Penguins To Push Hard For Kraken Defenseman In Free Agency

With new management in Pittsburgh, the Penguins are going to be altering some things to their roster, which means changing their defense once again. Last offseason's defensive changes didn't go too well as the team missed the playoffs. But defense wasn't the only reason. Regardless, it looks like Brian Dumoulin is moving on in free agency and the Penguins have their eyes on someone else.

Since the Seattle Kraken have all but confirmed they won't be re-signing Carson Soucy, the Penguins will likely be "all over" him if he hits the free agent market, reported Jesse Marshall. The Penguins do have a need for a solid third pairing player on the left side or on the bottom pair in general since he can play his off side as well.

The Penguins currently have Jan Rutta, Chad Ruhwedel, Ty Smith, and Mark Friedman to choose from, and though I think Smith is deserving at another fair shot in the NHL and Rutta is a solid 6th/7th defenseman, Pittsburgh needs assurances to help them reach the playoffs and beyond right away. Soucy has some offensive skill he's shown in his career, but is better known for his defensive abilities. Keeping pucks out of the Penguins' net was somewhat of a concern that is going to be addressed one way or another.