Penguins can say they have the worst 2nd line in all of hockey now. What's the point of acquiring PK for his offensive generating abilities if the 2nd line won't be able to capitalize? Lots of trades to clear cap space just to waste $4.25m in free agency. Trading for cap space is fine but to make a mirroring move like the Jack johnson trade last summer is the reason they're in the predicament they're in now. There's way better options out there. Subtract Pirri and use the cap towards someone better than Vanek. Vanek doesn't fit into the whole speed identity they had and what teams now are focusing on.

I hear you on the Vanek deal, not much there, could probably do better.

But Pirri is definitely worth a look. I know he only played 35 games in the NHL, but his CF% was 56.5%. He did get a lot of favorable deployment, which would not be the case for 4th line use but still. What's the harm in taking a chance on a guy who lit up the AHL?? He generates offense, which is the main purpose of the signing. Should also be a one year deal not a 2.

So what's the play there? Sign Zuccarello to a multi year deal north of 5 million?? Brett Connolly??? Nyquist??? I think they should prioritizing using some of this cleared cap space for signing Murray's extension.