The Pittsburgh Penguins need to find a way to save some money this offseason and a buyout might be in the cards.

No matter who Fenway Sports Group hires as the next general manager of the Pittsburgh Penguins, they are going to have their hands full trying to build quickly build a new successful team.

The former Penguins management regime built the oldest team in the NHL and their age showed as the season progressed.

As the hunt for a new staff continues, what options are available to decease the age of the team, but also increase the opportunities.

Trades are an obvious option, but when players are strapped to no-trade clauses or just aren’t appealing to other teams, such moves can’t happen.

That’s where buyouts become a viable option; the Penguins don’t have a long history of buying out players, but it might be worth it this offseason.

Who are possible buyout candidates within the Penguins?

Jeff Carter

The fans first choice to buyout thanks to his bloated contract and full no-move clause is Jeff Carter; the massive issue, however, is that he’s buyout proof.

Carter is riding a 35+ contract meaning any buyout would still count towards the salary cap in full.

In short, the only way the Penguins get out from both Carter and his contract is by finding a trade partner.

Likely not happening thanks not only to Carter’s deteriorating skill, but also because a trade would have to be approved by Carter.

Mikael Granlund

Since most people know Carter can’t be bought out, everyone usually turns to Mikael Granlund; a massive flop following the trade deadline who makes $5 million against the cap for two more seasons.

If the Penguins decide to buyout Granlund, it would save a good chunk of change against the cap; the buyout would take four season to complete, but affordable for the most part.

For the 2023-24 season, the Penguins would only be hit with $833,333 against the cap; then the following three would be an extra million at $1.833 million.

Granlund does have the flexibility of not having any clauses attached to his deal, but the Penguins might be hard pressed to find a taker.

In 21 games with the Penguins, Granlund only scored one goal and four assists; it might just be easier to save the money where they can.

Jeff Petry

This one is a little more off the beaten path, but many can agree that the trade to acquire Jeff Petry hasn’t worked out in the Penguins favor.

Petry arrived in Pittsburgh and immediately became the highest paid defensemen but didn’t play up to the expectations.

If the Penguins want to save some money, finding a trade partner for Petry might be an option, but what would a buyout cost?

Buying out Petry would be hefty; the first year would cost $3 million against the cap before increasing to $4.5 million the following season.

The final two years would sit at $1.25 million in cap space.

Down the line there might be some good savings, but the early years just don’t seem worth it.

Regardless of the savings, buyouts are a process and can turn into anchors if the rest of the roster is build incorrectly.

Even without a buyout this offseason, the Penguins will still be paying off Jack Johnson’s contract for another three years.

Make sure you bookmark Inside the Penguins for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns and so much more!

Former Executive Jason Botterill Could be Perfect Penguins GM Candidate

Penguins' P.O. Joseph Will Represent Team Canada at World Championship

Penguins Stuck in Prospect Purgatory

Penguins' Prospect Filip Lindberg Signs Contract in Finland

Penguins' Drew O'Connor Will Represent Team USA at World Championship

• undefined
• undefined