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NHL Free Agency: Grading the Penguins’ signings

By Joshua Axelrod

PITTSBURGH, PA - MAY 07: Sidney Crosby #87"n talks with Phil Kessel #81 of the Pittsburgh Penguins during the game against the Washington Capitals in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Second Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at PPG Paints Arena on May 7, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/NHLI via Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***
PITTSBURGH, PA - MAY 07: Sidney Crosby #87"n talks with Phil Kessel #81 of the Pittsburgh Penguins during the game against the Washington Capitals in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Second Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at PPG Paints Arena on May 7, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/NHLI via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** /
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After losing out on a potential Stanley Cup threepeat, the Pittsburgh Penguins are now tasked with figuring out how to get back to the top of the mountain.

It must be weird not to be the king anymore.

That’s how the Pittsburgh Penguins were probably feeling going into free agency not being in possession of the Stanley Cup for the first time in two years. What a surreal feeling it must be, especially given that the Pens’ biggest rivals are the ones now doing unspeakable things with the Cup.

Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford has a tall task ahead of him this summer. He was able to go into the last two offseasons with the confidence of a man who had just put together two back-to-back champions. With that cushion gone, he now must find a way to recreate the magic that led the team to the summit twice in a row.

It’s not like he went into free agency with a blank slate. This is still a team that features the best player in the NHL in Sidney Crosby, the best sidekick in the NHL in Evgeni Malkin, prolific goal-scorer Phil Kessel (who is just fine, thank you very much), young and gifted goalie Matt Murray and a slew of talent at just about every position with the glaring exception of defense.

So, how have the Penguins done so far in regards to addressing the issues that allowed the Washington Capitals to finally slay their playoff dragon? Well, as you’ll see in these free-agency grade, they’re definitely trying, though with varying degrees of success.

NEWARK, NJ — FEBRUARY 22: Jimmy Hayes #10 of the New Jersey Devils skates in the first-period against the Minnesota Wild during the game at Prudential Center on February 22, 2018 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Andy Marlin/NHLI via Getty Images)
NEWARK, NJ — FEBRUARY 22: Jimmy Hayes #10 of the New Jersey Devils skates in the first-period against the Minnesota Wild during the game at Prudential Center on February 22, 2018 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Andy Marlin/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Penguins sign four depth players, including Jimmy Hayes

On July 1, the Penguins bolstered their squad with four relatively minor signings meant to add depth to an already stacked roster: defensemen Zach Trotman and Stefan Elliot, goalie John Muse and forward Jimmy Hayes.

According to Pensburgh, the average annual salary of those four guys will be only $650,000, so these are all low-risk moves that barely cost the Pens anything. The most intriguing name in that group has to be Hayes, a player who has shown flashes in the past and whose value could greatly exceed his salary.

It’s not like the Penguins are lacking quality forwards, but one can never have enough insurance policies at any position. Having a guy that far down on the bench who is only two seasons removed from putting up 19 goals and 35 points with the Florida Panthers is a luxury few teams will have next year.

Of course, there is a reason the Pens were able to get Hayes at such a cheap price. The 28-year-old hasn’t produced much since that impressive 2015-16 season, and he hit his lowest point last season when the New Jersey Devils sent him down to the AHL.

Whether Hayes ever sees any significant ice team for the Penguins or not, having a guy that low on the depth chart with experience and the potential to replicate those numbers from a few years ago was a solid move. Hopefully the Penguins never have to rely on him too heavily, but if they ever do, there are far worse options out there than Hayes.

Grade: A-

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