Three PTO Options for the Penguins
With the season drawing near, what players might attend the Penguins' training camp?
The Pittsburgh Penguins are seemingly done making any more major moves prior to the start of the season. Despite the roster being nearly locked, the one area that may still see some tinkering is depth forward. The Penguins could still use another scoring forward for their third or fourth line, and here are three options the team may bring into camp for a tryout.
1. Tomas Tatar
2022-23 Stats: 82 GP, 20 G, 28 A, 48 P
The next big fish on Kyle Dubas' radar is winger Tomas Tatar. The six-time 20+ goal scorer could add a vital offensive element to the middle six forward group. Creative, versatile, and a veteran of over 750 NHL games, the Penguins would benefit greatly from a proven scorer like Tatar.
The sticking point for acquiring Tatar will be the money. At this point, it seems clear that Tatar will accept a one-year deal, but at what cost? If the two parties can find a meeting point, it seems more than likely he will be in a Penguins' uniform for the 2023-24 season.
2. Nolan Patrick
Did not play in 2022-23
If the Penguins want to go off the board to find a potential impact player, why not take a flyer on a former second-overall draft pick? Nolan Patrick last played an NHL game on March 24, 2022, and recorded no games played this past season. Plagued with a migraine disorder and concussion issues, the 25-year-old's professional career remains in question.
Despite this, Pittsburgh may be the perfect place to revive his game. The Penguins are ever-needy for young talent, especially centers, and they have history rehabilitating players back from chronic health injuries.
If Patrick has a clean bill of health, the Penguins should jump on the opportunity to bring him into camp. He could contend for the third and fourth line center positions and add a legitimate offensive weapon to the depth forward corps.
3. Nick Ritchie
2022-23 Stats: 74 GP, 13 G, 13 A, 26 P
The Penguins have infused their third and fourth lines with above-average skaters under Dubas, and it may be wise to supplement that speed with a physical forward who can put the puck in the net. Enter Nick Ritchie. A five-time 10+ goal scorer with a 10% shooting percentage, he brings a blend of grit and offensive production that could pair perfectly with the straight line play of Matt Nieto, Lars Eller, and Drew O'Connor.
If the Penguins want to add more competition to camp, there are several legitimate options still available. Either of these three players would add a different element to the team and possibly boost their depth scoring. Perhaps Dubas will stand pat, but there continues to be buzz that the Pens are not quite done making moves before training camp.
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