The Pittsburgh Penguins are getting a head start on free agency, reportedly getting a veteran addition to their bottom six. Winger Matt Nieto is expected to sign a two-year deal worth $900K to join the Penguins, says TSN’s Darren Dreger, who previously reported Nieto was heading to Edmonton.
Nieto, 30, is a respected bottom-six player who split last season between the San Jose Sharks and Colorado Avalanche. Nieto has averaged just over 14 minutes of ice time per night in his career, though he saw his ice time drop dramatically after his mid-season trade to the Avalanche. He was averaging over 15 minutes per night in San Jose, and went to under 11 minutes with the Avalanche.
A capable penalty-killer and defensive presence, Nieto chipped in 12 goals and 24 points in 81 games last season. While Nieto doesn’t offer the size or overwhelming physicality that some teams would like to see out of their bottom-six forwards, there are far worse options for a team to run in their bottom-six.
Nieto has been on a few playoff runs of significance, and that’s exactly what Pittsburgh hopes to be doing next season. An offseason priority for the Penguins has been upgrading the lower-end of their lineup, and adding Nieto will help them do just that.
I think someone should double to check to see if Hextall is still not making the calls for the Penguins!! One uninspiring trade and a signing that certainly didn’t move the needle. We were led to believe that Dubas was trying to make this team younger, let Poehling(24) walk, and sign Nieto(30). He sure knows how to ignite the fan base. I think i want Rutherford back, at least he would make a splash.
I’d wait. all the big chips are on the trade market , and Dubas has a big decision to make on Jarry
You are right, i only needed to wait an hour. talk about putting my foot in my mouth. Glad he decided to join the action. He must’ve read my comment and got pissed off. LOL
Graves is a great pickup