After missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the second consecutive season, it’s clear the Pittsburgh Penguins need to address some weaknesses and make significant improvements. Finding suitable upgrades can be challenging during the offseason, especially in the unrestricted free agent market or through trades.
One area the Penguins should consider exploiting is the restricted free agent (RFA) market. This often-overlooked avenue might offer some valuable opportunities.
I’m not necessarily suggesting offer sheets, which are rarely used by NHL general managers. Instead, the Penguins could explore trading for RFAs and then signing them to new deals. Every year, several RFAs are traded, as seen with Pierre-Luc Dubois and Alex DeBrincat last offseason.
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Given the current RFA class, it’s likely some players will be traded this summer, and there are intriguing options the Penguins should investigate.
Martin Necas, Carolina Hurricanes
This might be more of a dream than reality, but it’s worth exploring. Rumors have swirled about Necas being traded, indicating he might seek a larger role and more offensive responsibility.
Necas, at 25, is in his prime, scoring at a 25-goal pace per 82 games over the past two years. He’s a legitimate top-line winger and would be a significant addition to any team.
The challenges for the Penguins would be fitting his potential contract under the salary cap and having the necessary assets for a trade. The Penguins could leverage prospects from the Jake Guentzel trade with Carolina or consider trading their 2025 first-round pick (possibly lottery protected) or Owen Pickering. A “hockey trade” involving someone like Marcus Pettersson could also be an option given Carolina’s potential defensive needs.
Cole Perfetti, Winnipeg Jets
Perfetti might be more attainable in terms of salary and required assets, even if there isn’t as much speculation about him being moved. Perfetti, who was a healthy scratch at times and had limited playoff action, could attract interest from rival GMs.
At 22, Perfetti had a solid first full NHL season, scoring 19 goals in 71 games with limited ice time. His underlying numbers suggest strong middle-six production with room for a breakout.
The Jets face a cap crunch with six roster spots to fill, and Perfetti’s inconsistent role could complicate contract negotiations. This scenario could present an opportunity for the Penguins.
Anton Lundell, Florida Panthers
This might be the most wishful thinking, but Lundell’s game is highly appealing. His offensive numbers haven’t exploded yet, but he’s a fantastic two-way player who could provide valuable depth at center with potential for a bigger role.
The Panthers have 10 unrestricted free agents to manage, including seven forwards, and around $19 million in cap space. Re-signing key players like Sam Reinhart could consume most of that cap space, potentially making Lundell available for the right return.
Exploring these RFA options could be a strategic move for the Penguins as they look to strengthen their roster and return to playoff contention.