Maple Leafs’ Free Agents Could Solve Penguins’ Depth Issues
The Pittsburgh Penguins should pursue several pending Toronto Maple Leafs free agents this summer.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have just entered the same territory as the Pittsburgh Penguins, as both organizations look to fill vacant front office positions. The Maple Leafs are in a precarious position, with so many well paid players at the top of their lineup. The problem is that they have to fill out their depth and extend a bevy of players with expiring contracts. With limited cap space, many of their pending free agents are expected to explore the open market.
The Penguins should pounce on this opportunity to fill out their depth and exploit the management turnover happening in Toronto. They can do so by pursuing these three players.
1. Michael Bunting
In just a few years in the league, Michael Bunting has become a polarizing figure. His high-energy game, combined with an antagonistic personality routinely gets him into trouble and draws the ire of the opposing team. He also has chipped in 20 goals in back-to-back seasons playing with some of the most skilled players in the world. He's a player that can score with world-class talent, but he also brings an antagonistic element that the Penguins need.
Only 27-years-old, Bunting looks to cash in on his next deal, and it may not be in the Pens' best interests to give him a long-term deal. If they can make a three to four year contract work, the Penguins should do all they can to sign him.
2. Alex Kerfoot
The Penguins third line would look so much better if Alex Kerfoot was the center. At 28 years old, he has several years of his best productivity left, and the Penguins could attract him to the Steel City with a multi-year deal. Kerfoot had a slightly down year, with only 32 points in 82 games, but he's been a regular 40-50 point player since breaking out in Colorado.
Kerfoot would bring an exciting, two-way element to the third line of the Penguins. He also has the ability to play up in the lineup if injuries occur. The Penguins have lacked a true third line center for years, and Kerfoot provides an excellent opportunity to solve that issue.
3. Zach Aston-Reese
Depth is a huge hole for the Penguins. They need some reinforcements on both the third and fourth line. A logical candidate is former Penguin Zach Aston-Reese. He just enjoyed his best professional season in Toronto, with 10 goals and 14 points playing in a penalty killing, bottom-six role.
Aston-Reese would instantly upgrade both the Penguins' team defense and penalty killing for a very low cost. He maintained his place as an analytical darling when it comes to suppressing shots and scoring chances this past season while also finding a way to chip in offensively. With this improved game of his, the Penguins should think hard about reuniting with their former player.
The Penguins need to be aggressive this offseason. With limited time left to maintain Stanley Cup relevancy, the Penguins must act quickly to retool this team on the fly. Adding a few pieces from a team in a similar position like Toronto might be just what the Pens need to get back on track.
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