Penguins: Seven Possible Targets To Seal Up the Opening Night Roster

There have been many stories written over the past few weeks that have cited the Pens need to acquire at least one bigger name forward for the top 6. I think we can all agree on that. They definitely need to address the lack of secondary scoring on the roster.

The problem they run into, along with many other teams, comes down to being strapped for cash. Being pushed to the limit in regards to the cap ceiling, teams will tend to sit back and play the waiting game from now through the start of training camp.

Some of this year’s free agent class may only get an offer to tryout for a team, rather than be signed before training camp starts. There is a strong possibility that Penguins GM Ray Shero will decide to grab a forward after camps begins and that’s when prices are at an even better bargain. That is if players are still available.

The Pens could go into camp without signing anyone and come out with a lineup ready for opening night. It won’t be the best scenario, but it looks as if some of the players in our system may have a legitimate chance of cracking the lineup. If it turns out that the Pens can’t fill a roster spot internally, then they will have to look to bring someone in.

No one is quite sure how it will work out yet, but those close to the team suggest that Jordan Staal is ready to handle some more playing time in a top 6 role. That means someone has to step in to his old role as the 3rd line center and there are a few likely candidates being targeted as an option.

So without further adieu, let’s have a look at some remaining free agents who could fit into the Pens system and not break the bank.

Maxim Afinogenov

Maxim Afinogenov (RW) Age: 30

09/10 Stats: 82 GP | 24 G | 37 A | 61 Pts | Minus -17 | 46 PIM |

09/10 Salary Cap Hit: $800K

How he fits into the Pens lineup: Top 6 Forward

Afinogenov had a tremendous bounce back season with the Atlanta Thrashers last year. Known for being streaky and somewhat of a risk where injury is concerned, last season seemed to put Afinogenov’s production back to his normal pace.

He would fit well in the Pens up-tempo system if the price is right. He fast, he still has a wicked wristshot, and is still a very agile forward. Now that Afinogenov has some confidence back, imagine what playing on a line with Evgeni Malkin would do for him.

The problem lies in the amount he is seeking. If he’s around $2-3 Million a season, I would think he would have to be in consideration for getting signed here. Outside of that window, no way. I don’t think many teams would be willing to take a risk at a high price. It seems that his asking price could be upwards of $4 million dollars a season. If that’s the case, Afinogenov may have better luck scoring that kind of contract in Russia.

If the Pens are looking for that sniper type of forward and the price is right, Afinogenov could be just what the doctor ordered.

Brendan Morrison

Brendan Morrison (C) Age: 34

09/10 Stats: 74 GP | 12 G | 30 A | 42 Pts | Plus + 23 | 40 PIM |

09/10 Salary Cap Hit: $1.5 Million Dollars

How he fits into the Pens lineup: Third-line Center

With Morrison you get consistency along with grit and some scoring. He put up some great numbers in Vancouver while establishing himself as the number one center playing alongside Markus Naslund and Todd Bertuzzi. He may not be the number one center he once was, but he still has some gas left in the tank.

Morrison would be a nice addition to the Pens lineup, especially on the third line. He’s played with Matt Cooke in Vancouver, so there may be some chemistry left there. If one thing is for sure, Morrison’s style could emulate what Jordan Staal was able to do on the third line last season.

If the Pens are looking for a third line center to fit the bill and get one at a very reasonable price, then Morrison would be a nice addition. He will provide a scoring touch and to have that kind of depth on a third line would prove to be dangerous against opposing teams.

Marek Svatos

Marek Svatos (RW) Age: 28

09/10 Stats: 54 GP | 7 G | 4 A | 11 Pts | Minus -13 | 35 PIM |

09/10 Salary Cap Hit: $2 Million Dollars

How he fits into the Pens lineup: Top 6 Forward

Marek Svatos has not had the easiest time staying consistent in the NHL. With Colorado’s influx of young players stepping into the lineup last season, Svatos got buried on the third line and pretty much went unheard of. In the right atmosphere, it’s only a matter of time that Svatos will awaken from his slumber and get back to the form of the rookie 30 goal scorer we all remember him to be.

He would be a good addition to either of the Pens top 2 lines. He’s fast and has a deadly wrist shot. His 5′10″ frame makes it easier for him to slip into the zone and get open. Svatos has all the skills and characteristics to be a deadly sniper in the NHL.

The problem is that in order to be effective he needs more playing time and to be a part of a line where one player is a dynamic game breaker. It hasn’t been made clear what Svatos is seeking, but I can’t imagine that he will get a lot on the open market because of his declining point totals.

He has all the tools to be a productive winger, he just needs to play with the right players to inspire him to return to his more productive form. There have also been a few rumors of late suggesting that Svatos will be invited to an NHL camp on a tryout basis. He’s another one of those sought after, sniper-type forwards that would work really well on the wing.

Eric Belanger

Eric Belanger (C) Age: 32

09/10 Stats: 77 GP | 15 G | 26 A | 41 Pts | Plus + 2 | 32 PIM |

09/10 Salary Cap Hit: $1.75 Million Dollars

How he fits into the Pens lineup: Third-line Center

Last season Belanger played in 77 games for the Minnesota Wild and the Washington Capitals and had his most productive season since entering the league. Washington acquired Belanger at the trade deadline last season in the hopes of utilizing his skills on the third line.

With Belanger you get toughness, a really great face-off percentage and he will beat a goaltender with a slick goal here and there. He could be another viable candidate for the third line center position if in fact the Pens are going that route. His cap hit last year was very reasonable and it appears that it will be close to the same this year.

At 32, he’s at an age where the skills are still pretty decent and he still has a lot to give to a team. It’s possible that he could still be sitting around when training camp opens and it would be foolish not to consider bringing him in if other internal options don’t pan out.

John Madden

John Madden (C) Age: 37

09/10 Stats: 79 GP | 10 G | 13 A | 23 Pts | Minus – 2 | 12 PIM |

09/10 Salary Cap Hit: $2.75 Million Dollars

How he fits into the Pens lineup: Third-line Center

We all know how much he could get under our skin, but imagine adding that element to the Pens third line. Madden has proven over his career that being a two way center pays huge dividends for the overall success of a team. Could Madden have another good season left in the tank?

He plays a brutal brand of hockey and is great at wearing down the other team. He’s also a great penalty killer, remember all those shorthanded goals he had against us? Yes, he’s not that young anymore, but he plays smart hockey and experience is key.

Hopefully his age prevents him from commanding a huge salary and it’s possible he could be counted on to only be a $2 million dollar cap hit. If Guerin is not re-signed, the Pens still need a proven veteran to step in and keep the boys grounded.

Madden can be that third line shutdown center the Pens will be craving if Staal moves to the second line. Hopefully his asking price isn’t too high.

Lee Stempniak

Lee Stempniak (RW) Age: 27

09/10 Stats: 80 GP | 28 G | 20 A | 48 Pts | Even | 26 PIM |

09/10 Salary Cap Hit: $2.5 Million Dollars

How he fits into the Pens lineup: Top 6 Forward

Stempniak was in the midst of another sub-par season with the Toronto Maple Leafs last season until he was traded to the Phoenix Coyotes at last season’s trade deadline. While only managing to rack up 30 points (14-14–30) in 62 games with the Maple Leafs, once in the desert he went on a rampage netting 18 points (14-4–18) in 18 games with the Coyotes.

His first career playoff season saw Stempniak get quiet as he only managed to get 2 assists in 7 games against the Detroit Red Wings. If there is one thing that he has shown, it’s that he does have a scoring touch and could prove to be very dangerous if put with a skilled center.

Even though he went on that surge late last season, it seems Phoenix has been a little hesitant on trying to get the 27 year old winger back.

It is very hard to judge anyone who has come from the Maple Leafs organization. I believe that Ponikarovsky is living proof of that statement. With that being said, Stempniak seemed to have more willingness to go to the net when needed and may just end up being a bargain later on in the off-season.

All signs seems to point to him wanting a significant increase in his pay, but the more he sits and waits, the more likely that his asking price will come down.

Bill Guerin

Bill Guerin (RW) Age: 39

09/10 Stats: 78 GP | 21 G | 24 A | 45 Pts | Minus – 9 | 75 PIM |

09/10 Salary Cap Hit: $2 Million Dollars

How he fits into the Pens lineup: Top 9 Forward

Last but certainly not least is the infamous Billy G. The reasons to re-sign him are very simple. He enjoys it here, he’s having a lot of fun, he’s proven he can still rack up points at 39, his veteran leadership is priceless and he’s respected throughout the whole organization.

If there is one thing Shero understands it’s the importance of a veteran presence on this team. I think that Guerin was the final piece of the puzzle in order for the Pens to drink from Lord Stanley’s Cup last summer.

Let’s not forget in 95 regular season games with the Pens, Guerin has 57 points. 26 of which are goals. He had his most productive playoff season last year on the run to win the cup with 15 points in 24 games. He had 9 points in 11 games of this year’s playoffs.

I think I’ve made my case. He doesn’t seem willing to take a hometown discount and who could blame him? It’s tough to say whether or not he’s worth the $2 million he received last year, but signing Guerin insures that the locker room stays focused and loose. Two key ingredients that led to the Pens first Stanley Cup Championship in 17 years.