Team: 2024-25 Pittsburgh Penguins

Initial Creation Date: Apr. 3, 2024

Published: Apr. 3, 2024

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

I think all of these RFA signings are reasonable. As are the cheaper UFA contracts. I think these trades are realistic too. I can see Acciari going for a little less. But, that's about it.

Big Free Agent Signings:

I think Alex Nedeljkovic is a must sign. He has been lights out recently. The numbers have been a little up and down. But the thing that is consistent, points. When this guy is in the net, he gets this team points. That's a stat that is often overlooked. We focus on save percentage, goals against average, and goals saved above expected. All of which are very important stats. But the way this team plays in front of Nedeljkovic is something we cannot quantify. Wins is the best way to do so.

Michael Amadio is on a bargain contract with Vegas currently. In Pittsburgh, he can still get a nice raise, but will also have an opportunity to win games. We see this with a lot of guys. They aren't making much money on a good team. In the offseason, they sign a nice check for a bottom-feeder team, and realize they like winning more. I'm sure Amadio may get a better number elsewhere, but this is a big enough increase while still maintaining a winning culture.

Let's just be honest, Vegas knows how to pump out some very good players. I think they're going to try to keep Marchessault over Stephenson. So, come on down Chandler! He could slot in anywhere on this lineup. I can imagine Sully loving Stephenson. He plays great at 5v5, on the powerplay, and on the kill. Just a total swiss army knife. I'd try him with Sid. But he could always slot in at the third line center role.

This is the least likely of the signings. I don't know if he's going to want to be here through the years of rebuild. Maybe he'd except a shorter term. Who knows. We can talk in the comments. Clearly, things haven't gone his way this season. I think a different change of scenery could bring back his old self. He could probably slot in next to Geno. But, he's a natural center, so I'd try him there. He could also play second line center, and have Geno move to the wing.

All of these moves bring the Penguins a lot of versatility. I think that's vital in a constantly changing league like the NHL. These past few games have reinvigorated my love for this team. I've said this before in my other ACGM's but Dubas' job, until Sid retires, is to keep this team competitive. I think this team does that. It moves out some pieces that didn't fit too well this past season, but not at unreasonable numbers. I could also imagine some of those picks being prospects instead.

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