The Pittsburgh Penguins might not be making trades like the Ryan McDonagh one we saw with Nashville and Tampa Bay, but they have made a few low key signings.

I’m going to lead with the one I think will have the biggest impact on the big roster

The Penguins have re-signed defenseman Jack St. Ivany to a three-year contract.

The contract runs through the 2026.27 season and carries an average annual value of $775,000 at the NHL level.

— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) May 21, 2024

Jack St. Ivany came onto the scene late in the year after Chad Ruhwedel was traded away off the roster. St. Ivany filled right into that bottom pairing role on the right hand side and did a nice job and in 160 minutes he finished with a 51.53 xGF%. This is a good signing for the team because there is literally no downside. If it doesn’t work out he will return to WB/S. It is three years for the league minimum and brings the potential of having a regular bottom pairing defenseman. A far cry from overpaying for players like Jan Rutta for the same role.

The Penguins have re-signed forward Jonathan Gruden to a two-year contract.

The contract runs through the 2025.26 season and carries an average annual value of $775,000 at the NHL level.

— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) May 21, 2024

The Penguins signed depth forward Jon Gruden to a similar deal to St. Ivany. Gruden’s is one year shorter.

The Penguins have re-signed forward Jonathan Gruden to a two-year contract.

The contract runs through the 2025.26 season and carries an average annual value of $775,000 at the NHL level.

— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) May 21, 2024

I don’t really have any strong feelings about this signing. I feel like Gruden is going to be one of the call ups when there are multiple injuries and the team needs a body. I think I would be surprised if he ended up being a regular contributor in Pittsburgh. I think he will provide an opportunity for some of the newer prospects in WB/S to get big minutes without jumping up and down. Gruden can be used as a short term promotion who bounces back and forth.

The third signing was for Filip Kral, formerly of the Toronto Maple Leafs system

The Penguins have signed defenseman Filip Kral to a one-year contract.

The contract runs through the 2024.25 season and carries an average annual value of $775,000 at the NHL level.

— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) May 21, 2024

Kral played in SM-Liiga last year and had 37 points in 46 games as a defenseman. Per NHLe that translates to 30 points in a full 82 game NHL season.

I am not well versed with Kral’s play so here is someone who has seen him play and what they think

Saw a lot of him in Liiga this season (and with the Marlies before that).

Left-handed D who skates well, not overly physical.

Most optimistic projection is a Brett Kulak type, but most likely AHL callup. https://t.co/HN2QOPptdH

— Jack Han (@JhanHky) May 21, 2024

Overall, some low level logical signings for the organization. The kind every team in the league makes.

Thanks for reading!

Join the Discussion: » 73 Comments » Post New Comment

» Buying low on a sniper

» Penguins reportedly have a new assistant coach

» An unflattering trend for Tristan Jarry

» Penguins tidbits

» Brayden Yager just finished up a very successful junior season, now what?