Underrated Defenseman Appears to Be Part of Penguins' Future Plans, Per Kyle Dubas

Even though he was a high draft pick (32nd overall in 2017 by Colorado), Conor Timmins was not able to make much of an impact in the NHL in his first five years due in large part to injuries.

He played in just 91 games for the Avalanche, Coyotes, and Maple Leafs during those years. In his sixth year, Timmins earned a roster position with Toronto on the merit of a solid preseason, playing the third defensive pair with Simon Benoit.

He played 51 of 62 games with eight points (2G, 6A) and 16:19 of average ice time, including penalty kill time. As the Leafs shed cap space at the deadline, he and Connor Dewar were traded to Pittsburgh for a late-round draft choice.

With the Penguins, Timmins again was behind stars Erik Karlsson and Kris Letang on the third pairing.

Nevertheless, he did have an impact. He scored a goal and had six assists in 17 games, averaging 18:43 of ice time with 2:03 per game on the penalty kill.

He even spent some time with Karlsson on the second pairing, skating the left side half of the time.

Timmins, 27 in September, is a pending restricted free agent. Penguins GM Kyle Dubas, who once was Timmins' junior boss with the OHL's Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, was talking about him in the future tense.

Not a physical player but a decent puck mover with potential, Timmins will get a qualifying offer before the June 30 deadline.

Now, after stop-start years, Timmins appears to have cemented himself as a full-time NHLer and could be a useful depth asset for the Penguins in the future.