Wasn’t this supposed to be an all-out tank year for the Pittsburgh Penguins? Not so much, as it turns out. The team is unexpectedly having a sensational season, sitting in 2nd place in the Metropolitan Division at 29-15-12 for 70 points.Â
Yes, building for the future is still squarely in focus for GM Kyle Dubas. Dan Kingerski of Pittsburgh Hockey Now tells us that “Multiple reports and confirmations to Pittsburgh Hockey Now indicate Dubas has been working the phones to uncover more young players to be part of the Penguins’ next era.”
But at the same time, if they intend to continue their current Cinderella Story run to a playoff spot, they’ll need to address a couple of issues at the trade deadline.Â
“Maybe, just maybe, Dubas can sacrifice just a little bit of the future to give the dynamic duo of Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin one more ride,” writes Kingerski.
In particular, he notes that a right-shot defenseman is needed, likely of the third-pairing variety. He suggests the Winnipeg Jets’ Luke Schenn and the Columbus Blue Jackets’ Erik Gudbranson as as potential targets. However, we wrote earlier this week about the Jackets’ possibly looking at an extension for the pending UFA, assuming their hard charge to a playoff spot continues.Â
Top-nine scoring forward & right-shot D-man needed for Penguins’ playoff push
Up front, Kingerski can see the need for a scoring top-nine winger as a secondary trade target for the Pens. Â
“There are as few scoring wingers as there are righty defensemen, so the pool is shallow. However, the Columbus Blue Jackets could have a few interesting candidates, such as Boone Jenner. Montreal Canadiens sniper Patrik Laine is notably available for pennies when the Canadiens find a replacement.”
As for the Columbus captain, he falls into the same category as Gudbranson—a potential extension could await, instead of a trade. Laine will almost certainly be on the move, however, and would be a nice piece to add.Â
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