In discussing free agency, the Penguins only have a few players to re-sign or replace, but some play some important roles like Cody Ceci, Teddy Blueger and Zach Aston-Reese.
The big problem for the Penguins, is that they don’t have a lot of cap space. The majority of the team that was signed for last year is signed for this year. The Nick Bjugstad salary retention from his trade disappears, but John Marino’s salary with a hefty raise off his entry level contract kicks in.
While it’s a good thing for new GM Ron Hextall that many key pieces remain in place — a core that he seems committed to largely keeping in tact after a division winning year — it also comes with a problem.