Intriguing Defenseman Nearing Free Agency: Underrated Option for the Penguins?
Photo credit: AP News
The Tampa Bay Lightning aren't likely to bring back defenseman Nick Perbix, and it could present an opportunity for Penguins GM Kyle Dubas to swoop in and make an addition for his blue line.
It's looking more and more like the Tampa Bay Lightning aren't interested in bringing back defenseman Nick Perbix, who is a pending UFA.
Given that the Pittsburgh Penguins struggled on the back end for most of the season, could there be an upside in Pittsburgh general manager Kyle Dubas making an offer that would intrigue Perbix enough to want to skip town and come to the Steel City?
Per Pro Hockey Rumors, Perbix no longer fits into the plans of the Lightning given his decrease in ice time and the contract that he's projected to land on the open market.
Nonetheless, it makes sense that the Lightning aren't interested in retaining Perbix. He averaged just 14:41 per game last season, making it hard to justify matching the $2.65MM per season he's projected to receive on a two-year deal on the open market, according to AFP Analytics. He totaled a 13-50-63 scoring line with a +27 rating in 220 games as a Bolt and will likely look to land somewhere where he has more of an opportunity to play both the power play and penalty kill.
Right now, it's not clear how much longer that longtime Penguins defenseman Kris Letang has left in his career, especially given his multiple health issues in recent years which now includes having undergone heart surgery.
Dubas has already made it clear to Penguins fans expecting a major splash that he's more likely to make additions to the team thorugh the trade market rather than free agency, and Perbix likely wouldn't cost much to add to the team.
He had 19 points (6G, 13A) in 74 games this year with the Lightning.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 23 | 89 ANSWERS Intriguing Defenseman Nearing Free Agency: Underrated Option for the Penguins? Should the Penguins target Nick Perbix in free agency? | ||
| Yes | 31 | 34.8 % |
| No | 58 | 65.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
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