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Analyst Calls on Penguins to Let Two Players Walk for Free to the Open Market
The Pittsburgh Penguins are in a key place in their rebuild, and now a top analyst has revealed the team should let two major deadline acquisitions leave in FA.
The Pittsburgh Penguins made some intriguing moves at the trade deadline, most notably picking up a few former Toronto Maple Leafs in Conor Timmins and Connor Dewar, both for late round draft picks.
Both players outperformed their time in Toronto in 2024/25 with the Penguins, and given their level of play, many have called for the team to give them regular spots in the lineup during the 2025/26 campaign, despite both being restricted free agents heading into the summer.
However, the Penguins are currently working through a rebuild/re-tool, and that's led to Penguins analyst Kelsey Surmacz to call for the team to let both walk away, and instead give the opportunities to the younger names in the Penguins organization.
Yes, both players were serviceable for the Penguins, and - while post-trade adrenaline is a thing - it's easy to argue that there could be more to their games in Pittsburgh's system. In most circumstances, it would be a pretty easy decision to try to extend both players.
However, not in this circumstance.
The fact of the matter is that the Penguins are in a stage of their rebuild effort where youth and development is the priority. They need to put giving opportunities to their young talent at the forefront.
However, not in this circumstance.
The fact of the matter is that the Penguins are in a stage of their rebuild effort where youth and development is the priority. They need to put giving opportunities to their young talent at the forefront.
After seeing the promising performance of both Rutger McGroarty and Ville Koivunen, the team should absolutely be prioritizing the future over some underperforming players in their mid to late 20's, but it will be a tough call for the team.
Ultimately, both did well in their short times with Pittsburgh, and it may allow GM Kyle Dubas to get a return of late round draft picks for both players, but for now, it appears as though the consensus in Pittsburgh among the fans is to build for the future.
| POLL | ||
MAI 21 | 141 ANSWERS Analyst Calls on Penguins to Let Two Players Walk for Free to the Open Market Should the Penguins let both Dewar and Timmins walk away? | ||
| Yes | 72 | 51.1 % |
| No | 69 | 48.9 % |
| List of polls | ||