PITTSBURGH (93.7 the Fan) The first day of NHL free agency is in full swing and players are on the move.
The Pittsburgh Penguins have had a busy day themselves, making multiple signings including the re-acquiring of forward Dom Simon.
Despite losing and gaining players, a long running rumor in Pittsburgh has been the possible addition of a goalie to replace or play right behind Tristan Jarry.
This has been the rumor since the Pens lost to the New York Islanders in the opening round of the playoffs, and they have been connected to multiple goalies around the league.
Darcey Kuemper, Antti Raanta, and Pittsburgh-native John Gibson were all linked in some way to Hextall talks and the Penguins.
Just after the season ended, prospect goalie Emil Larmi decided to head back home and play hockey in Finland.
Penguins third string goalie, Maxime Lagace signed a deal with the Tampa Bay Lightning to start free agency.
The goalie crop in the Penguins system seemed primed for a deal or a trade to bring in a fresh face.
However, in a press conference following the opening flurry of moves in free agency, Hextall stated that Jarry and Casey DeSmith will be the goaltending duo next season.
What could have changed? Everything seemed certain that a move was going to be made, all of the internet had a meltdown when Marc-Andre Fleury got traded to the Chicago Blackhawks which might fall through.
The Penguins did make a goalie signing, 22-year-old Filip Lindberg to a two-year entry level deal, but that isn't a goalie singing that is going to move the needle in terms of reaching the NHL soon.
Lindberg is a solid depth goalie signing to fill the holes being left in the minors.
But, is it a good idea to go into the next season with Jarry and DeSmith as the tandem?
