Team: 2020-21 Pittsburgh Penguins

Initial Creation Date: Aug. 16, 2020

Published: Aug. 16, 2020

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

Over the past week I’ve come across many Pens fans who suggested that the team needs to add some forwards with size, physicality and aggressiveness. In the past, I would’ve never considered this since the Penguins won back to back cups by being a fast and skilled puck possession team, but after their recent post-season collapse, it’s made me wonder whether or not its time for a philosophical change.

The thing is, the Penguins are no longer the fastest team in the NHL. Ever since their championship years, most of the league has adapted and opposing players can keep up with them. Now it is very easy for trap teams like Montreal to shut them down by preventing them from entering the neutral zone with speed and forcing turnovers to transition the other way. Perhaps having a few big and aggressive forwards who can outwork the opposing defence and win puck battles after the dump in will help exploit this defensive system.

Obviously the Penguins should not abandon the speed and skill philosophy altogether since their top players prefer that system, but maybe adding a few complimentary forwards in the bottom 6 will make it easier for them to make adjustments when playing against an opposition that has figured them out. Even during their 2016 and 2017 championship runs, they had a few forwards such as Kunitz, Hornqvist, Hagelin, Sheary, Wilson and Rowney who were extremely relentless and heavy on the forecheck. They would always pressure the defence and retrieve pucks to maintain the offensive zone cycle, something we didn’t really see in this series.

Now I shall showcase some potential players who play the heavy style the team could possibly look at:

Matt Martin: A fourth liner, he is part of the famous Martin-Cizikas-Clutterbuck trio that shuts down the opposition’s top forwards and gets under their skin. He doesn’t generate anything offensively, but his expected goals against ranks in the 99th percentile. Despite his age, he’s still one of the best forecheckers in the league. He might be willing to sign for the league minimum next season.

Zemgus Girgensons: Another guy who generates nothing offensively, Girgensons has established himself as a bottom 6 forward known for his defensive specialties and physical play. The Penguins could offer him a 1-2 year deal at around 1.5 Million. I think signing one of him or Martin could make ZAR available in which they can sell high and fetch a similar return compared to Blake Coleman.

Sam Bennett: Though he’s not the biggest, he plays quite an intimidating style as he delivers big hits and is relentless on the forecheck. He’s got good hands, skates well and generates scoring chances at a relatively high rate. Can play all Forward positions and is performing well this playoffs. I believe Calgary would want the 15th overall pick, which for me is too much given his lack of production.

Samuel Blais: He is an extremely aggressive and relentless forward. Is known for delivering huge hits and provides the team lots of energy. A beast on the forecheck. He isn’t particularly good at driving offence but he is decent defensively. Maybe St Louis would be interested in swapping Simon, or they’d want Legare.

Julien Gauthier: He was only a rookie this season but already established himself as one of the league’s best forecheckers. He’s got great size, skates extremely fast and is physical. He generates shot attempts at an above average rate but still needs to work on his defensive game, but expect him to get better as he grows.

Jesper Fast: Another NYR forward, he’s had an excellent season alongside Panarin and Strome. He is a good play driver at even strength and is also good defensively. He’s got excellent speed, is relentless on the forecheck and is not afraid to throw the body. Expect him to get a similar deal compared to Brandon Tanev.