Penguins

What Is Pittsburgh Getting With Pascal Dupuis' Return?

Jun 13, 2015 • 10:43 am

Two days ago Pascal Dupuis and the Pittsburgh Penguins were given great news. Dupuis and his doctors found the proper medication which will allow him to continue playing professional hockey.

What are the Penguins getting with Dupuis return? More than I think a lot of people think.

Pascal Dupuis has been a by-product of Sidney Crosby to a large extent, this is true. However, does it really matter when you are producing at the rate Dupuis does?

Pascal Dupuis has an even-strength goals per 60 of 1.03 from 2012-15. That is sandwiched in between Alex Ovechkin's 1.05 and Phil Kessel's 1.02 in that same time frame.

In the past three seasons (2012-15) Dupuis is ranked 12th overall in even-strength points per 60 at 2.35. Anything 2.0 and above is considered first line level. For comparison sake here is 1-11 on the list

*Due for huge raises in 2015-16*

Pascal Dupuis may not be thought of as a top six player by some but the tangible offense he has produced the past couple of seasons has him right in the thick of what top line players produce.

When you look at comparables to Dupuis in 2012-13 and 2013-14 seasons it drives home the point further:

2012-13

2013-14

There is no debating that Pittsburgh has missed his presence in the lineup.

By having Dupuis back Pittsburgh now has the option to place him in the top six if needed. This is a big step up from where they were last year. It is a hell of a lot better than using somebody like Nick Spaling, Daniel Winnik, or Blake Comeau for that same role.

If somehow Pittsburgh can find enough top six wingers to push Dupuis into a third line role that is totally fine too.

Looking at the unrestricted free agency market Pittsburgh would be hard pressed to find better value than Dupuis' 3.75M. Michael Frolik will be one of the more attractive options out there and here is how Frolik's 2014-15 season compares with Dupuis' 2013-14 (2014-15 sample too small)