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3 RFA Forwards the Penguins Urged to Target This Offseason
Photo credit: Edit from Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Penguins GM Kyle Dubas is being urged to target three specific restricted free agent forwards this offseason by using an offer sheet to bring them in.
The Pittsburgh Penguins will have a busy offseason ahead, with a hunt for a head coach already underway and 11 selections in the upcoming NHL Draft. But they could be busy doing even more than that.
President of Hockey Operations and GM Kyle Dubas has said he likes what he sees from the restricted free agent (RFA) pool, namely, aiming for players in their early 20s who won't stay with their original teams.
Having a wealth of draft capital on hand, the Penguins are ready to make some noise. Below are three RFA forwards that could be targets for the Penguins by way of an offer sheet.
Marco Rossi of the Minnesota WIld
Marco Rossi, C, Minnesota Wild: Rossi, 23, potted 24 goals and 60 points in his sophomore season in the NHL.
The Wild don't appear to be interested in extending him for the long haul, so far it seems, despite his two-way skill set. Size is a concern at 5-foot-9, but his skill will command attention if put on the market.
Mavrik Bourque of the Dallas Stars
Mavrik Bourque, C, Dallas Stars: A 2020 first-round pick, Bourque has shown elite-level goal-scoring potential. He recorded 77 points in 71 games with his AHL team in 2023-24, and added 25 in a part-time NHL role.
He's 22 years old and the Penguins' breakout, skilled, high-ceiling winger they may hope to add to their roster.
Will Cuylle of the New York Rangers
Will Cuylle, RW, New York Rangers: Cuylle tallied 20 goals and 45 points this season at age 23.
New York can perhaps retain him, but their imminent cap meltdown, specifically on defense, almost certainly makes him more negotiable. If they would release him, he'd be a quality addition to the middle six of Pittsburgh.
With tons of draft picks at his disposal to use in possible offer sheets and roster spots available to him, Dubas can be bold in the offseason.
| POLL | ||
MAI 13 | 70 ANSWERS 3 RFA Forwards the Penguins Urged to Target This Offseason Should the Penguins try to bring in at least one of these three players? | ||
| Yes | 49 | 70 % |
| No | 21 | 30 % |
| List of polls | ||