Team: 2021-22 Pittsburgh Penguins

Initial Creation Date: Feb. 8, 2021

Published: Feb. 8, 2021

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

This team needs to change strategy. They need to pick and choose their offseason battles. Every year they have been trying to patch holes for another run. It's just not the way a team should do things. It's like a crack addict always looking for a fix or a gambler always needing just one more hand to turn things around.
Next year is not the time to go all in. The best they can do is RNH. I don't think that gets it done. They should make no big moves, nothing past a 1 year deal on any contract other than what fits the long term plan.

It's the year after that this team should be targeting as a cup run.
They can resign Malkin and Letang for less and afford to bring in Barkov. Who would have a huge impact. They could easily run a cup in 2 years if they are patient in the offseason.
As running Crosby, Barkov and Malkin 18 minutes a night, and the 4th line 6 minutes they could easily tilt ice to the Ozone.
Especially given the forward group of Jake, Rust, Zucker, Kap, and Poulin with them.
If they need cap they can move McCann or Tanev. I would think McCann added to that list above would create 3 very solid lines an no one could really complain about their linemates.

The defense would also be pretty solid as well.

This team can still be competitive next year but honesty the goal should be picking the last shot to swing for the fences.