Earlier today I wrote about the Penguins and Sergei Plotnikov. You can find that here


It appears they are also interested in another Russian pending free agent forward Viktor Tikhonov

Not just Plotnikov, the Penguins are targeting a second Russian winger: http://t.co/teGJf7sBDG

— Jason Mackey (@Mackey_Trib) June 24, 2015

Tikhonov returned to his native Russia in 2011 and has put up 55 goals and 60 assists in 182 games with St. Petersburg over the last four seasons. The Coyotes retain his NHL rights until he officially becomes an unrestricted free agent July 1.


Coming into the offseason, Tikhonov, Plotnikov and Artem Panarin were considered the top three Russian free-agent forwards who have a desire to play in the NHL. Panarin agreed to sign with the Chicago Blackhawks in April.


****


The Pittsburgh Penguins are definitely looking into acquiring Patrick Sharp

Hearing Stars, Penguins and Panthers are teams most interested in #Blackhawks' Patrick Sharp. Asking price still too high.

— Chris Kuc (@ChrisKuc) June 24, 2015

The Sergei Plotkinov news was a nice surprise earlier today. However, Pittsburgh still has some work to do on the top six winger front.

For those who have asked, the Penguins aren't done looking for top-six wingers because of likely Plotnikov signing. No way.

— Josh Yohe (@JoshYohe_PGH) June 24, 2015

Rutherford wants four lines that can score. Mighty ambitious. Need 8 good wingers for that. Still much work to be done.

— Josh Yohe (@JoshYohe_PGH) June 24, 2015

Both those tweets are good news. Pittsburgh does need more talent.

Now back to the Patrick Sharp stuff. Do the Penguins really need to spend the assets necessary to land Patrick Sharp and his 5.9M cap hit?

People don't want to hear this but the Penguins already have a player on their roster who is tracking very similarly to Patrick Sharp the past few years. His name is Chris Kunitz and he is 2.05M cheaper.



They have both put up very good numbers in the past and they both took a nose dive last year.

Here is where things get a little more interesting. Let's take a look at their dCorsi over the years.



Both have played in top six roles with great players during this sample size. One player consistently underperforms in that role and the other one outperforms based on expectations.

For me it makes more sense to roll the dice with Chris Kunitz another year and hope he regains his form than to spend what little assets the Penguins have for a more expensive Patrick Sharp.

Chris Kunitz > Patrick Sharp + 2.05M + Assets spent

Thanks for reading!


Follow me on twitter Follow @GunnerStaal

Join the Discussion: » 234 Comments » Post New Comment

» Jets might be gettable

» They are who they are

» Jake is back

» Ain't nobody messing with you, but you

» Penguins recall yet another former first round pick