Originally posted on Pro Hockey Rumors | By Brian La Rose | Last updated 7/14/21
Free agency is now just under a month away, and many teams are already looking ahead to when it begins. There will be several prominent players set to hit the open market in late July, while many teams have key restricted free agents to re-sign as well. The Penguins took care of one notable free agent on Wednesday, but they still have some regulars in need of new contracts.
Key restricted free agents
F Zach Aston-Reese – The 26-year-old was a highly sought-after college free agent back in 2017, and while he hasn’t emerged as a big scoring threat, Aston-Reese has become a valuable checker for the Penguins, holding down a regular spot on the roster for the last two seasons. He had a career-high nine goals in 45 games this season while chipping in with a pair of points in six playoff games, numbers that aren’t going to command a sizable raise. �
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New faces: No. 1 overall 2020 draft choice and forward Alexis Lafreniere, drop the mic.
What to know: Forward Artemi Panarin is a bonafide scoring superstar and will take some pressure off Lafreniere-who is likely to not need it. And don t forget that Lafreniere takes some pressure off 2019 No. 2 overall draft pick, Kaapo Kakko, who will be better this season.
Outlook: The Blueshirts have a shot at divisional playoffs if Igor Shesterkin can fill the large goalie skates of Henrik Lundqvist, who was planning to haunt NYR as a Washington Capital until a heart condition shelved the beloved Swede at least for this NHL season. Alexandar Georgiev will pair with Shesterkin. If they are household hockey names by April, the Rangers will be rolling about a year or two ahead of the Stanley Cup master plan for this Original Six franchise.