The free agent market has slowly shrunk, but a few former Penguins are still coasting around and ready to work.

While the offseason begins to wind down across the NHL, there are still a large handful of free agents available and a few of them have ties with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

As tryout offers begin to be handed out and training camps are on the horizon, multiple former Penguins are still looking for their next home.

Quite a few veterans and Stanley Cup Champions are still available on the market and could still serve as integral pieces to a new organization.

What former Penguins are still sitting on the market and could they land a PTO or even a full contract before camps begin?

Phil Kessel

Now a three-time Cup champ, Phil Kessel remains on free agency, but has the full intention of playing in the 2023-24 season.

The NHL’s Iron Man hasn’t missed a regular season game since the 2009-10 season and is hoping to extend that streak another year.

During a full season with the Vegas Golden Knights, Kessel recorded 14 goals for 36 total points, before playing in only four postseason games.

Kessel will turn 36-years-old before the start of the season and his offensive production has taken a visible dip, but given the right role, he could be a solid contributor as a depth forward.

Carl Hagelin

The second of three members of the famed HBK Line, Carl Hagelin is also on the hunt for a new squad.

A fresh 35-years-old, Hagelin might have a harder time finding a contract since he hasn’t played since February of 2022.

Multiple injuries, including a reconstructed eye, forced Hagelin away from the game for the entire 2022-23 season.

Hagelin is hopeful he can return to the NHL, but a team has to be willing to take a chance on him.

There is no guarantee Hagelin will be the same speedster he was when he was at his prime as a hip surgery may have taken away some of his skating ability.

Danton Heinen

For the second consecutive season, Danton Heinin is still a free agent deep into the offseason.

This time around, however, the Penguins are likely not jumping to sign him to a new deal.

When the Penguins signed Heinen for a one-year deal, it seemed like they were getting good value for $1 million; however, Heinen ended up struggling for most of the season.

In 65 games played, Heinen recorded 22 total points, including multiple lengthy stretches absent from the score sheet.

Heinen does have the benefit of being under 30-years-old and can definitely thrive in a depth position with new surroundings.

It’ll likely start with a PTO, but Heinen’s time in the NHL shouldn’t be done any time soon.

Zach Aston-Reese

This one might be a bit more shocking considering the defensive prowess Zach Aston-Reese brings.

Add on a career high in goal scoring in 2022-23 with the Toronto Maple Leafs, and Aston-Reese could be an attractive option for numerous teams.

Also still under the age of 30, Aston-Reese would work for cheap for a team who needs a boost in defense from their forwards.

Other former members of the Penguins organization that are still available include Peter Diliberatore, Scott Harrington, and Derick Brassard.

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