The season is over and the best team in the league did in fact win the Stanley Cup for the second year in a row. Tampa Bay’s message in the room throughout the playoff run was they had to win it all because of the seismic changes headed their way due to the salary cap. They were right on both accounts. Pittsburgh did not win the Stanley Cup, but they have their work cut out for them as well. They are the closest team to Tampa Bay as far as cap space is concerned and that isn’t a good thing
Pittsburgh needs to do their best to shave some money and get some flexibility this offseason. The flat cap is going to cause what should be another buyer’s market. Last year the Penguins weren’t positioned to take advantage of it. This year they should make a strong effort to position themselves to be as flexible as possible so they can take advantage of some unforeseen opportunities.
This task won’t be easy because other teams are likely looking to do the same thing, but they have to try. The expansion draft provides a unique opportunity to *potentially* accomplish some of this. I would leave as many of the disposable mid-tier contracts exposed as I could. The protections lists are due on July 17th and here is mine:
Forwards (7)
Sidney Crosby
Evgeni Malkin
Jake Guentzel
Bryan Rust
Kasperi Kapanen
Jared McCann
Jeff Carter
You do not take the chance of Seattle taking Jeff Carter with the intention of flipping him for assets at the trade deadline. The Penguins have floundered at the 3C position after Nick Bonino left. Ron Hextall’s one big move so far was a resounding success. You don’t risk losing it. It would just create a huge headache to take care of this offseason. Head into next year with Crosby, Malkin (when he gets back), and Carter up the middle. That is still very good. Protecting Carter frees up the pricier contracts of Jason Zucker and Brandon Tanev to be selected. Personally, I don’t think Seattle takes either to help out the Penguins and it is likelier they take Teddy Blueger or Zach Aston-Reese. If the worst thing that happens to Pittsburgh in the expansion draft is a 4th line player is taken so be it. I am not making a trade with Seattle to prevent them from taking a player and I don't think Ron Hextall wants to do that, either.
Additionally, the Penguins could look to a team like the Kings to unload the Zucker contract before the expansion draft to make it one less contract to ditch.
Defense (3)
Kris Letang
Brian Dumoulin
Mark Friedman
*John Marino not eligible to be taken*
Why am I protecting a borderline 7th defenseman? Because I want to shed salary at the defense position and let Pierre-Olivier Joseph take over some NHL minutes, whether he is ready or not. If Seattle takes Mike Matheson or Marcus Pettersson it frees up money and allows the Penguins to finally utilize an ELC contract again. I think Joseph can handle bottom pairing minutes.
I want to tempt Seattle to take one of the mid-tier contracts. Make as many available as possible. You never know if they’ll bite on one and not another. If you can move Marcus Pettersson for assets before the draft that probably isn’t a bad idea, either. I’d rather have Pettersson than Matheson, but the reality of the situation is Matheson’s contract stinks and isn’t appealing to anyone. You have to cut money somewhere and Pettersson looks like a victim of circumstance.
Goalie (1)
Casey DeSmith
I have no interest in Tristan Jarry and his 3.5M contract. I’ve literally spent the last two weeks writing blogs about replacing him. If Seattle wants to do the Penguins that favor, let them.
Things are going to move fast this offseason. The expansion draft is on the 21st of July, the first round of the NHL Draft is on the 23rd, and free agency opens the 28th. There will be unique opportunities for the clubs who can free up enough cap space.
Thanks for reading!
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