Penguins Head Coach, Free Agency, Trade Updates

Coaching Changes

The Pittsburgh Penguins officially announced former Portland Winterhawks head coach, Mike Johnston, as the new head coach for the squad heading into the 2014-15 campaign.  Johnston brings with him a winning pedigree at the junior level and has coached some of the world's best as an assistant coach on Team Canada's IIHF National Team over the past decade plus.

Joining Johnston behind the bench is former Penguins' winger Rick Tocchet.  Tocchet was a no nonsense kind of player and one can assume that that trait will carry over as the new assistant coach.  Tocchet will no doubt play a role in being a disciplinarian and a coach who will push the right buttons when the team may be getting too comfortable.  He will bring an edge to the Penguins, one they have been lacking for the last five years.

Todd Reirden and Tony Granato were relieved of their duties by General Manager Jim Rutherford on Wednesday, June 25th as well.  Reirden immediately found a new home by becoming an assistant coach for the Washington Capitals alongside their new bench boss, former Nashville Predators coach Barry Trotz.  

Free Agency Rumors

According to multiple reports online, the Penguins may be losing several members of the team that fans have become attached to over the years.  The biggest name on that list is Matt Niskanen, the "throw-in" in the James Neal trade years ago.  Niskanen was a leader and produced career numbers on the backend for this Penguins squad and deserves a hefty raise.  Apparently, Rutherford is perfectly fine with allowing that to happen.
Along with Niskanen, it seems that Jussi Jokinen and Deryk Engelland may be on their way out as well.  Several teams league wide have inquired about the winger and defenseman respectively and both are expected out of Pittsburgh after July 1st.
As far as some other interesting names on the Penguins roster, veteran defenseman Brooks Orpik remains a 50/50 option.  There is no news on whether the team will resign him or let him go to test the market, but it has been reported that he has spoken with several teams in the past few days.

Trade Speculation

With the NHL Draft starting tomorrow, the Penguins have been rumored to be dangling their 1st round pick.  The Pens draft 22nd in the 1st round and for more information on potential draft picks, please check out fellow Penguins fan and my friend Dave Moore's recent write up on his respective page.

Rumored as of late is the name of James Neal.  Neal, who has clearly not performed up to his standards and expectations, especially during the playoffs was rumored earlier as to asking for a trade out of Pittsburgh.  Since then, rumors have been running wild with teams like Ottawa and Phoenix being the two most recent I've heard.  Of course, nothing is in the works, as far as the public knows, but according to TSN's Darren Dreger, time and price will tell.
Also, the Ryan Kesler discussion has popped up once again.  The Penguins were rumored to be the number one destination for the Vancouver center last season at the Trade Deadline, however, a very high price tag and stubborn Vancouver owner would not pull the trigger on a very accommodating deal arranged by former general manager, Ray Shero.  Rumors have it that Kesler could be traded by the end of the night tomorrow at the draft.  Will he end up in Pittsburgh and if so, does that mean that Brandon Sutter will test free agency?  We will have to wait and see.

One thing is for positive, the Penguins are clearly rebuilding and willing to let key pieces walk away and trade building blocks, if need be.  Tomorrow night could be another incredibly important piece in that rebuilding stage.

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