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UFA of the Day: Christian Ehrhoff

Marc-Andre Fleury, Christian Ehrhoff

Marc-Andre Fleury, Christian Ehrhoff

AP

Check PHT every day until June 30 for a new pending unrestricted free agent of the day. Today’s UFA of the Day is…

Christian Ehrhoff

Penguins GM Jim Rutherford insists he hasn’t ruled out bringing Ehrhoff back. However, it’s a safer bet the veteran German defenseman will be playing elsewhere next season.

Ehrhoff is coming off an injury-riddled campaign in which he registered just 14 points in 49 games. He joined the Pens last summer on a one-year, $4 million deal, days after he was bought out by the Sabres.

At his best, Ehrhoff is a good-skating, puck-moving defenseman who can jump into the rush at even strength and contribute on the power play. He was a big part of the successful Canucks teams a few years back, and though he was ultimately bought out, he was an analytical darling for much of his stint with the woeful Sabres.

Ehrhoff is not the staunchest, most physical defender. And considering he’ll turn 33 on July 6, his best days are probably behind him. But the things he does well are in great demand in a league where teams that can’t move the puck have little chance of success.

The wildcard may be his health. He’s apparently been given a clean bill, but suitors may be hesitant to offer much in the way of term for an older player who had concussion issues late last season.

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