NEW YORK -- Frederick Gaudreau wasn't supposed to be in the NHL this season.
The Penguins signed him to a one-year contract worth the league minimum ($700,000), in the unlikely event he ever turned up on the major-league roster.
Which, of course, he has.
And Gaudreau isn't just filling a spot there. In the nine games he has played with the Penguins -- an opportunity he's gotten only because of a run of injuries to key forwards -- Gaudreau has burnished his credentials as a capable bottom-six center, with a two-way game strong enough that he's earned playing time on both the power play and penalty-kill.
When the Penguins get Evgeni Malkin and Teddy Blueger back, Gaudreau isn't guaranteed of keeping his spot in the lineup -- but should be. He has, to this point, clearly outplayed Mark Jankowski and should have hurdled him on the depth chart.
Gaudreau will turn 28 in a month, which means he is in the prime of his career. He also will be an unrestricted free agent in a few months, able to pick where he works next season and beyond. Unless, of course, the Penguins sign him to a new deal before Gaudreau's current one expires, which Ron Hextall should explore vigorously.
Now, it's possible that Gaudreau will want to go elsewhere, but if he's interested in staying, Hextall should find out what it will take to make that happen.
There's a risk, in that the sample size of Gaudreau's play here is pretty small -- remember when, at the start of P.O Joseph's time with the Penguins, it looked as if he would win the Calder, Norris and Hart trophies, and maybe be named MVP of the World Series -- but unlike Joseph, Gaudreau is well beyond the prospect stage.
There's every reason to believe not only that he is what he is, but that he is what he will be for at least a few more seasons. Not a difference-maker, but an effective, versatile complementary piece.
The kind the Penguins covet, and should take all reasonable steps to retain.
YOUR TURN: Should the Penguins try to re-sign Gaudreau soon?