3 Pittsburgh Penguins Free Agents Not Likely to Return

The Pittsburgh Penguins are going to be fun to watch this offseason as ownership cleaned house and is in the process of finding a new leadership team. Once the new GM is in place, anything could happen as the team has over $20 million in cap space and a number of holes to fill. Speaking of, the team has several free agents who are set to hit the open market with these three not likely to return to Pittsburgh for next season:

Tristan Jarry

The biggest of the Penguins concerns, goaltender Tristan Jarry hits the open market this summer. He's made it clear he'd like to stick around but to this point, it's unknown what direction will be had in Pittsburgh. Injury concerns these past couple of seasons and inconsistent play at times left a sour taste in Ron Hextall's mouth which is why a contract extension was never signed. Time will tell if the new leadership group thinks Jarry is the guy, in a summer where goalie talent will be on the move a lot. If it's not the Penguins, look for Jarry to be on the radar of the Detroit Red Wings, Buffalo Sabres, and Ottawa Senators.

Jason Zucker

Speaking of inconsistency, Jason Zucker took awhile to find his game in Pittsburgh after a big trade with the Minnesota Wild. Zucker hits the open market this summer after a season where he posted 48 points in 78 games. The 31-year-old winger will be on the radar of several playoff contenders this offseason. Look for the LA Kings to make a contract offer this summer as Zucker's time in Pittsburgh appears to be over.

Brian Dumoulin

Veteran defenseman Brian Dumoulin may have had his worst season of his career with the Penguins in 2022-23. He finished with 25 points in 82 games, however was a liability at times in his own end. With Pierre-Olivier Joseph and Marcus Pettersson taking big steps in 2022-23 and with Ty Smith waiting in the wings, look for Dumoulin to be let go by the Penguins after over a decade with the franchise.

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