The Penguins will have one restricted free agent, as they have given a qualifying offer to forward Chris Conner. The speedy forward split time between Pittsburgh and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the AHL last season, scoring three points (two goals, one assist) in eight appearances in the NHL. Conner was Wilkes-Barre’s second leading scorer last season, tallying 56 points in 59 games.
↵The Penguins decided not to give a qualifying offer to minor league forward Aaron Boogaard or defenseman Jonathan D’Aversa, which sends both players to unrestricted free agency.
↵As of noon on Thursday eight NHL veterans, highlighted by defensemen Sergei Gonchar and Dan Hamhuis are set to become unrestricted free agents.