Penguins fortify depth at forward with signings of Eller, Acciari

Kyle Dubas has been consistent in his message since being hired by the Pittsburgh Penguins as president of hockey operations.

In his introductory press conference on June 1, Dubas said he wanted to restructure Pittsburgh's bottom-six forward group into one capable of supporting Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, its top two centers. He said the same on June 23.

"We need to have players at the bottom of the lineup, on the third or fourth lines, that can add certain utilities, talent being some, penalty killing being others, competitiveness, speed," Dubas said.

Dubas' plan became a reality on July 1, when forwards Lars Eller and Noel Acciari signed with the Penguins.

"One of the things we talked about was what happened last year and how they see what they're going to try to change going forward into this season," Eller said Tuesday. "I think one of the things is bringing in players like me that can support the best players on the team down the lineup."

Eller, who signed a two-year, $4.9 million contract ($2.45 million average annual value), had 23 points (10 goals, 13 assists) in 84 games with the Washington Capitals and Colorado Avalanche last season.

Acciari signed a three-year, $6 million contract ($2 million AAV) after he had 23 points (14 goals, nine assists) in 77 games with the St. Louis Blues and Toronto Maple Leafs, who acquired him from the Blues on Feb. 17, when Dubas was general manager.

"I think, so far, [Dubas] has done a great job with all the guys that have come in," Acciari said Tuesday. "We want to get back in that playoff mentality, get there again. I know the guys that have been here for a while, they know what it takes to win.

"They weren't happy with last year. Just want to get this season started so we can get back there as soon as possible."

Crosby led the Penguins with 93 points (33 goals, 60 assists) last season, and Malkin was second with 83 points (27 goals, 56 assists). For the first time in 17 seasons as NHL teammates, each played 82 games.

The Penguins (40-31-11) still missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs, though, ending a streak of 16 straight appearances.

As Dubas identified, lack of support was a primary reason. The top-six forward group combined for 171 goals, led by first-line left wing Jake Guentzel (36). Fifteen other forwards combined for 60 goals.

Eller and Acciari could help close that gap. So could forward Matt Nieto, who signed a two-year, $1.8 million contract ($900,000 AAV) on July 1.

"It's trying to find the right fits for the coaching staff, what they want and what we all believe in," Dubas said. "They're competitive, they've got good speed, they're defensively reliable and they're able to chip in and think the game offensively."

Eller said the opportunity at center behind Crosby and Malkin is what drew him to the Penguins.

"I felt like Pittsburgh was a good, natural fit for me and my family," Eller said. "I think it checked a lot of boxes that I was looking for. Most of all it has been, and still is, a competitive team. I see it as a playoff team. I think the players that have been Pittsburgh's best players for over a decade are still the best players and are capable of getting it done."

If Eller does play third-line center, he would replace Jeff Carter, who had 29 points (13 goals, 16 goals) in 79 games last season.

"I can play in all kinds of situations," Eller said. "Mostly center, but I can play on the wing as well. You can use me kind of everywhere. Third-line center is probably where I've been most effective in my career. That's kind of where me, and probably Kyle and [coach Mike Sullivan] see me playing."

As for Acciari, Dubas said his toughness is "undisputed," although his role in the bottom-six hasn't been clearly defined.

"I've played against these guys in Pittsburgh," Acciari said. "Playing against the caliber that they bring every year. … [Dubas] told me the plan for Pittsburgh. I was very excited to join a very good team already and help out in any way I possibly can."