The Penguins could pursue a new goaltender in free agency.

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Penguins will need to make a move or two this summer to sure up their goaltending. With the status of Tristan Jarry unknown and running mate Alex Nedeljkovic heading towards free agency, the Penguins need to bring in another veteran netminder for reinforcements. 

Unfortunately for the Penguins, this incoming free-agent class won't offer many solutions for a long-term starter. Some goalies available are capable of starting 30-40 games if needed but aren't concrete options. That is a perfect situation for the Penguins, as their top goalie prospect, Joel Blomqvist, might be on the cusp of greatness.

Here are just a few goaltenders the Penguins might pursue this summer. 

1. Ilya Samsonov

Ilya Samsonov is the best option to hit the free agent market after a solid season with the Toronto Maple Leafs. His record suggests he dominated, going 23-7-3 when patrolling the crease in Toronto. In reality, he was a decent goaltender who received a ton of support. He posted a goals against average (GAA) of 3.13, nearly one goal higher than his 2023 average of 2.33. 

Being the best netminder available, the Penguins must be careful not to enter into a bidding war for any players, especially a goaltender of Samsonov's ilk. If he is open to a salary request similar to this past season ($3.5 million), that would make much more sense for the Penguins. 

2. Kaapo Kahkonen

Kaapo Kahkonen has had a tough couple of seasons, so it would be understandable to write him off. He won only seven of the 37 games he played, allowing a paltry 3.64 GAA. It makes even more sense when you realize he played those past couple of seasons with the San Jose Sharks, the worst organization a goaltender can play for currently. 

The upside with Kahkonen is that he is only 27 years old and has a history of success prior to his stint in San Jose. As a backup in Minnesota, he posted back-to-back seasons with a sub 3.00 GAA. 

This suggests that in the right role, he excels. Combine that with the need to reinvent his game, he is a prime candidate to be pursued by Kyle Dubas in free agency.

In Pittsburgh, he could land in an ideal situation. If he could play 25-30 games to spell a healthy Jarry, Kahkonen could return to form as a solid goaltender. 

3. Kevin Lankinen

Kevin Lankinen is another goaltender who fits the mold of a Dubas goaltender. He's under 30, has starting experience, and is looking for a way to prove he can be that again. Sound familiar? 

Lankinen started just 17 games last season in Nashville, stuck behind one of the league's best, Jusse Saros. Still, his numbers as Saros' backup indicate that he is capable of more. He's put up a sub-3.0 GAA and a save percentage of .908 or higher in two straight seasons with the Predators.

He and the Penguins could be an ideal pairing. If the Pens part with Nedeljkovic, don't be surprised if Lankinen's name comes up more and more.

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