Metropolitan Notes: Penguins, Provorov, Konecny, Hurricanes

While the Penguins haven’t been overly active this summer, it doesn’t appear they have any other moves on the immediate horizon.  Pittsburgh GM Jim Rutherford told Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that while they’re always looking to see what’s out there, he doesn’t feel like he’s under any obligation to change things any further:

“With the things that we’ve done over the offseason to get the balance and depth we want, we don’t feel we have to do anything. As always, we’ll watch it. We’ll have a better idea once we get through camp and play a bunch of games.”

With the team now having six centers on the roster, some had speculated that the depth could free them up to move one but at the very least, that appears to be a decision for down the road.  With no other remaining free agents to re-sign, it could be a quiet few weeks ahead for the Penguins.

More from the Metropolitan:

• The Flyers have had internal discussions about early extensions for defenseman Ivan Provorov and winger Travis Konecny, notes Dave Isaac of the Cherry Hill Courier-Post. Both players are entering the final year of their entry-level deals next season and will be restricted free agents (without arbitration eligibility) next summer.  GM Ron Hextall acknowledged, however, that there’s no rush to get a deal done with either player.
• The Hurricanes envision a pair of youngsters playing key roles for them next season. Head coach Rod Brind’Amour told NHL.com’s Tom Gulitti that they expect center Martin Necas and winger Andrei Svechnikov (drafted second overall last month) to not only make the team but be impact players.  In the case of the latter, that may be part of the reason that they continue to solicit offers on winger Jeff Skinner as it appears that they envision Svechnikov to move into that role and be productive right away.