Penguins Free-Agent Update: Where’s the Beef?
The Penguins made another free-agent signing Wednesday night, although it wasn’t the one expected. Rumors were swirling around Johan Larsson, a non-descript defensive forward who most recently skated for Washington.
Instead GM Ron Hextall forked over the Benjamins to another journeyman, 28-year-old winger Drake Caggiula, on a one-year, two-way deal worth $750,000.
I must admit, I don’t hate this signing. Although small in stature (5’10” 176), the former University of North Dakota star is a heart-and-soul type who plays with a bit of an edge. He’ll also drop the gloves if the situation calls for it.
Caggiula’s scored as many as 13 goals in a season (2017-18 for the Oilers) and notched nine in only 40 games for Chicago in ’19-20, roughly an 18-goal pace for a full season. However, his production’s tailed off over the past couple of seasons and concussions have been an issue.
Not ideal for a player whose calling card is sand and grit. But at this stage, I’ll take any dollop of aggression we can get.
Where’s the Beef?
Ever since Hextall and Brian Burke arrived we’ve been hearing rumblings about “long pants hockey” and being better equipped to play a physical game.