The Penguins have not submitted a qualifying offer to Ryan Poehling

The free agent market is fast approaching, and today is the deadline for each team to send out its list of qualifying offers to restricted free agents.

The final lists go out quietly this evening, and the Pittsburgh Penguins’ list has just been announced.

Among the players who did not receive a qualifying offer is former Montreal Canadiens player Ryan Poehling.

Poehling, who was acquired by the Pens along with Jeff Petry in the trade that sent Mike Matheson to Montreal, will be free as a bird this Saturday.

Ryan Poehling was NOT qualified-offered by Penguins, so he can become UFA at noon Saturday.

He was acquired via trade (Mike Matheson) last season along with Jeff Petry, who Penguins have shopped this week. That deal was done by Ron Hextall. @TheAthleticNHL

– Rob Rossi (@Real_RobRossi) June 30, 2023

It’s also worth remembering that Jeff Petry was put on display by Pittsburgh this week.

By losing Poehling and looking for a trade for Petry, it’s easy to conclude that Montreal won this transaction all round.

Matheson had a very good season and showed great interest in playing in Montreal. In addition to commanding a lower salary, the Quebecer’s impact was greater than Petry’s in Pittsburgh in 2022-2023.

Matheson averaged 0.71 points per game last year, while Petry offered just 0.51 points per game.

Obviously, these are two offensive-minded defensemen and not the type teams would trust defensively. However, Matheson wasn’t terrible in that department either.

You can see the Penguins’ complete list of qualified and unqualified players right here.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have not sent qualifying offers to pending-RFA’s:

Forward Ryan Poehling
Defenseman Josh Maniscalco
Defenseman Peter Diliberatore
Defenseman Colin Swoyer

(All players will become UFA’s on July 1st.)

– NHL News & Rumors (@MPitkins) June 30, 2023

Poehling commanded a salary of $750,000 this season and collected 14 points in 56 games under Michael Sullivan behind the bench.

He averaged 11 minutes and 46 seconds per game this year.

He could find work elsewhere in the league on a low-paying contract. If not, teams should be interested in his services if he’s willing to accept a two-part contract.

We could get an answer as early as tomorrow, when the free-agent market opens at noon Eastern time.

Breaking news

– Arber Xhekaj would get more work if the tough guy joins the Maple Leafs.

The Maple Leafs will look to add some size & toughness via free agency. One player high on their list: Ryan Reaves

– David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) June 30, 2023

– Great signing from the Kraken.

INBOX: The @SeattleKraken have signed Goaltender Joey Daccord to a two year deal, at $1.2 million AAV.

Daccord led the Coachella Valley Firebirds to the Calder Cup Finals.@komonews

– Chris Daniels (@ChrisDaniels_TV) June 30, 2023

– He had a good series with the Heat, who made it to the Grand Finals.