Chris Kunitz isn't looking for a change of scenery.
The Pittsburgh Penguins winger, scheduled for unrestricted free agency July 1, said he hasn't considered retiring since winning his fourth Stanley Cup on Sunday, and hopes to remain with the club he's represented for the last nine seasons.
Kunitz not contemplating retirement. Would love to return to #Pens. "We love it here. It's not about a dollar amount." -SK
— Pens Inside Scoop (@PensInsideScoop) June 15, 2017
Kunitz, 37, had 29 points in 71 regular-season contests in 2016-17, adding 11 points during the Penguins' playoff run to their second consecutive title. His biggest performance came in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Final, when he scored two goals, including the double-overtime winner to oust the Ottawa Senators.
Including Kunitz, Pittsburgh has seven UFAs on its roster, with a projected $12.9 million in cap space, per CapFriendly.
Corey Hirsch is a former NHL goaltender who spent parts of seven seasons with the New York Rangers,Vancouver Canucks,Washington Capitals, and Dallas Stars.
Belated congratulations to the Stanley Cup-champion Pittsburgh Penguins. Nashville put up a great fight, but in the end the Predators couldn't overcome one thing: Pekka Rinne's struggles at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh.
Let's be honest, if it wasn't for Rinne, Nashville isn't even in the final. But Rinne lost all three games in Pittsburgh - and statistically, his numbers were awful. He finished the series 0-3 with a .756 save percentage and a 5.39 GAA at PPG Paints Arena.
Rinne's numbers in Pittsburgh during the regular season were just as bad. Zero wins, three losses, an inflated 4.59 GAA, and an .880 save percentage.
Ouch.
Ask any current or former player and they will tell you they have that one arena where they just didn't play well in. Try as we did to reverse the curse, nine out of 10 times, it ended in disaster. None of us knew why. Was it the atmosphere? The ice? The boards? The distractions? Or just pure voodoo?
Maybe it would have helped for Nashville to have sacrificed a rubber chicken. A real chicken. A bucket of KFC. Anything.
Personally, Edmonton was my problem rink. The ice was hard and fast, and it seemed like the players even shot the puck harder.
I was with Dallas when Dave Tippett gave me a start in Edmonton on March 15, 2003 in what I knew would be my last chance to get back into the NHL. Sure enough, in the third period, I threw a pass off the shin pads of my defenseman, Derian Hatcher. Shawn Horcoff scored in the empty net while I stood in the corner.
Rexall Place had finished me off.
I asked some of my goaltending fraternity brothers where they struggled most:
(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)
Sean Burke (NHL playing career - 1987-2007)
"Toronto was a nightmare. It was my hometown and I had so many distractions. I couldn't get into my normal routine. It became a mental thing, somehow it always fell apart. Nothing worse than spending a thousand dollars on tickets, and getting pulled in the first period. The only live game my grandmother came to I got kicked out for fighting."
Bill Ranford (NHL playing career - 1985-2000)
"San Jose and Colorado. We would take the commercial milk-run flights and spend a full day in the airports, then play like crap the next night."
Olaf Kolzig (NHL playing career - 1989-2009)
"Pittsburgh, in the old Igloo, (Mario) Lemieux, (Jaromir) Jagr, (Ron) Francis, (Alexei) Kovalev ... enough said."
Jamie McLennan (NHL playing career - 1991-2008)
"Detroit. I hated the feel of the rink and the boards. I always had a tough time reading the bounces, plus they always had great teams that were really tough in front of the net."
It’s not limited to just goalies - skaters have their problem rinks, too.
Scott Mellanby (NHL playing career - 1986-2007)
"For me, I always found Calgary a place where I struggled, I don't know why. I had a couple good games there, but when you play 20 years, odds are you will play well at least once there."
So don't feel bad, Pekka. We all have that one arena. I'm just sorry yours happened to be home to the team you faced in the Stanley Cup Final.
June is an incredibly busy month for the NHL, but that doesn't mean we can't look ahead to what's coming. Free agency begins at 12 p.m. ET on July 1, and we're ranking the top 80 unrestricted free agents in a seven-post series ahead of the madness.
Here are the top 10 UFAs on the market this summer:
10. Patrick Eaves (F)
Age on Oct. 1: 33 2016-17 Cap Hit: $1M
Eaves had the most productive season of his 12-year career in 2016-17, exploding for 32 goals and 51 points in a campaign split between the Dallas Stars and Anaheim Ducks.
He certainly deserves a raise, but given his age and the fact that last season's offensive production was an anomaly, it'll be tough for teams to justify ponying up when there are several younger - and yet more proven - options out there.
9. Michael Stone (D)
Age on Oct. 1: 26 2016-17 Cap Hit: $4M
Stone didn't wow anyone with his offensive contributions on the back end in 2016-17, but until last season's 36-point output, he'd never really been known as a point producer at the NHL level.
He wasn't effective from a possession standpoint, either, posting a 42.6 percent even-strength Corsi For rating in 45 games with the putrid Arizona Coyotes and then a 45.5 mark in 19 regular-season contests with the Calgary Flames.
But hey, teams desperate for a second- or third-pairing defenseman could probably do worse.
8. Sam Gagner (F)
(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)
Age on Oct. 1: 27 2016-17 Cap Hit: $650K
Gagner had a resurgent season with the Columbus Blue Jackets, tying a career high with 18 goals and posting his highest assist total (32) since his rookie campaign in 2007-08.
That production certainly justifies paying him more than the $650,000 salary he earned in 2016-17, and he's a solid option for teams looking to add depth to their bottom six.
7. Nick Bonino (F)
Age on Oct. 1: 29 2016-17 Cap Hit: $1.9M
Bonino exploded for 18 points in 24 playoff games last year playing alongside Carl Hagelin and Phil Kessel on Pittsburgh's "HBK line," but he came back down to earth this season, posting 18 goals and 37 points in 80 regular-season contests.
That's about what teams should expect from the center, who was in the Penguins' bottom six when healthy this season because Pittsburgh has a couple of other stars down the middle (Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin - you may have heard of them).
Can Bonino produce like his "HBK" days in the right situation? Sure, but teams will want to know he's fully healthy before committing to him this summer.
6. Karl Alzner (D)
Age on Oct. 1: 28 2016-17 Cap Hit: $2.8M
Unlike the man occupying the No. 1 spot on this list, Alzner's value comes primarily from his defensive prowess, which is a much tougher sell than offense on the free-agent market.
That shouldn't prevent clubs from taking a look at the underrated blue-liner, who'll be a UFA for the first time in his career after spending his first nine NHL campaigns with the Washington Capitals.
Alzner's other main selling point is his durability. Remarkably, he hasn't missed a regular-season game since 2009-10, his second season, marking a string of 540 consecutive contests.
5. Martin Hanzal (F)
Age on Oct. 1: 30 2016-17 Cap Hit: $3.1M
The Minnesota Wild gave up three picks to get Hanzal at the deadline knowing full well he was a rental, and he played well after the trade.
Hanzal notched 13 points and posted a 58.6 even-strength Corsi For percentage in 20 regular-season games, adding a goal in the playoffs for the Wild before they were bounced by the St. Louis Blues in five games.
The 30-year old is a solid two-way player, and he proved what he can bring to a contending team this spring.
4. Joe Thornton (F)
Age on Oct. 1: 37 2016-17 Cap Hit: $6.75M
The bearded one showed he still had plenty left in the tank this past season, finishing second on the San Jose Sharks in assists (43) and fourth in points (50) at an age when few players are still active, let alone productive.
That production will likely decline again in 2017-18, but Thornton should still crack 40-45 points while providing his typically solid playmaking abilities.
He's probably going to have to take a pay cut, but he proved this season he can still contribute, and his wealth of experience will be invaluable whether he returns to the Sharks or joins a new organization for the first time in over a decade.
3. Alexander Radulov (F)
(Photo courtesy: Action Images)
Age on Oct. 1: 30 2016-17 Cap Hit: $5.75M
Radulov made a successful return to North America this past season, equaling his rookie goal total (18), setting his NHL career high with 36 assists, and finishing with 54 points - four off his career-best mark set with the Nashville Predators nearly a decade ago.
The veteran forward is past his prime, but proved he can still score and help generate offense. There's also no denying his skill or his passion, and he'll surely be a coveted free agent this summer as a result.
2. T.J. Oshie (F)
Age on Oct. 1: 30 2016-17 Cap Hit: $4.175M
Oshie might actually be the best player available in this summer's free-agent class, even if a certain teammate of his from this past season is more highly coveted based on his position.
It's no surprise that Oshie scored a career-high 33 goals and posted the second-best point total (56) of his nine-year NHL tenure, given that he played with Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom on the Capitals' top line - but he played with them for a reason.
Oshie is a proven sniper, can play both center and right wing, and likely still has a few productive seasons left in him.
1. Kevin Shattenkirk (D)
Age on Oct. 1: 28 2016-17 Cap Hit: $4.25M
That Shattenkirk is the top UFA this summer illustrates the lack of depth in this free-agent class as a whole, and let's not kid ourselves - someone's going to overpay him.
Still, the veteran blue-liner carries value as a point-producer and power-play quarterback, and while an expensive, long-term deal is probably ill-advised, legitimate top-pairing defensemen don't grow on trees.
Shattenkirk has driven possession in all but one of his seven NHL seasons, and while there are concerns about his defensive abilities, that won't stop a team from rewarding him with a significant new deal.
Tocchet was thought to be on Sabres general manager Jason Botterill's list of head coaching candidates due to the new GM's history with the Penguins and Pittsburgh's recent success.
The former NHL forward insisted earlier this month that he hadn't been contacted "by anybody" for vacant head coaching jobs, of which there were two at the time, including the Florida Panthers position that went to Bob Boughner.
Dreger reported earlier Thursday that the Sabres are now expected to decide on their new bench boss before Monday, which advanced the previous timeline of early next week.
Beauchemin was originally on the books for $4.5 million in 2017-18, in what was to be the third season of the three-year pact he signed as a free agent on July 1, 2015.
The move wasn't financially motivated, because that amount will count against the cap regardless.
Beauchemin's contract with the #Avs was a +35, which means NO difference for their Salary cap. This was simply to open up a Protection slot. pic.twitter.com/VYUyxHZCZS
Dion Phaneuf's name is reportedly popping up in discussions about potential deals.
There is trade interest in the Ottawa Senators defenseman, but the club would likely have to take a contract or cash in return, according to TSN's Darren Dreger.
Phaneuf has four years remaining at an annual cap hit of $7 million. The 32-year-old also has a modified no-movement clause, which allows him to provide a list of 12 teams to which he'll accept a trade.
Phaneuf has until today to give the Senators a new list of 12 teams where he can be dealt or last year's list stays in place. #Sens
The Senators reportedly asked Phaneuf to waive the clause earlier this week in anticipation of the upcoming expansion draft, but the veteran was apparently unwilling to do so.
Phaneuf ranked third on the club in ice time this past season, averaging over 23 minutes in both the regular season and the playoffs.
The Buffalo Sabres are reportedly on the verge of naming their next head coach.
A decision on Dan Bylsma's successor is expected before Monday, according to TSN's Darren Dreger.
That slightly advances the timeline established by Sabres general manager Jason Botterill two days ago, when he told The Associated Press he hoped to decide by early next week.
The Sabres were reportedly waiting until the end of the Stanley Cup Final to interview Nashville Predators assistant coach Phil Housley for the head coaching position.
The Penguins' rise from bankruptcy to dynasty has been on the backs of forwards Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. The two cornerstones have remained elite anchors despite injuries to defenseman Kris Letang and turnover at nearly all other positions.
Just as goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury began to crumble in the 2017 postseason, Matt Murray returned from injury at precisely the right time to carry Pittsburgh past the Ottawa Senators in the Eastern Conference finals and win his second Stanley Cup while still being considered an NHL rookie.
Young forwards Conor Sheary and Jake Guentzel did not look at all out of place on the wings of the top line beside Crosby. Defenseman Justin Schultz ensured he will no longer need to accept one-year contracts, as he emerged as one of the league's top defenders through the regular season and playoffs.
Free Agents
General manager Jim Rutherford heads into his fourth offseason in charge of retooling the Penguins' roster. The biggest key for Rutherford this offseason may be setting up his team for next summer, with just five forwards and two defensemen currently under contract for the 2018-19 season.
Letang's return from injury will serve as Pittsburgh's biggest offseason move, as they re-add one of the top defenders in the league.
Pittsburgh's perennial dominance has afforded the team the luxury of signing players at discounted prices in recent years, but the allegiances of Sheary and Schultz will be put to the test with big paydays ahead.
Player (Position)
2017-18 Status
Age
2016-17 Cap Hit
2016-17 Points
Matt Cullen (F)
UFA
40
$1.0M
31
Nick Bonino (F)
UFA
29
$1.9M
37
Josh Archibald (F)
RFA
24
$659K
3
Chris Kunitz (F)
UFA
37
$3.85M
29
Conor Sheary (F)
RFA
25
$668K
53
Oskar Sundqvist (F)
RFA
23
$701K
0
Trevor Daley (D)
UFA
33
$3.3M
19
Ron Hainsey (D)
UFA
36
$2.83M
17
Brian Dumoulin (D)
RFA
25
$800K
15
Justin Schultz (D)
RFA
26
$1.4M
51
Mark Streit (D)
UFA
39
$5.25M
27
Chad Ruhwedel (D)
UFA
27
$575K
10
Matt Cullen's future remains undecided, but retirement seems the likely resolution. Veteran defenders Ron Hainsey and Mark Streit may also elect to call it a career and go out as champions.
The Penguins are projected to have nearly $13 million in cap space, with 16 players signed. Sheary, Guentzel, and Schultz are all due significant raises, while Nick Bonino could command more than a third-liner's salary. Look for Pittsburgh to fill any roster holes with a fresh crop of veterans looking to serve as complements to the championship roster.
2017 Draft Picks
The addition of the Vegas Golden Knights forces the Penguins into draft slot No. 31 to close the first round. They didn't have a first-round pick last year as a result of the Phil Kessel trade. It's safe to say Rutherford and Co. are more than happy with the results of that decision. They also went without a first-round pick in 2015 as a result of acquiring David Perron from the St. Louis Blues. They've made just two first-round selections since 2012, taking Olli Maatta and Kasperi Kapanen (who was part of the Kessel trade).
Maatta is the only first-round pick the Penguins have retained since taking Crosby No. 1 overall in the 2005 entry draft.
Round
Picks
1
1
2
0
3
1
4
0
5
2 (from OTT)
6
1
7
1
Pittsburgh is just one pick shy of a full assortment, as they recouped a bonus fifth-round pick by trading Mike Condon to the Senators.
Summer Priorities
1. Get rid of Fleury
Moving Fleury will allow Pittsburgh to save $5.75 million against the salary cap. He has already waived his no-movement clause, so protecting him won't be an issue, and no team needs $9.5 million invested in goaltending.
Tristan Jarry is already signed at a cap hit of $630,833 on the final year of his entry-level contract. He made just one NHL start in 2016-17, but he posted a .925 save percentage through 45 AHL games. He should be capable of handling backup duties. Should Murray get hurt or Jarry prove to not be ready, backup goalies are always available through trade.
2. Fill out the defense with multi-year contracts
Letang and Matta are both signed through the end of the 2021-22 NHL season, but 28-year-old Ian Cole is the only other defender signed for 2017-18. Both Brian Dumoulin and Schultz are set to enter restricted free agency and are due dramatic raises following excellent postseasons where they ranked first and fourth on the team in average ice time.
Both D-men could command cap hits of $6 million on multi-year deals, eating up most of the team's cap room, even with Fleury presumably coming off the books. Alongside Letang and Maatta, Dumoulin and Schultz would certainly give the Penguins one of the best defensive units for the next several seasons.
Pittsburgh is likely out of the realm of possibility for free-agent Kevin Shattenkirk, but the Pens could look to land the likes of Michael Del Zotto or Johnny Oduya on two-to-four-year deals.
3. Add center depth
Even if Cullen were to return for the 2017-18 season, it would be for nothing more than a penalty-killing role on the fourth line. Bonino is likely to seek a top-six role - and the accompanying paycheck - elsewhere.
The free-agent center market isn't overly appealing, but Martin Hanzal is coming off a very disappointing year and could be available for a short-term prove-it deal. If not, Pittsburgh could attempt to find this year's version of Bonino by trading for a young and struggling center with offensive potential.
2017-18 Outlook
It's a fool's errand to predict the downfall of Pittsburgh's dynasty. The team will always be competitive for as long as Crosby and Malkin remain paired together.
With Sheary and Guentzel helping to make the team a bit younger up front, they again have the luxury of adding a few Cup-chasing veterans. Full years will be needed from Murray and Letang, as defensive depth projects to be the biggest difference between next year's roster and this one.
