In 2021, Cody Ceci entered Pittsburgh as something of a professional pariah on a one-year contract for a relatively low amount. His career was fast-tracked with Ottawa, but then was stuck in neutral. Fast forward to the end of the season, Ceci was playing the third most minutes of any Penguin defender and seen as a key, steady piece for the team. He would parlay that success and go on to sign a four-year, $13 million contract with Edmonton.
Last year, it was Danton Heinen’s turn for a surprise turn for the better with the Pens. Unqualified by Anaheim, Heinen was unsigned on the first day of free agency and somewhat quietly slid into Pittsburgh on a one-year deal.