Team: 2015-16 Pittsburgh Penguins

Initial Creation Date: Jun. 21, 2015

Published: Jun. 21, 2015

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

Pens need to use some of their ELC guys in order to surround Malkin and Crosby with legitimate NHL players that might have a little upside, too.


Oshie and Frolik both bring defensive awareness and some skill to make teams pay if they give them too much open ice.


Soderberg and Folingo bring some offensive ability and size to the bottom 6. Wouldn't mind moving Dupuis if it brought something back, but I don't see a team taking that risk now. It's OK though, because he can play either wing, can move up and down the lineup, brings some speed, and plays a smart 2-way game.


The 4th line is inexperienced, but cheap and has some potential. If it's not working out, they can shelter their minutes and it shouldn't be too hard to find a cheap veteran around the deadline. Farnham should be the 13th forward. He can add a spark, but his development won't be stunted by sitting in the press box like it would be for Kapanen. KK would be the first in line to be called up when there are injuries to the top 6.


The defense is where they could get really, really young, but who's ready for a top 4 role? Despres was, but I think it's unrealistic to count on Cole, Pouliot, Harrington, and Dumoulin to all be ready to step into the NHL and 2 of them into the top 4. So sign a guy like McQuaid. He's not going to hurt you in a top 4 role and he brings some size and physicality that the corp is severely lacking. If he ends up on the 3rd pairing in a year or 2, no big deal. Chroney is the same situation as Farnham. Probably has maxed out his potential, but he can step in here and there and it's not terrible to have him sitting in the press box. Harrington would be the first to be called up when there are injuries. It's cutting it close to the cap, but if they could find someone to take Scuderi for literally anything, then they are golden. If not, they need to buy him out.

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