The Penguins have added another player ahead of their training camp, which officially begins next Thursday (September 21).
He was a forward who almost went all the way last season with the Florida Panthers.
Colin White appeared in all 21 of Florida’s playoff games, although he scored no goals and had only two assists.
White, 26, a first-round pick in 2015, had 292 career NHL games with Ottawa for most of his career and then one season with the Panthers.
He is known for his two-way play and defense.
White became an unrestricted free agent when Florida failed to extend him a qualifying offer ($1.
2 million) earlier this summer.
Despite his young age, this is White’s second time playing for the UFA – Ottawa acquired him in 2022 after injuries began to sideline him.
At the very least, White would help the Pens meet the veteran minimum requirements for preseason games, but he also fits the mold of most of Pittsburgh’s free-agent forwards, who works hard, skates well and can defend.
If he can make the team, White could bring depth to the backline and also lower the average age of the NHL’s oldest club a bit.
White will have competition, Austin Wagner (formerly of Chicago and Los Angeles) is also a forward coming to Pens camp on a PTO in a similar role.
The Pens have no shortage of new signees and AHL players, who will also compete for a very limited number of roster spots and roster spots.