Below I have assembled a list of forwards I would like to see the Pens go after starting tomorrow and try to get into this lineup one way or the other. I have no defensemen on the list because it appears the youth movement is really going into full effect come October this season. So this list is solely forwards. You will read them in descending order as well, so no skipping! Each player will have some information on the player and my thoughts on them. So without further adieu, Big Dave's Christmas in July wishlist!
10. Dominic Moore
Dominic Moore is far from flashy. He is a grinder. He goes to the dirty areas and does the Bottom 6 work. He was great for the Lightning in 2011 in that pest roll and he was very good again for the Rangers this year in beating the Pens on their way to the Stanley Cup Finals. Moore doesn't put up a lot of points (2013-14 stat line: 73 GP, 6G, 18pts), but he pesters opposing teams top forwards and is a solid penalty killer. I don't know what kind of money he will fetch on the market (he only made a million dollars last season), but he should be a reasonable purchase for the Bottom 6, especially if Nick Spaling prices himself out of Pittsburgh.
9. Marcel Goc
Goc made 1.7 million last season, and he may command as much as 2 per. I think he'd be worth it on the Bottom 6 for his penalty killing alone. He is very good against the opposite teams top forwards and plays a smart game. He only had two assists in his time in Pittsburgh, but he proved to be a great defensive forward when given the icetime and when he wasn't out with that ankle injury. I'd love to see him back, but wouldn't count on it if the Pens can resign both RFAs in Sutter and Spaling.
8. Ryan Malone
However, Malone is only two years separated from a 20 goal season, of which he has had four since the 2006-07 season. He isn't the young guy traded away in the summer of 2008, but he could still be an affective player in the Bottom 6 and a great net front presence on the 2nd powerplay unit. He should come cheap; he got his contract from Tampa and still gets all of it in the compliance buyout. He could be gotten incredibly cheap, perhaps lower than 1.5 million for this year as he looks to refind himself. I think it's a worthwhile risk, especially if you play him in a Bottom 6.
7. Cory Conacher
This past season is the only time he has been given a chance at playing a full season at the NHL level and he put up average numbers (79 GP, 7G, 26pts overall between OTT and BUF). I think given the opportunity he could be a very solid forward in the Pens system. Particularly with Brandon Sutter and either Beau Bennett or Pascal Dupuis on the 3rd line. Should come relatively cheap. Like Malone, a worthwhile risk to take.
6. Devin Setoguchi
He's made roughly 3 million a year the last 3 seasons, and his play does not warrant such a figure, especially after the last two season. Somewhere from 2.5 to 3 million annually seems about right. He is not my favorite possible Top 6 option, but I wouldn't count him out either; reports were the Pens have been interested in him the last two trade deadlines.
5. Benoit Pouliot
Pouliot put up 15 goals and 36 points in 80 games for the Broadway Blue Shirts this past season, playing primarily on their 3rd line. He is solid at both ends of the ice and can kill penalties. I would love to see him with Brandon Sutter and Pascal Dupuis on the 3rd line. The question will be the money. He made 1.3 million this past season and the 27 year old certainly deserves the raise. If the Pens can get him on a 2-3 year deal at 2-2.5 million a year I say do it!
4. Dustin Penner
To think Penner is the twenty goal scorer he was in his Oilers days is madness, nor is he the guy who couldn't buy a goal in Los Angeles. I think his Ducks/Caps season last year is a good indication of where Penner's game is; he can score between 10-15 goals, give you 14-15 minutes a night and is a bigger body who will surely help any team. Like a lot of guys, the question will be the price. He made two million last year, and played much better than what he was making with the Kings. Penner might price himself out of Pittsburgh, but if the Pens can strike a deal he is a solid option.
3. Ales Hemsky
If Hemsky was given the chance to play alongside the likes of Sidney Crosby on the top line I think he could be an all-star caliber player. My biggest problem though at this point is not the uncertainty, but the money. He has been making five million annually the last few years and I do not think he should get that kind of money again, let alone more. He might be too expensive for the Penguins, but I wouldn't count the Pens out of the running for the former 1st rounder.
2. Matt Moulson
Moulson is a gamer. He goes to the net, he can score and he really ups his game skating alongside superstars. I would love to see him play with Sidney Crosby and Chris Kunitz. I think he could become something similar to what James Neal was if he comes to Pittsburgh. Now, reports have said that the Pens have not been inquired about Moulson, but I really hope this is one of those "came out of left field" deals that leaves the rest of league cursing us for snatching him away. The biggest question will be the money. He made 3.9 million this year and I think he can get close to 5 million annually on the market. That should put him in the Ales Hemsky range, if not possibly less than Hemsky. I think he is the better option, especially if Moulson is the price is better and we already know he performs skating alongside NHL superstars.
1. Nikolai Kulemin
Though Kulemin does not do any particular thing great, he does everything well. He is durable as well, playing in 90-95 percent of all of his teams games since coming to play in the NHL. We know there is chemistry between him and Malkin and the two are great friends. It would be good for Malkin to have a new bosom buddy with Neal gone, and what better way to do that than bring in his buddy.
As for the monetary aspect of Kulemin, he made three million last year and that number is expected to grow slightly. The Pens should not have a problem getting him for less than four million annually and he is the same age as Malkin which means they will have several more years together. I don't believe in sure things when it comes to hockey, but I think Kulemin will be a Pittsburgh Penguin at this time tomorrow.