It appears likely that Marcus Pettersson will be reporting to training camp on time and he will be given a cheap short term deal

Expect RFA D Marcus Pettersson to report to PIT training camp in anticipation of finalizing a short term contract in the next day or so.

— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) September 12, 2019

I think this is the right move for the Penguins. I'm not saying that signing Pettersson on a multi-year deal and taking a risk of him outperforming the deal isn't a decent idea in a bubble. I am saying that it isn't worth harming the forward depth to do so this year. If Pettersson signed a multi-year deal you would be looking at a likely Bryan Rust or Nick Bjugstad trade to make room. With so many uncertainties in the forward ranks I think it is more prudent to hold on to as much of the depth as possible. The Penguins are relying on so many tweeners to provide top six minutes at some point in time this year. There are so many variables they need to go right for that approach to work. I think keeping a Bryan Rust and/or Nick Bjugstad provides more roster flexibility and options.

If Marcus Pettersson lives up to expectation you can still sign him to a multi-year deal next year at a reasonable rate given he isn't a high end RFA. There is plenty of time to create that cap space assuming Rutherford doesn't go on a bottom pairing or bottom six spending spree again in the offseason.

The window the Penguins have to be competitive is shrinking and by offering a short term deal at a low cap hit they are able to keep more players around who can contribute positively towards winning games. It also buys time to find better trade deals if they want to go that route instead of rushing things for cap reasons.

It isn't the worse thing ever to see if Pettersson can play at the same level he did last year or better at a bargain rate. There is always the chance he takes a step back. I don't think it will happen, but the team is protected for now from overpaying another depth player. Something they can ill afford to do.

All in all a short term cheap contract makes the most sense for the Penguins at this time.

Thanks for reading!

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