Rising Star Matt Nieto Set to Join Pittsburgh Penguins’ Roster

Matt Nieto Expected To Sign With Pittsburgh Penguins

By Josh Erickson | July 1, 2023 | 10:34 am CDT

The Pittsburgh Penguins are making moves early in the free agency period, with reports indicating that they have secured veteran winger Matt Nieto for their bottom six. According to TSN’s Darren Dreger, Nieto is expected to sign a two-year contract with the Penguins worth $900K. This comes as a surprise, as earlier reports had suggested Nieto would be joining the Edmonton Oilers.

A Solid Addition

Matt Nieto, at 30 years old, brings a wealth of experience and versatility to the Penguins’ roster. Primarily a bottom-six player, Nieto has shown he can be a reliable penalty-killer and defensive presence. Last season, he split his time between the San Jose Sharks and the Colorado Avalanche, contributing 12 goals and 24 points in 81 games.

While Nieto may not possess the size or physicality of some bottom-six forwards, he brings other valuable assets to the team. His playoff experience and ability to chip in offensively will be valuable for the Penguins, a team with a history of deep playoff runs.

Upgrading the Lower-end of the Lineup

The Penguins have made it a priority to strengthen their lower-end lineup this offseason, and the addition of Matt Nieto aligns with that objective. By signing a versatile forward like Nieto, the Penguins are providing themselves with more depth and options in their bottom six.

With an average of just over 14 minutes of ice time per game throughout his career, Nieto brings a level of consistency and reliability. However, it is worth noting that his ice time dropped significantly after his trade to the Avalanche, with his average falling to under 11 minutes per night. This may have been more a result of the Avalanche’s roster composition rather than a reflection of Nieto’s abilities.

Philosophical Discussion and Editorial

The signing of Matt Nieto by the Pittsburgh Penguins highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the value of bottom-six players in the NHL. While top-line players often receive the majority of attention and accolades, it is the depth and contributions of players like Nieto that can make a significant impact on a team’s success.

In today’s NHL, where parity is prevalent, every roster spot is crucial. A strong bottom six can provide the necessary depth, energy, and defensive responsibility that is needed to compete against skilled opponents. Players like Nieto may not always receive the same recognition as star forwards or dominant defensemen, but their contributions can be game-changing in the right context.

It is important to recognize and appreciate the unique skill sets that bottom-six players bring to the game. While physicality and size may be desired qualities in certain situations, players like Nieto demonstrate that speed, defensive awareness, and a knack for contributing offensively are just as valuable. The diversity of playing styles within a team’s lineup can lead to a well-rounded and versatile group that can adapt to various game situations.

Ultimately, the success of a team is not solely determined by the star power of its top players, but by the collective effort and contributions of the entire roster. The signing of Matt Nieto by the Penguins shows their commitment to building a well-balanced team that can compete at a high level.

Advice for the Pittsburgh Penguins

With the addition of Matt Nieto, the Pittsburgh Penguins have taken a step towards strengthening their bottom-six forward group. However, there are still areas that the team can address to further solidify their roster.

One area of concern is goaltending. While Tristan Jarry has shown flashes of brilliance, his inconsistency and struggles in the playoffs have raised questions about his ability to be a reliable starting goaltender. Exploring the goaltending market in free agency or via trade could provide the Penguins with a more stable presence in net.

Additionally, bolstering the defensive corps could be a wise move for the Penguins. The departures of key defensemen like Kris Letang and Brian Dumoulin in recent years have left the team lacking in experienced blue-liners. Acquiring a veteran defenseman with leadership qualities could provide stability and mentorship for the younger members of the defense.

Overall, the Penguins should continue to prioritize depth and balance in their roster construction. Building a team that can compete in both high-scoring games and tight defensive battles will be key to their success in the upcoming season.