The Pittsburgh Penguins have been active in bolstering their lineup this offseason, highlighted by the signing of Justin Braun to a two-year, $3 million contract on July 1st. The decision to add Braun makes sense given the team’s need for size and secondary scoring in their bottom-six forwards.
Braun earned his first NHL contract with the Boston Bruins during the 2023-24 season, where he tallied five goals, seven assists, 43 hits, and a plus-4 rating over 19 games with the Original Six team. He followed up with a combined 11 goals, 11 assists, 22 points, and 123 hits between the Bruins and the Minnesota Wild, showcasing his ability to contribute as a solid secondary scorer with grit—a perfect fit for a Penguins squad in need of those qualities.
Moreover, Braun is only entering his third NHL season, suggesting room for growth and development. The Penguins provide a great opportunity for him to flourish, and it will be intriguing to observe the impact he has in the competitive Metropolitan Division.
Additionally, the Penguins have made it clear they are open to trading as they continue reshaping their roster. High-profile players like Brian Rust, Eric Carlson, and Rickard Rakell have been subjects of trade rumors this offseason. Whether moves happen now or during the season, the Penguins are willing to make significant changes to improve their team.
Photo credit: © Bob Frid-Imagn
Fan Take: This move signals the Penguins’ commitment to building a more robust and versatile roster, which is exciting for fans who crave a competitive edge. Watching Braun develop and how the potential trades shake up the team could shape the Penguins’ future and add some thrilling dynamics to the NHL landscape.
