Cruz Lucius is headed toward the open market, leaving Dan Muse and the Penguins on track to lose a 2022 draft pick.
Pittsburgh's situation headlines a group of 21 college players expected to become unrestricted free agents on Saturday, August 15. The deadline could quietly create another wave of NHL roster movement.
Lucius, an Arizona State forward, was selected by the Penguins in the 2022 NHL Draft. He has already informed Pittsburgh that he doesn't plan to sign before the deadline.
Anaheim Ducks: Kyle Kukkonen, F
Boston Bruins: Mason Langenbrunner, D; Philip Svedebäck, G; Oskar Jellvik, F
Buffalo Sabres: Stiven Sardaryan, F
Detroit Red Wings: Kienan Draper, F
Montreal Canadiens: Jack Smith, F
Nashville Predators: Adam Ingram, F; Benjamin Strinden, F; Sutter Muzzatti, F
New Jersey Devils: Samu Salminen, F; Charlie Leddy, D
New York Islanders: Ryan Healey, D
Ottawa Senators: Tyson Dyck, F
Philadelphia Flyers: Owen McLaughlin, F
Pittsburgh Penguins: Cruz Lucius, F
Toronto Maple Leafs: Joe Miller, F
Utah Mammoth: Cal Thomas, D
Vegas Golden Knights: Noah Ellis, D
Washington Capitals: Chase Clark, G; Joaquim Lemay, D
That puts the Penguins in position to lose his NHL rights and gives Lucius the ability to choose his next organization rather than remaining tied to Pittsburgh.
The unusual market comes from NCAA rules rather than expiring NHL contracts. Players completing their fourth college season can notify the league that they're no longer full-time students.
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Once that process is completed, the players can come off their drafting teams' reserve lists and become available to every NHL club beginning August 15.
Lucius leads a 21-player free-agent wave
Pittsburgh isn't the only organization facing a decision. Nashville and Boston each have three players in the group, while New Jersey and Washington each have two.
That gives teams another chance to add older prospects without spending draft capital. For clubs looking for NHL-ready depth or competition in the minors, the timing carries real value.
Some players in the group have already agreed to AHL contracts for next season. Those deals don't prevent them from pursuing NHL contracts with another organization.
Lucius stands out because Pittsburgh already knows where he stands. Instead of another negotiation stretching through the summer, the Penguins are approaching a firm separation.
For Lucius, free agency creates leverage. He can look for an organization offering a clearer development path, a stronger opportunity to move up the depth chart or a better fit for his game.
For Pittsburgh, it closes the book on a prospect the organization once spent a draft selection to acquire. That makes Saturday more than a routine administrative deadline.
And with 20 other players potentially joining Lucius on the market, NHL front offices could have another round of low-cost roster decisions waiting before training camps arrive.
Will Cruz Lucius regret walking away from the Penguins?
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