4 Players the Penguins Should Let Walk This Offseason

For starters, he’s 31 years old and has a long, long injury history. He also completely disappeared in the playoffs, posting just one point in six games. Another way to look at it: if the Penguins had been out of the playoff race, he would have been dealt at the deadline. Unless they can get him at a sweetheart deal, let him walk and get paid elsewhere.

Stuart Skinner

One of the most discussed names on the team’s pending free agent list is Skinner. He played well enough to help them get to the playoffs and has said publicly that he loves the environment in Pittsburgh.

That said, Arturs Silovs’ play in the playoffs may have been the deciding factor. Silovs is younger, will likely come a bit more cheaply, and could play into the long-term plans for the franchise. That means Skinner may be better off looking elsewhere for opportunities.

Connor Clifton

There is already something of a logjam at defense in Pittsburgh. With younger players like Harrison Brunicke ready to break through, Clifton becomes expendable. He has good use as a physical utility defenseman, but it just isn’t enough to justify bringing him back.

Clifton is ultimately the most replaceable defenseman on the roster. Between Brunicke and another potential addition, Clifton looks to be the odd man out. Let him move on and try to grab bottom-six minutes elsewhere.

Kevin Hayes

When it comes to pure “room guys,” it’s hard to top Hayes. His teammates love him and he brings a sense of positivity to the room that is difficult to replace. All that said, his on-ice contributions are almost non-existent.

Hayes was healthy-scratched plenty and suited up in just 28 games. At 33 years old, his skating is a major issue and he just doesn’t have enough to justify earning a roster spot over someone younger with more potential.

A Busy Summer for Dubas

Dubas needs to figure out a few important things, namely what to do with Evgeni Malkin. They are in a good position with a plethora of young assets and draft picks, not to mention an Adams Award-nominated coach in Dan Muse.

The future is bright as it is, but Dubas can make it blindly bright with the right moves. Cutting bait with the above players at the right time means getting the most out of lesser pieces and replacing them with up-and-comers, further lending to Dubas’ outstanding reputation.