Three Under the Radar Penguins Free Agent Targets
The Pittsburgh Penguins will have plenty of options when it comes to revamping the bottom six.
Kyle Dubas made it clear in his introductory conference for the Pittsburgh Penguins: the team needs reinforcements on their third and fourth lines. With a limited amount of cap space to fill several holes in the lineup, he’ll need to get creative to find solutions. Here are three under the radar forwards the Penguins could target in free agency.
1. Ryan Donato
2022-23 Stats: 71 GP, 14 G, 13 A, 27 P
The Penguins had one 10+ goal scorer on their third and fourth lines during the 2022-23 season in Jeff Carter. Carter is most likely penciled into the fourth line, but the Pens need several more 10+ goal scorers to fully revitalize the bottom six. Enter Ryan Donato. The former second round pick has bounced around the league, but found an offensive home in Seattle the past two seasons. He put up 16 goals last season, and followed it up with 14 this past campaign.
What Donato would bring to the Penguins is one of the best set of hands on a third line center. He lacks blazing speed, but he has enough to separate from defenders and create space.
What he lacks in speed, however, he makes up for with his playmaking. Donato is gifted in the offensive zone, and could provide consistent production from the bottom six. If the Pens want to find a lower cost, but effective third line center, Donato is an ideal candidate.
2. Pierre Engvall
2022-23 Stats: 76 GP, 17 G, 13 A, 30 P
A forward familiar with Dubas, Pierre Engvall is an intriguing option on the open market. Dubas recently traded Engvall from Toronto to the New York Islanders this past season, where Engvall really took off. He scored nine points in 18 games, and found some chemistry playing with some of the better players on the Island.
Engvall is 6'5, which makes most assume he is a bruising forward. However, Engvall's biggest asset is his speed. He has an incredibly long reach and stride and covers huge stretches of ice when building up speed. He could slot into the left wing position next to Evgeni Malkin should Jason Zucker leave, or he could be one of the most talented third line wingers in the black and gold in several seasons.
The Islanders management have stated re-signing Engvall is a priority, so he may not hit free agency. If he does though, the Penguins must think very hard about bringing him in.
3. Pius Suter
2022-23 Stats: 79 GP, 14 G, 10 A, 24 P
A few seasons ago, Suter was just an undrafted player trying to establish himself at the NHL. Fast forward three seasons later, and Suter is a proven bottom six contributor. Putting up 14, 15, and 14 goal seasons respectively, Suter has the adaptability to play center or wing and put up decent scoring numbers in either position.
What Suter would bring to the Penguins is versatility. He's a utility forward in the truest sense. He is best served to be a third liner, but he has the puck skills to temporarily play in the top six if injuries occur. He's also a valuable penalty killer and defensive player, something the Penguins need to acquire more of this offseason.
Suter also fits into the mold of player Mike Sullivan and Dubas want on the team next season. He's smart, versatile, and most importantly, he's speedy with the puck. If the Pens targeted Suter, they know they are getting a player who can play with a swift style Sullivan is trying to return to.
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