Potential Free Agent Targets for Penguins Defense
The Pittsburgh Penguins could target these defensemen in free agency.
PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Penguins will need some defensive reinforcements to return to the postseason in 2024-25. Despite a career year from Marcus Pettersson and decent seasons from Kris Letang and Erik Karlsson, the team's defense was lackluster at best.
That needs to change if the Penguins want Sidney Crosby and company to have another shot at the Stanley Cup. Unfortunately for Pittsburgh, they need help on multiple pairings: a partner for Kris Letang and the entire third pairing needs upgraded. So, who could the Penguins target to help fill their needs?
1. Brett Pesce
If the Penguins want to sign a defender who can do it all, Brett Pesce is the player to target. He's been slightly buried playing behind Jaccob Slavin and Brent Burns in Carolina, but Pesce is an all-around stud.
The best parts of his game are his defense and stopping an opposing rush, but he can also add a touch of scoring. He has a 30-point season under his belt and four other seasons with 20 or more.
He's also flexible in where he plays. While he is right-handed and prefers to play on the right, the Penguins could deploy him anywhere, and he'd still be effective.
2. Nikita Zadorov
If the Penguins want to sign a player to do what they thought Ryan Graves would, they should take a serious run at Nikita Zadorov. He can play both defensive positions, is tough as nails, and displayed a noteworthy skating ability during the postseason.
He'd make an excellent partner on Kris Letang's left side. He can be a stay-at-home presence most of the time but won't be afraid to read the play and jump in if needed.
He'd also bring a much-needed physical element, which the Penguins sorely lack. At 6-foot-5 and over 200 pounds, Zadorov could clear the net front and intimidate the Penguins.
3. Matt Dumba
The Penguins may want to avoid taking a chance on another veteran defenseman, but Matt Dumba should be an exception if he's available. Dumba is as solid of a two-way defenseman as any in the league, and the benefit he brings to the Pens is his flexibility.
He can play on the second power-play unit and go over the boards with the first penalty-killing line. He throws the body but can also contribute offensively, with eight seasons of 20 or more points. His slapshot is a real weapon when he's on the ice, and if he's able to unleash it more, he should find more offensive success again.
Two of these three defenders also have in common is that they are coming off of a down year. Both Pesce and Dumba put up lower-than-normal offensive numbers, which could help lower their contract demands this summer. Zadorov is coming off of a stellar season in which he contributed to a resurgence in Vancouver, so his demands will probably be the highest of these three. Still, the Penguins could take a run at any of these players to bolster their defense.
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