In a whirlwind of free agency moves, the Pittsburgh Penguins made a splash by signing forward Blake Lizotte to a two-year, $3.7 million dollar contract. The agreement came together quickly, with Lizotte set to earn $1.85 million dollars annually. This signing, along with other key moves, left the Penguins with $3,524,229 in cap space, according to capfriendly.
Lizotte’s journey to the Penguins was an interesting one. Initially a restricted free agent with the Kings, Lizotte found himself on the open market after not receiving a qualifying offer from Kings GM Rob Blake. This allowed the Penguins to swoop in and secure the talented forward for their roster.
In his 320 games in the NHL, Lizotte has proven himself to be a solid two-way player capable of contributing in various ways. With 106 points to his name and a career CF% Rel. of -2.1, Lizotte brings versatility to the Penguins’ lineup. His strong takeaway/giveaway ratio of +37 showcases his ability to control the puck effectively.
Expected to slot in on the fourth line, Lizotte’s positional flexibility allows him to play either right wing or center. Paired with players like Lars Eller and Jesse Puljujarvi, Lizotte has the opportunity to make a significant impact on the Penguins’ forward lines once the season gets underway.
But Lizotte wasn’t the only new face joining the Penguins this offseason. Defenseman Sebastian Aho also signed a two-year deal with the team, adding depth to their defensive corps. Aho’s consistency and defensive prowess make him a valuable asset for the Penguins as they look to solidify their roster for the upcoming season.
Aho’s role with the Penguins will be crucial, providing depth on defense and serving as a reliable option in case of injuries. At just 28 years old, Aho also brings youth to the team, giving them a fresh perspective and energy on the blue line.
As the Penguins gear up for the new season, the additions of Lizotte and Aho add depth and skill to their lineup. With training camp on the horizon, fans are eager to see how these new acquisitions will fit in with the team and contribute to their success on the ice.
