The Pittsburgh Penguins' summer shopping list is an intriguing one, with a focus on impact players, unhappy RFAs, and faded prospects who might be ready for a change. As part of General Manager Kyle Dubas' rebuild plan, the Penguins are looking to provide these players with the 'runway' they need to flourish without fear of immediate consequences for mistakes. This strategy is particularly fascinating, as it involves giving players the space and opportunity to push their game without the pressure of short slumps or immediate punishment. One player who fits this strategy well is Mavrik Bourque, a high-energy, high-intensity player who has finally made good in the NHL after being labeled the best player in the AHL for a couple of years running. Bourque's simple game and speed would fit well with the Penguins' direction, and his skill set isn't dissimilar from a young Bryan Rust. However, Dallas has cap strapped fever and is trying to re-sign Robertson, whose 96-point season did nothing to lower his cost. Dallas will need to sacrifice a player or multiple players to make the Robertson signing happen. In my opinion, Bourque might be the perfect consolation prize if Dubas can't pry Robertson free. Another player who could be a good fit for the Penguins is Nick Robertson, a left-handed winger with ample offensive skills but lacks size and speed. Robertson has requested a trade out of Toronto multiple times, and the Penguins' sports science department is confident that it can help players achieve more speed. This season, Robertson notched 16 goals and 32 points in 78 games while averaging just 12:40 of ice time. He wouldn't be a natural fit on Sidney Crosby's line, but he could add skill to a middle-six line. Cole Perfetti, a smaller winger with big offensive upside, is another player who could be a good fit for the Penguins. Perfetti is a good skater and plays the game at full speed, and the Penguins have a couple of prospects who might get the trade done. Lastly, Kirby Dach, a natural center with size, skates well, and flashes great vision with ample skill, could be an interesting addition to the Penguins' lineup. Dach has had a wild ride to begin his career, and the Penguins would have the runway to allow him to be their second or third-line center. If it works, Dach could be more than a bridge to what comes next. In conclusion, the Pittsburgh Penguins' summer shopping list is an intriguing one, with a focus on impact players, unhappy RFAs, and faded prospects who might be ready for a change. The Penguins' strategy of providing these players with the runway they need to flourish is particularly fascinating, and it will be interesting to see how these players fit into the team's future plans.
