Penguins Face Free Agency Crossroads
Navigating the RFA Landscape
As free agency approaches in July, the Pittsburgh Penguins have crucial decisions ahead. They must weigh re-signing restricted free agents (RFAs) and assess the market for unrestricted free agents (UFAs). The team’s strategy will significantly influence their competitiveness in the upcoming season.
Restricted Free Agents in Focus
Forward Connor Dewar, acquired at the trade deadline, experienced a positive shift, accumulating seven points in 17 games. Yet, his season total of 10 points in 48 outings presents a challenge. His contract structure allows for a lower qualifying offer of $819K, but arbitration rights complicate matters. The Penguins might seek a deal similar to his previous salary, but a qualifying offer could be avoided to sidestep arbitration.
Defenseman Pierre-Olivier Joseph, previously non-tendered to avoid arbitration, returned to Pittsburgh mid-season after struggling in St. Louis. He played as a depth piece. Like Dewar, he’s arbitration-eligible, making him a potential non-tender candidate. A qualifying offer of $997.5K is due.
Defenseman Conor Timmins, also acquired from Toronto, showed increased impact with seven points in 17 games. Timmins is arbitration-eligible as well, and the risk of a qualifying offer is lower. A one-year deal might boost his salary to approximately $1.75MM. General Manager Kyle Dubas might prefer a two-year contract, with an offer around $2MM.
Forward Philip Tomasino, acquired from Nashville, became a regular with the Penguins, scoring 11 goals and 12 assists in 50 games. His qualifying offer is just over $866K, and he is also arbitration-eligible. A one-year deal could make sense, with a price tag around $1.5MM. A two-year contract would push the AAV closer to $2MM.
Other RFAs include Raivis Ansons, Emil Bemstrom, Taylor Gauthier, Filip Lindberg, and Vasiliy Ponomarev.
Unrestricted Free Agent Overview
Defenseman Matt Grzelcyk, who took a one-year deal with Pittsburgh, saw his value rise, achieving career highs in assists (39) and points (40). His performance has made him the top point-getter among UFA blueliners. Despite being a smaller defenseman, Grzelcyk could exceed his previous salary of $2.75MM and secure a multi-year deal.
Joona Koppanen is one of the few UFAs to play at least 10 NHL games this season. He has the size that some teams may covet for a depth spot in the lineup. The 27-year-old may find suitors. A two-way pact on the open market is likely.
Matthew Nieto has played in only 54 games in two seasons due to injuries, managing just seven points. He might struggle to get a guaranteed deal. He may be a training camp PTO candidate.
Other UFAs include Nathan Clurman, Mac Hollowell, Filip King, Jimmy Huntington, Marc Johnstone, Mathias Laferriere, and Colton Poolman.
Cap Space and Strategy
The Penguins have substantial cap flexibility with over $23MM in room. However, with Dan Muse’s hiring as head coach signaling a potential rebuild, they may not be overly active in free agency. They are unlikely to approach the $95.5MM Upper Limit at the start of the 2025-26 season.
The current NHL salary cap is $88 million for the 2024-25 season, according to NHL.com. This figure underscores the importance of strategic cap management for teams like the Penguins.