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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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PITTSBURGH, PA — MAY 01: Bryan Rust #17 of the Pittsburgh Penguins controls the puck in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Second Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Washington Capitals at PPG PAINTS Arena on May 1, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Bryan Rust
PITTSBURGH, PA — MAY 01: Bryan Rust #17 of the Pittsburgh Penguins controls the puck in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Second Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Washington Capitals at PPG PAINTS Arena on May 1, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Bryan Rust /

Penguins re-sign forward Bryan Rust and center Riley Sheahan

Two of the Penguins’ priorities this offseason seemed to be locking down Rust and Sheehan, both of which they accomplished. On June 26, the Pens’ signed Rust to a four-year contract that NHL.com reported has an average annual value of $3.5 million. One day later, they inked a one-year, $2.1 million deal with Sheehan.

These were clutch moves by the Penguins that should not be underestimated in terms of what it means for another possible Pittsburgh Stanley Cup run. Rust was an integral part of the Pens’ two Stanley Cup teams, while Sheehan showed up in Pittsburgh in October and slowly became a crucial part of the Penguins’ lineup.

The 26-year-old Rust just set career highs in assists (25) and points (69) with the Pens during the 2017-18 seasons, and contributed three goals in 12 playoff games this postseason just to remind his team just how valuable he is in big moments. He’s been the perfect complimentary presence to the Penguins’ Big Three and has a knack for making the right play when the Pens need him the most.

Likewise, Sheehan showed up as part of the Scott Wilson trade with the Red Wings and proceeded to have a better-than-expected year with the Penguins, putting up 11 goals, 21 assists and 32 points. Sheehan is also 26, and provided solid center depth behind Crosby, Malkin and Derick Brassard.

Now the Penguins have two of their most important young glue guys under contract, moves that must make Coach Mike Sullivan extremely happy. Rust and Sheahan may not be the most important guys for Pittsburgh, but their contributions are always appreciated by Penguins fans.

Grade: A

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