Pittsburgh Penguins Face Trade Deadline Decisions
The Pittsburgh Penguins find themselves in a precarious position as the NHL trade deadline nears. Despite GM Kyle Dubas’s hopes for a playoff push, the team sits at 23-25-9, seventh in the Metropolitan Division. They’ve already traded away their top rental player, signaling a clear intention to move more pieces at the deadline.
Deadline Outlook and Roster Management
With a looming trade deadline less than three weeks away, the Penguins are positioned as sellers. They have $9.88 million in cap space available on deadline day, with two retention slots used, and 49 out of 50 contracts currently in use.
Their upcoming draft pick stockpile includes a strong number of selections in 2025 and 2026. Notably, their 2025 first-round pick is top-13 protected, offering potential to both acquire immediate help and secure future assets.
Potential Trade Targets
With the departure of Marcus Pettersson earlier this month, defenseman Matt Grzelcyk emerges as Pittsburgh’s most attractive trade piece. After a rocky start adjusting to his new team, grzelcyk has shown improvement in recent weeks. He’s established a career-high 28 points in 57 games, placing second among Penguins defensemen in scoring, and is averaging over 20 minutes of ice time for the first time in his career.
While he may not fetch the same blockbuster return as Pettersson, Grzelcyk’s solid offensive contributions and established NHL experience make him a valuable asset for contending teams seeking defensive reinforcements.
The Penguins’ decision-making at the trade deadline will be pivotal in shaping their immediate and long-term future. Will they maximize their return for remaining assets or prioritize building for the future with their notable draft pick prospects?
Pittsburgh Penguins: Trade Market Options Loom
With the NHL trade deadline approaching, the Pittsburgh Penguins find themselves at a crossroads.While aiming for the playoffs, some strategic roster adjustments could bolster their chances of success. General Manager Kyle Dubas may consider trading some of the team’s depth players to acquire assets for the future.
The Penguins have a few players who could draw interest on the trade market.
Defensive Options
DEFENSEMAN Samuel Poulin, currently a third-pairing option on a contending team, could be attractive to teams looking for an affordable defensive presence. His $2.75 million annual average value (AAV) makes him a reasonable target.Further down the depth chart, Anthony Beauvillier offers a potential offensive spark at a low cost. With a dozen goals in 56 games despite limited ice time, he could be a valuable asset for a team seeking low-cost scoring depth. Matthew Nieto, known for his defensive game, could also be traded for a late-round pick.
Trading Core Pieces?
While dealing established veterans like Tristan Jarry and Ryan Graves seems unlikely, rickard Rakell’s name could be in the mix. Despite some inconsistency in his time with Pittsburgh, he’s having a strong season with 25 goals. Though, his three-year, $5 million contract and importance to the team’s top line make him a tough sell.
Bryan Rust, another consistent performer, is similarly valuable to the Penguins and would likely require a substantial offer to be moved.
The Penguins’ trade decisions will ultimately depend on several factors, including their performance in the coming weeks and the offers they recieve.
Pittsburgh Penguins: Potential Trade Targets and Salary cap Considerations
The Pittsburgh Penguins are likely to be active at the NHL Trade Deadline,as they look to bolster their roster for a playoff run.General Manager Kyle Dubas will need to carefully balance the team’s need for immediate help with the need to maintain flexibility for the future.
One area of interest for the Penguins is acquiring young players who are closer to being NHL-ready. Last season, Dubas prioritized NHL-ready prospects in trades, such as Vasily Ponomarev and Ville Koivunen in the Jake Guentzel deal, and Rutger McGroarty in a swap with the Winnipeg jets.
The Penguins’ cap situation currently presents a challenge, as they have only one open contract slot. Moving out some salary could provide more flexibility for adding minor-league talent or pursuing college free agents. Freeing up roster space could also be beneficial during the draft, where the Penguins might want to make a trade.
Two bottom-six forwards who could potentially be moved are Noel Acciari and Blake Lizotte. Both players have experience and fit within the salary cap range of $1.85 million to $2 million.Trade assets for these players are likely to be modest, but moving one of them would open up a roster spot for a prospect from their AHL affiliate, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
What salary cap considerations might influence the Penguins’ willingness to trade players like Grzelcyk or Rakell?
Pittsburgh Penguins: Trade Deadline Q&A
With the NHL trade deadline looming, Penguins fans have plenty of questions about potential moves. Here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions:
Who are the Penguins most likely to trade?
Matt Grzelcyk is the most attractive trade piece, offering a solid mix of offensive production and experience at a reasonable cost. Other potential trade candidates include Samuel Poulin, Anthony Beauvillier, and perhaps even Rickard Rakell.
What are the Penguins looking for in return for their players?
The Penguins are likely to prioritize acquiring young players who are close to NHL readiness, similar to their approach last season. They may also look to add draft picks to bolster their future prospects.
Will the Penguins trade any of their core players?
It’s unlikely the Penguins will trade players like Tristan Jarry or Bryan Rust, who are key pieces of their present and future plans.
How will the Penguins’ salary cap situation factor into their decisions?
The Penguins have limited cap space,with only one open contract slot. They may need to move out some salary to create adaptability for adding players or to facilitate a trade.
What can fans expect in the coming weeks?
Expect the Penguins to be active at the trade deadline, possibly making several moves to reshape their roster for a playoff run. Stay tuned to see how General Manager Kyle Dubas navigates these challenging decisions!
