Bad Signings: Former Penguins players still costing the team major money

According to PuckPedia, despite having $3,524,233 in available cap space, ranking them 15th in the league, their financial situation is more complex due to dead space.

Reilly Smith, having joined from the Vegas Golden Knights, lasted just one season in Pittsburgh, scoring 13 goals and 40 points. Post-Stanley Cup win, Smith was traded to the New York Rangers, with the Penguins agreeing to retain 25% of his salary for one more season, costing them $1.2 million.

Jeff Petry's tenure in Pittsburgh was equally brief, arriving from the Montreal Canadiens and departing in a three-way deal involving the San Jose Sharks and Montreal Canadiens. Despite his short stay, the Penguins are committed to retaining part of Petry's salary for two seasons, amounting to $1.56 million.

Jack Johnson, signed as a free agent in 2018, saw his contract bought out after several seasons, becoming a free agent and later signing with the New York Rangers. Despite his departure, the Penguins continue to pay him $916,667 annually, with obligations extending for two more seasons, totaling about $1.8 million.

These contractual obligations highlight the intricacies of NHL roster management, where salary retention and buyouts shape team finances long after players have moved on.

With nearly $4 million tied up in former players, the Penguins' cap strategy and off-season maneuvers are significantly influenced, prompting reflection on what might have been with additional financial flexibility nearing $8 million.

Source: The Hockey News
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