The Pittsburgh Penguins have a ton of players that will be most likely be leaving via free agency this season and that will leave them with plenty of holes to fill. Their new general manager is going to have to go out in free agency and sign some good quality players to fill in the needs that they will have.
With a big hole to fill in the front office first the Penguin’s ownership certainly has a plan in place for who and what they are looking for this summer. Here are five free agents that could help.
Nikita Nikitin: Nikitin is going to be a free agent this summer after three seasons in Columbus and the Penguins should kick the tires on him. They’re going to lose Brooks Orpik and possibly Matt Niskanen too which would cripple the top four defensive pairings. Nikitin can come in and play in the top four. He’s a solid shutdown defenseman with good size (6’3) and skating. Pittsburgh will need a couple defenseman so start with Nikitin.
Radim Vrbata: With the loss of Lee Stempniak, Pittsburgh will need a third line forward. Enter Radim Vrbata. He’s a proven goal scorer in Phoenix and he can really contribute. Imagine a third line of Beau Bennett, Brandon Sutter and Vrbata. That’s arguably one of the best third lines in the NHL. He will come at a decent price so Pittsburgh could get him on the cheap.
Steve Ott: For a few seasons now, the Penguins have not had an enforcer on the ice. Steve Ott is more of a pest on the ice but can still mix it up. He’s a tough, physical hockey player and he can also score some goals for you. He played well in Buffalo and could give the Penguins some of the grit they lack come playoff time. This is a perfect time for the Penguins to add some toughness and Ott should come at a good price.
Matt Moulson: Moulson could be the biggest fish out there and you never know if Pittsburgh will go out there and try to get him. He’s going to cost a good bit of money to sign but if Pittsburgh can open up some cap space, they may be able to pull it off. He’s a proven goal scorer and can play on the first or second line.
R.J. Umberger: With the news that Umberger hast requested a trade or will be bought out, the Penguins should look to inquire on Umberger if he is available. They can’t trade for him since his cap is way too much (4.5 million) so if Columbus buys him out, Pittsburgh could sign him at a reasonable price. His best days are behind him but he can be some bottom six depth which is something the Penguins have lacked over the past couple seasons.