of the goalie which in my opinion has better potential of being money well spent.
Next up, third line center. Stay tuned
Here's the latest Hockey Hurts Podcast talking about offer sheets and free agency
Listening to Free agency discussion before July 1 by The Hockey Hurts Podcast https://t.co/QhcsrBz9Ui
— Hockey Hurts (@Hockey_Hurts) July 1, 2017
Thanks for reading!