Penguins Begin To Reshape Roster As Four Players Exit

PITTSBURGH, PA —The Pittsburgh Penguins began a roster makeover on Monday, buying out the contract of one player and declining to extend offers to three unrestricted free agents.

Pens general manager Jim Rutherford announced that defenseman Jack Johnson, who was sharply criticized by fans for his play in the team's season-ending series loss to the Montreal Canadiens, has been placed on unconditional waivers. The team will buy out the remainder of his contract.

Unrestricted free agents who did not receive qualifying offers were Graham Knott, Dominik Simon and defenseman John Nyberg

The Penguins did make a qualifying offer to goalie Matt Murray, who has won two Stanley Cups with the team. But Murray is expected to be traded after the team signed goalie All-Star goalie Tristan Jarry to a three-year contract over the weekend worth an average annual value of $3.5 million.

The Penguins also extended qualifying offers to forwards Pontus Aberg, Anthony Angello, Sam Lafferty and Sam Miletic.