Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Matt Grzelcyk is one of the club's most notable pending free agents heading into the off-season. The Massachusetts native proved to be a solid addition to the Penguins' roster this season, as he recorded a career-high 40 points in 82 games.
If the Penguins do not end up re-signing Grzelcyk by July 1, they will certainly need to find a replacement for him. When looking at defensemen who can hit the free-agent market this summer, Columbus Blue Jackets blueliner Ivan Provorov stands out big time.
Provorov is one of the best defensemen who can become a free agent this off-season, and he would be a significant pickup for a Penguins club looking to become a playoff team again. This is because he is a top-four defenseman who contributes offensively and can kill penalties. In addition, he can play either on the left or right side, which certainly adds to his appeal.
If the Penguins brought in Provorov, he could replace Grzelcyk in the Penguins' top four and would offer them another option to consider for their power play. In addition, with Provorov being 28 years old, he is right in his prime and should remain impactful for several years. This could make him a great fit for the retooling Penguins.
In 82 games this season with the Blue Jackets, Provorov recorded seven goals, 33 points, 127 blocks, and a plus-11 rating. The 2015 seventh-overall pick has also recorded at least 30 points in six out of his nine NHL seasons.
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