We might not even get as far as K when we look at free agent forwards of interest. "Of interest" for the Penguins clearly means a goal-scoring winger and/or a winger not named Dupuis. I would argue the Pens need a defensive center who can win face-offs, as well.

Let's see what we find.

Kris Versteeg (FLA). An RFA, so a harder deal to make, but Versteeg can score, and can play multiple roles.

Peter Mueller (COL). I think he showed promise, playing on some mediocre Phoenix teams. Obviously he had a rough 11-12 season.

Jamie Benn (DAL). Another RFA.

Shane Doan (PHX). His name keeps coming up. I don't think he'd fit in at all, but wondered if there were contrary opinions out there.

Benn Ferriero (SJS). He was a bubble player with the Sharks last year, which means he played on all four lines. (The Sharks were really weird last season.) I've seen him score opportune goals, though.

Mason Raymond (VAN). Yet another RFA.

Egad. The hockey journalists weren't kidding when they said this was a thin year for free agents. I don't take what they write on faith, but now that I've looked through the entire list of available players, it's impressively lacking top talent. My conclusion is that is Ray Shero wants to go after a scoring winger, it'll have to be via trade.