The bottom six retooling in Pittsburgh continues, as a pair of depth forwards have departed the Penguins organization.
After just one season back in Pittsburgh, Josh Archibald departs the black and gold again after signing a new contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning. The contract has a two-year term and carries an annual average value (AAV) of $800,000. A hard-working, fourth line forward, he plays a swift and heavy game that is well suited for penalty killing and a bottom six role.
Archibald, originally drafted by the Penguins in 2011, had a brief first stint in Pittsburgh between 2015 and 2017. Over three seasons, he appeared in 14 games and registered just three goals. He broke out fully with the Arizona Coyotes and Edmonton Oilers over the next few seasons.
After two 10+ goal seasons in the last four years, the Penguins brought back Archibald on a one year contract this past season. He appeared in 62 games, overcoming injuries, to put up six goals and six assists for 12 points. In his career, he has appeared in 305 games with 45 goals, 38 assists, and 83 points.
Nick Bonino was traded back to the Penguins at the deadline but only got three games in before sitting out the remainder of the season; Bonino missed the closing of the 2022-23 season with a lacerated kidney.
The New York Rangers have come calling for Bonino with a one-year deal worth $800,000.
Over the offseason, Bonino captained Team USA at the IIHF World Championship.
The Buffalo Sabres have also stepped in an signed goalie Dustin Tokarski to a two-year contract worth $800,000 per year.
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