Three free agents that would make a significant impact for the Pittsburgh Penguins next season.
The busiest portion of the NHL offseason is closing in, and the Pittsburgh Penguins could be in for some significant changes. With Kyle Dubas taking control of the front office, he could look to set the tone early in his tenure and make a splash move in his first free agency as President of Hockey Ops.
If the Penguins choose to make waves in free agency, there aren't many names available that would make a significant impact from the moment they signed. Here are a few free agents that could headline the Penguins' offseason.
Tyler Bertuzzi
Contract Projection: 6 Years x $5.25 Million
Bertuzzi projects to be one of the most expensive free agents on the open market when free agency begins on July 1st. The 28-year-old winger has top-line talent while bringing a pesky edge to his game. He struggled to find the back of the net last season, scoring eight goals in 50 games between the Detroit Red Wings and Boston Bruins.
However, Bertuzzi scored a career-high 30 goals during the 2021-22 season while playing on the Red Wings top line with Dylan Larkin. The scrappy left wing would fill Jason Zucker's spot well next to Evgeni Malkin, and while he wouldn't get the ice time he did in Detroit, specifically on the power play, Bertuzzi could find his rhythm again in Pittsburgh. His presence would also provide insurance for the Penguins on the left side if they fail to re-sign Jake Guentzel after next season.
Dmitry Orlov
Contract Projection: 5 Years x $6.25 Million
While adding another top-six winger would be nice, the Penguins' greater need is on the blue line. Orlov would come in as an upgrade for Brian Dumoulin on the left side of Kris Letang. His days as an elite point-producing defenseman may be behind him, but his defensive sensibilities remain that of a top-pair defenseman.
Orlov has proven to score goals in timely moments, burning the Penguins on more than one occasion during his time with the Washington Capitals. The 31-year-old blue-liner would also bring more physicality to the Penguins' defense and be a statement signing for Dubas.
Ryan Graves
Contract Projection: 5 Years x $5.1 Million
Speaking of statement signings, Ryan Graves should be the top name on the Penguins' wish list entering free agency. Graves is a massive defense-first defenseman with solid puck-moving ability and a phenomenal track record at the NHL level. He led the NHL in +/- in the 2019-20 season as a pillar of the Colorado Avalanche defense and would slide right into Brian Dumoulin's spot atop the Penguins' blue line.
The 6'5", 220-pound blue liner finished last season with nearly identical underlying numbers to Marcus Pettersson, who enjoyed a breakout season. However, Graves played over 70 more minutes on the penalty kill and would become the Penguins' top option on that unit. He will be the premiere name on several teams' wish lists, but if the Penguins want to make a splash, Ryan Graves should be the first call they make.
*Contract Projections From Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff*
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