In their second player move of the off-season, both involving young’uns, the Penguins re-signed pending free-agent forward Valtteri Puustinen to a two-year deal yesterday with an AAV of $775K.
The Pens previously signed forward Sam Poulin to a two-year extension on April 29.
Personally, I like re-upping Puustinen. The hustling 24-year-old winger provided much needed hop and energy to an aging (and at times uninspired) mix, not to mention some production as well (five goals, 20 points in 52 games).
The power play sprang to life with his insertion into the top unit in late February and early March, notching seven goals over a seven-game span. The former seventh-round pick proceeded to team with Reilly Smith and Lars Eller to form a solid third line.
What’s more, the Pens were 26-17-9 with the peppery Finn in the lineup (12-15-3 without him).
Although likely ticketed for bottom-six duty, Puusti has the skill to play top six. In particular, he sees the ice well, has a knack for finding the seams and possesses a wicked shot, one I’d like to see him use to greater effect.
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