With it now being August, things around the NHL have naturally slowed down significantly. It is not surprising, as most of this year's unrestricted free agents (UFAs) have been signed. However, there are still some veterans who are UFAs at this point in the summer, and one of them is former Pittsburgh Penguins forward Matt Nieto. 

The Penguins elected not to re-sign Nieto this off-season after he spent each of the last two seasons with the team. In 32 games this past season with Pittsburgh, the Long Beach, California native recorded one goal, two assists, three points, 39 hits, and a minus-8 rating.

Nieto was also placed on waivers by Pittsburgh in February. After clearing them, he joined the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in the American Hockey League (AHL). In 15 games with the AHL squad, he recorded three goals, four assists, seven points, and a plus-2 rating.

While the 2024-25 season was a tough year for Nieto, it is fair to wonder if a team out there could consider inviting him to training camp on a professional tryout (PTO). The 2011 second-round pick has plenty of experience and can be a serviceable bottom-six forward when playing at his best. Thus, he could be a decent veteran for a club to bring in to improve their forward depth.

In 54 games over two seasons with the Penguins, Nieto recorded two goals, five assists, seven points, 53 hits, and a minus-3 rating. 

Penguins Forward Could Become Important PieceIn March, the Pittsburgh Penguins acquired Tommy Novak from the Nashville Predators in a multi-player trade. This was after Novak recorded 13 goals, nine assists, 22 points, and a minus-5 rating in 52 games with the Predators before the trade.

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