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Matt Grzelcyk Drawing Interest from Surprise Team After Career-Best Season with Penguins
Photo credit: Edit from Pens Labyrinth
Penguins' Matt Grzelcyk is coming off a career-best season, and that has gotten the attention of one particular surprise team, a return to the Boston Bruins.
NHL free agency began with a rush of activity, as big names like Brock Boeser, Vladislav Gavrikov, Nikolaj Ehlers, and Mikael Granlund were inked quickly.
However, as the market enters the three-week mark, a number of high-profile players remain unsigned, and storylines still have legs to unfold.
One of the more intriguing names left is defenseman Matt Grzelcyk. The 31-year-old suited up with the Pittsburgh Penguins last season, where he notched a career-high 40 points and became a power-play specialist the team could rely on.
Despite a smaller frame (5'10", 180 lbs), he is extremely competitive and has great mobility. Due to these reasons, Matt Grzelcyk has become a reliable depth player.
The Penguins opted not to trade Grzelcyk at the deadline, so they got no return
Grzelcyk was the subject of trade rumors before last season's deadline, but stuck with the team.
He had wanted to remain a Penguin; however, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Matt Vensel, Pittsburgh appears to be moving on. The team has signed Parker Wotherspoon and Caleb Jones instead.
A surprise reunion with the Boston Bruins, where Grzelcyk has played his first eight NHL seasons, seems like a natural fit.
"Prediction: Grzelcyk signs with Boston."
- Kristopher Knox, Bleacher Report
- Kristopher Knox, Bleacher Report
That said, other bidders could enter the mix. The Colorado Avalanche may try to bring him in behind Devon Toews and Sam Girard, and the Los Angeles Kings may target him in an effort to replace the loss of Vladislav Gavrikov.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 22 | 53 ANSWERS Matt Grzelcyk Drawing Interest from Surprise Team After Career-Best Season with Penguins Will Matt Grzelcyk return to the Boston Bruins in free agency? | ||
| Yes | 28 | 52.8 % |
| No | 25 | 47.2 % |
| List of polls | ||