On the first day of NHL free agency, the Penguins announced four signings, including the retention of forward Evan Rodriguez, who was a restricted free agent. The biggest name coming to the Pens is former Carolina forward Brock McGinn, who will play among the bottom six forwards.
General Manager Ron Hextall says McGinn plays in the same style as Brandon Tanev, who the Penguins lost to Seattle in the expansion draft.
Hextall says he was surprised by some of the prices paid for free agents yesterday after a tough financial year in the league, due to the pandemic. He says the Penguins don’t have a lot of salary cap space to work with, but he is still looking for help in the market.
The Penguins welcomed back forward Dominick Simon, who signed a one-year contract to return after playing last season at Calgary. Simon is a favorite of Sidney Crosby, and Hextall says he can fit up and down the lineup, top six or bottom six.
The Pens also signed goaltending prospect Filip Lindberg to a two-way contract, opting to bypass some veteran free agent goalies and stay with Tristan Jerry and Casey DeSmith in goal, at least for now. And they signed veteran journeyman defenseman Taylor Fedun.
Defenseman Cody Ceci left the Penguins to sign with Edmonton. Forward Freddie Gaudreau signed with Minnesota. Goalie Maxime Lagace signed with Tampa Bay.
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