Lightning won’t re-sign Kunitz, 38

weeks ago that Kunitz would be open to a Pittsburgh return — if, of course, Tampa Bay did not offer work for next season. At that time, however, Kunitz was expected to return to Tampa.

Kunitz was an effective player for the Lightning in 2017-18, producing 13 goals and 29 points in 82 games, playing almost exclusively in the bottom-six. That’s a role he would take on if a return to Pittsburgh transpired.

In 569 games over nine years with the Penguins, Kunitz produced 169 goals and388 points.

After a season that saw the Penguins transition into younger leadership by losing Kunitz, Marc-Andre Fleury, Trevor Daley, Ron Hainsey and Nick Bonino, having one of those veteran voices back could make sense.

General manager Jim Rutherford also has talked about having more balance throughout his fourth lines. That doesn’t necessarily translate into bringing back Kunitz, but he does offer something the Penguins lacked at times — a physical presence and someone who was tenacious on the forecheck.

The Penguins don’t have a lot of money to spend, however, and they likely would have to clear a forward spot or two in order to make anything happen. It’s also possible the Penguins have turned the page and want to give opportunities to younger players such as Zach AstonReese, Daniel Sprong and Dominik Simon.

With announcement that the 2018-19 salary cap will be $79.5 million, and with the latest restricted free-agent projections, the Penguins could have around $2.1 million with which to work.