Kunitz had a great final 7 games. You know what I'd like to see? A fresh, young player getting a full season in the lineup and given a chance to make an impact next postseason. Before those last 7 games, Kunitz was a drain on multiple lines and, in my opinion, was one of the main reasons Sidney Crosby lost the Art Ross. Seven games doesn't a good player make. There's two years of empirical evidence of Kunitz's decline. He'd seem like a great player to keep in the organization as a coach or in another capacity. Cast him into the sunset.
I expect Cullen to retire. Well played, sir.
I expect Hainsey to not be re-signed. Minus a game or two, he was THE worst defensemen I've seen in a Penguins uniform in quite awhile. That includes Rob Scuderi, the player I hate the most in my entire life.
The Penguins will have just enough money to re-sign their own players. If the cap stays flat, which I've heard projected, they might lose a Daley or might have to get creative in finding a replacement for Bonino.
A flat cap ONLY helps the Penguins, as many of their top opponents would need to make heavy cuts just to field a roster under the cap. Chicago for instance is already 4.5 million OVER the cap before re-signing any players.
Here are my expected cap hits a season for RFAs/UFAs:
Schultz 4.5 (The most important player to sign this offseason. I think he comes back at a relative discount. If not, I'd go as high as 5. I wonder if they qualify him and a team offer sheets and the Pens accept the picks. Picks could be used for another D, I suppose.)
Sheary 3 (Needs to prove more to get that mega contract. Struggled when he's needed most. Looks injury prone.)
Dumo 3.75 (Probably the best pure defender on the team. He doesn't score, which will limit his $.)
Daley 2.5 (won't make more than last contract with older age and more injury tread; likes the city and Sid)
Bonino 4 (this may be his time to cash out, and I think this is a pipe dream; however, he's come off a rough regular season and will be coming off a tibia break. if a 3C can be found in a trade that's cheaper, the move will be made. I wouldn't go longer than 3 years on Bonino.)
Kunitz - Retires (see ya)
Hainsey - Unsigned (awful)
The perfect scenario would be for Fleury and Hagelin to be traded/acquired without any salary coming back to the Penguins. Hagelin had a great SCF game 6 and his presence on the second line with Kessel and Malkin was THE best line for the Penguins this year during the regular season; however, the team proved to be successful without him and a lot of guys can compensate for Hagelin's role at pennies of what Hagelin makes. Unfortunately, his disappearance makes the most sense for this team moving forward.
This is the optimal lineup for the team when not accounting for any major trades or major outside FAs , as it maintains the D, which is bolstered by Letang and runs 7 deep with Ruhwedel, opens up an option for a $1.5 million backup goalie or additional money for Bonino, leaves an easy opening for Sprong to be inserted midseason, and allows for an easy addition of a veteran 4th line C. The return of Dom Moore would be great, although I think he wants to stay in Boston.
What's likely to happen is Rutherford will go hog wild this offseason. i wouldn't be surprised if a big name or young kid is traded and if the Penguins look completely different on the blue line. I wouldn't be surprised if a big time winger comes in. I'd welcome major change. I think the team looks flat without it.
