Sports

Penguins look to retool as free agency begins

By Chase Williams
By Chase Williams

CRANBERRY, Pa. — NHL Free Agency starts Saturday, with several key players expected to leave the Penguins. Follow how the Penguins' roster is changing here

UPDATE 5:48 PM

UPDATE 4:54 PM

UPDATE 2:22 PM

Penguins defenseman Cameron Gaunce has signed a 2-year contract to play for the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Gaunce spent the majority of his time in Wilkes-Barre, though he played valuable minutes for Pittsburgh during the regular season in 2016-17.

UPDATE 12:45 PM

Anti Niemi has signed a 1-year deal with the Penguins to be their backup goaltender behind Matt Murray. As recently as 2013, Niemi was a Vezina Trophy finalist. He also has won a Stanley Cup.

But over the last few seasons while he was in Dallas, Niemi struggled mightily -- allowing the Penguins to sign him for a decent price.

UPDATE 12:10 PM

The Penguins made their first signing of free agency official, as defenseman Matt Hunwick will join Pittsburgh on a 3-year deal.

Trevor Daley, after making his signing with Detroit official, said it was "very difficult" to leave Pittsburgh after winning back-to-back Stanley Cups.

The Penguins are also expected to sign a backup goalie, since Tristan Jarry will be the starter in Wilkes-Barre. Veteran goalie Anti Niemi has been rumored to be interested in signing with the Pens.

UPDATE 11:25 AM

Two more key players from the Penguins' most recent championship run are headed elsewhere, per reports.

Nick Bonino is expected to sign with the Nashville Predators on a 4-year deal, while defenseman Ron Hainsey -- who played significant minutes due to the absence of Kris Letang -- is going to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

UPDATE 11:05 AM

It appears that defenseman Trevor Daley will sign with the Detroit Red Wings.

Original story:

Three-peat for the Penguins? The construction of their roster for the 2017-2018 season begins today at noon with NHL Free Agency.

General Manager Jim Rutherford will be working the phones all day at the UPMC Lemieux Center in Cranberry trying to improve his team.

While there are several rumors swirling around the defending Stanley Cup Champions, it is certain the team has needs on all three levels: center, blue line and in goal.

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Nick Bonino, Trevor Daley and Chris Kunitz are all likely to find homes elsewhere after making significant contributions over the past couple seasons.

It was made known this week that Tristan Jarry is expected to remain in Wilkes-Barre to further his development, making room for a veteran goalie to backup Matt Murray.

WPXI Sports Reporter Chase Williams will keep you updated on twitter: @chasepwilliams & at Facebook.com/WPXIChaseWilliams

 

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