Pittsburgh Penguins: 3 players who won't be back next season

Pittsburgh Penguins: 3 players who won’t be back next season

Jan 19, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin (71) is congratulated by defenseman Kris Letang (58) after scoring a goal in the second period against the Washington Capitals at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports /

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May 9, 2022; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Kasperi Kapanen (42) moves the puck around New York Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba (8) during the second period in game four of the first round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Penguins who won’t be back: Kasperi Kapanen

Another loss for the Penguins will be Kapanen who has spent time on the second line. The Penguin’s right winger had a bit of an off year. He only had 32 points in 79 games yet he is being paid as an elite playmaker.

The Penguins salary cap issue will force them to let Kapanen walk in free agency. His value at the age of 25 years old will entice the market and set the former first-round pick up for a pay day. Danton Heinen would be best suited to replace Kapanen at right wing but with his contract expiring as well, there will be a lot of questions to answer this offseason.

Heinen is a cheaper option and offered similar production for the Penguins on their third line. He scored 18 goals this season including three on the power play and he played all but six games this season. Heinen also performed well in the playoffs. He netted a goal in three games during the Rangers playoff series and has lots of playoff experience for a young forward.

Heinen should be the clear choice moving forward.

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