2017 Pittsburgh Penguins Free Agency Tracker
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - While the Pittsburgh Penguins are still celebrating their second straight Stanley Cup title, some of the focus has shifted to next year.
Today marks the opening of NHL Free Agency and several players likely won't be back to take a run at a three-peat.
Entering the day, the following players are unrestricted free agents (see below for updates):
- Nick Bonino (Nashville)
- Chris Kunitz (Tampa Bay)
- Trevor Daley (Detroit)
- Matt Cullen
- Ron Hainsey (Toronto)
- Mark Streit
So, General Manager Jim Rutherford will have a job to do in order to fill some roster vacancies over the summer.
Keep it here for updates on these players and more throughout the afternoon!
11 a.m. Update: The Penguins have re-signed forward Garrett Wilson to a two-year deal.
According to the team's website, the two-way deal is worth $650,000 at the NHL level.
In 59 games with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, Wilson racked up 11 goals and 20 assists.
11:19 a.m. Update: According to TSN's Darren Dreger, Nick Bonino is heading to Nashville.
Confirming Nick Bonino is going to Nashville. 4/5 year term.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) July 1, 2017
11:31 a.m. Update: According to TSN's Pierre LeBrun, Ron Hainsey will sign with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Believe the Leafs are getting Ron Hainsey on a two-year deal once paperwork is filed past noon ET...
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) July 1, 2017
Noon Update: The free agency signing window is officially open. Let the fun begin!
12:02 p.m. Update: Trevor Daley has signed a three-year deal with the Detroit Red Wings.
Minutes away from being official, Red Wings have agreed to 3 years at $3M AAV for defenseman Trevor Daley.
— Helene St. James (@HeleneStJames) July 1, 2017
12:06 p.m. Update: The Penguins are reportedly close to signing defenseman Matt Hunwick.
Expected deal for Matt Hunwick with Pittsburgh Penguins is 3 years at $2.25M AAV. #TSN
— Aaron Ward (@NHL_AaronWard) July 1, 2017
12:09 p.m. Update: With Marc-Andre Fleury being selected by the Las Vegas Golden Knights in the NHL Expansion Draft, the Penguins were in need of a backup goaltender. It appears they have made their decision and signed Antti Niemi, according to the Post-Gazette's Jason Mackey.
Source confirms Niemi's headed to Pittsburgh. He'll back up Matt Murray.
— Jason Mackey (@JMackeyPG) July 1, 2017
Niemi was 12-12-4 with a 3.30 GAA and a .892 save percentage last season with the Dallas Stars.
12:15 p.m. Update: Here is the contract breakdown for Matt Hunwick with the Penguins.
Hunwick 3 year deal with Pens. $2.5 mil, $2.5 mil and $1.75 mil.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) July 1, 2017
12:33 p.m. Update: The Pittsburgh Penguins have confirmed the Hunwick signing.
According to the team's official website, the three-year deal carries an annual salary cap hit of $2.25 million.
In 72 games with Toronto this season, the 32-year-old defenseman scored 1 goal and added 18 assists. He also averaged 2:40 per game on the penalty kill. Prior to arriving in Toronto two years ago, the Maple Leafs were 22nd in the league killing penalties. This past season, they were ranked tenth overall.
12:42 p.m. Update: The Penguins have also confirmed the Niemi signing.
According to the Penguins' official website, the one-year deal is worth $700,000. The 33-year-old goaltender will serve as the backup for Matt Murray.
He also brings a Stanley Cup pedigree to the role, having backstopped the Blackhawks to a title in 2010.
12:51 p.m. Update: Darren Dreger has updated the terms of Nick Bonino's deal with the Nashville Predators.
Bonino signs 4 year deal with Preds. $4.1 aav. Had other offers for more, but great fit in Nash, plus tax benefits.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) July 1, 2017
1:23 p.m. Update: Confirming an earlier report, Ron Hainsey has signed a two-year deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He is set to make $3 million per year.
The #Leafs announced today the signing of free agent D Ron Hainsey to a 2-year contract with an AAV of $3 million in each season #TMLtalk
— Leafs PR (@LeafsPR) July 1, 2017
4:34 p.m. Update: The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed left wing Chris Kunitz to a one-year contract worth $2 million, according to the team's Twitter account.
5:34 p.m. Update: Justin Schultz is staying in Pittsburgh! The Penguins say they have re-signed the defenseman to a three-year contract with an average annual value of $5.5 million.
5:49 p.m. Update: The Penguins say they are adding four players to the team: forward Greg McKegg, and defensemen Chris Summers, Jarred Tinordi and Zach Trotman.
6:04 p.m. Update: The Penguins have re-signed three more players: forward Tom Sestito, defenseman Frank Corrado and goaltender Casey DeSmith. According to the team's official website, Sestito and Corrado signed one-year contracts while DeSmith inked a two-year deal.
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