Bubble Penguins: Who's Staying, Who's Going?
The future is unclear for a number of Pittsburgh Penguins players who might find new homes this offseason.
PITTSBURGH – Before too long, there should have been plenty of changes coming for the Pittsburgh Penguins and their player personnel. The NHL Draft is at the end of the month, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Penguins try and acquire a few more picks.
With moves likely coming, a few Penguins have questionable futures with the team. Who are the Penguins bubble players and will they stay or go before the 2024-25 season starts?
Reilly Smith – Going
It was an experiment that had a ton of promise at the start, but the Reilly Smith just didn’t work out with the Penguins. As he is about to enter the final year of his contract, Smith might still see a good amount of attention on the trade market, and the Penguins should be answering those calls.
Ryan Graves – Staying
Ryan Graves struggled in his first season with the Penguins, but he’ll likely get more chances. While the Penguins may try and move on from Graves, his contract won’t be easy to sell. The Penguins are likely stuck with him but with hopes of improvement.
Tristan Jarry – Staying
The Penguins need to set some sort of plan for their goaltending, and Jarry will likely be part of it as the starter next season. However, the second-string role may see some alterations.
Alex Nedeljkovic is likely heading to free agency, while the Penguins will need to set a path for either prospect Joel Blomqvist to break the NHL or another veteran to fill the gap.
P.O. Joseph – Going
It might be time for a change of scenery for the one-time top Penguins defensive prospect. P.O. Joseph had a solid end to his season, but too many healthy scratches and poor performances piled up before then. After being dangled a bit during the trade deadline, Joseph might continue to blossom in another town.
Noel Acciari – Staying
He’ll likely never play above the fourth line, but Noel Acciari is locked in as a Penguins depth option. President Kyle Dubas speaks extremely highly about him, and he fills a necessary role in the lineup.
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