Pens Qualify all 6 Restricted free agents
- C Brandon Sutter
- F Nick Spaling
- W Bobby Farnham
- D Simon Despres
- D Philip Samuelsson
- W Jayson Megna
These six players qualifying offers mean that the Pens will be able to match any potential outside offers and keep the services of that player if they match. Remember, if any of these players sign with another team and the Pens fail to match the offer, then the Pens receive draft pick compensation based on the salary given to the player leaving.
A few things to look for from our RFAs:
- Brandon Sutter is expected to remain with the Penguins. New GM Jim Rutherford wants to keep him here and intends to open up negotiations with the young center starting Wednesday.
- Like Sutter, Simon Despres is expected to remain a Pittsburgh Penguin. Pens management like him and are fearful that Bylsma's regime may have really hurt his progression. The Pens hope to see what they have in the young defenseman once and for all this year.
- Nick Spaling, acquired along with Patric Hornqvist in the James Neal trade, will have some negotiating to do with the Penguins. He reportedly was asking the Predators for 2.5 million annually before the trade. The Pens cannot afford that kind of money from a fourth line center. If the Pens can get him at 2 million or below, I think he definitely stays.
- Philip Samuelsson, like Despres, should be part of the Penguins blue line come October. He made his NHL debut in December.
- Jayson Megna had significant playing time in Pittsburgh this year and did not look out of place. He would be a good option to fill a Bottom 6 role at a low price.
The Juss is Loose
As for the other UFA's from last seasons team, here is the latest:
- Deryk Engelland reportedly has 9 offers and the Edmonton Oilers are very interested in the rugged defenseman/winger. Being an Alberta native, I wouldn't be surprised to see him go there.
- Matt Niskanen is reportedly asking for 7-years, 28-35 million dollar deal. If teams want less years, then they have to up the annual number. Reportedly Detroit, Washington, Minnesota and Tampa are among the teams pursuing.
- Like Matt Niskanen, Brooks Orpik has been linked to Washington because of their new assistant (and former Pens assistant) Todd Reirden. Both are fond of Reirden and the coach said he may send a message to each to persuade. Orpik has also been rumored with Buffalo.
- The Trib's Josh Yohe reported last Friday that the Pens informed Tanner Glass that they did not want him back this upcoming year. He is a UFA as of tomorrow as well.
- Brian Gibbons will be a UFA tomorrow as well. The Pens may not resign him, though I feel that is a big mistake. Gibbons reportedly asked for a "one-way" deal, which means he would have to clear waivers before being sent to the AHL. Not an outrageous request in my opinion. Pens would be smart to sign the young Boston College player.
Brodeur, Forwards and the Pens Wishlist
Future Hall-of-Fame goalie Martin Brodeur's name has been linked with several teams of late, including the Pittsburgh Penguins. I find it interesting that the Pens would be in the market for a goalie, especially a 40 year old goalie, with Fleury entering his last year and Jeff Zatkoff performing very well in the back up role. The money "wasted" (and I used that term very very lightly) on Brodeur would take away from other areas the Pens sorely need to fix.
Though the Pens are looking to through a "youth movement" on the blue line to start the year, I am intrigued by the news that Michael Del Zotto was not qualified by the Preds. He will be an unrestricted free agent starting tomorrow. I don't expect the Pens to make a run at him, but he could be a solid option if management wanted to sign a younger veteran with solid puck moving skills on the backend.
Youth of the blue LIne
That leaves two spots open for four guys in the Penguins system: Simon Despres, Philip Samuelsson, Brian Dumoulin and Scott Harrington. Despres is finally going to get his shot to prove what he has. Samuelsson, Dumoulin and Harrington will grind out each other for that final starting spot and seventh defenseman on the roster. I personally love Brian Dumoulin's game, and he can run the point on the powerplay as well. Both Despres and Samuelsson are RFAs so if neither decides to return that will leave many different options open for management.
Final Notes
- Free agents can officially agree and sign contracts starting at noon tomorrow.
- TSN/NHL Network will have coverage starting, I believe, at 1130am tomorrow and throughout the afternoon.
- Be sure to follow TSN's Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger), Bob McKenzie (TSNBobMcKenzie) and TSN/ESPN's Pierre LeBrun (@Real_ESPNLeBrun)
- For all news Pittsburgh, be sure to follow myself (@BigDPensPregame), Mike Cooligan (@MikeCooligan) and the Trib's Dejan Kovacevic (@Dejan_Kovacevic), Rob Rossi (@RobRossi_Trib) and Josh Yohe (@JoshYohe_Trib). Also give the Post-Gazette's Seth Rorabaugh (@emptynetters) a follow.
- NOTE: Be on alert for fake accounts, especially for guys like Pierre LeBrun and Bob McKenzie. Make sure those guys and event he Pittsburgh writers have the blue check next to their names for their verified accounts. Don't want you guys getting hoodwinked by pranksters.
- Be on the lookout for blog posts over the next few days from me on whoever the Pens sign in free agency.
- Enjoy! July 1st is so much fun, it really is as my buddy @AdamWilliams71 puts it "Christmas in July."