In the next 24 hours, general manager Jim Rutherford will be under pressure to ensure his team comes out of the trade deadline without sacrificing the future and bringing fresh talent to the Pittsburgh Penguins.
After Saturday’s trade for Justin Schultz, Rutherford made it clear that they were not done searching for other options on the market.
“We’re still in business,” said following the trade yesterday hinting that he will continue searching for additions to the Penguins.
What’s for sale?
Per reports, there are several names Pittsburgh is looking to shop around. Chris Kunitz, Sergei Plotnikov and Jeff Zatkoff are among those names.
Kunitz, 36, still has a year and $3.85 million left on his contract. These two reasons alone will make it difficult to move a veteran who’s level of play has significantly lowered in the last handful of seasons.
Additionally, it is important to note that Kunitz has a modified trade clause that lists 22 other teams that he would accept being traded to.
It would be difficult to find a team willing to take this cap hit, even if the Penguins retain half, and receive anything more than a bottom four forward or draft pick.
Plotnikov is a piece that Pittsburgh has actively been shopping for the last two days. According to Rutherford, Plotnikov rubbed coach Mike Sullivan the wrong way when he expressed interest in returning to Russia.
Since, the 25-year-old left winger has been a healthy scratch for the last 19 games. After signing in the summer, Pittsburgh hoped he would eventually work his way up to play on the same line as Evgeni Malkin.
However, his game never seemed to adjust from the KHL and scored only two assists in his 32 games. Trading the young winger will be difficult as well, considering he hasn’t played in two months and has a cap hit of $925,000.
Zatkoff, who has gone this season with a 2.78 GAA and has a record of 4-6-1, is another name being thrown into the rumor mill. The 28-year-old goaltender is thought to be a good trade piece if bundled with another player.
Reports hint at the possibility of the Penguins throwing Plotnikov and Zatkoff together which would increase the value of the return as opposed to each being traded individually.
Beau Bennett could be another player Pittsburgh would be willing to part with. Although his value has decreased because of his inability to stay healthy, a team looking for depth may be willing to pull the trigger.
With the current success of forwards like Scott Wilson, who is on fire as of late, Conor Sheary, and Bryan Rust, does a healthy Bennett vastly improve the team? From the looks of it, Pittsburgh may be better off dumping his $800,000 salary and creating room for additional moves.
Buy, buy, buy
Pittsburgh has not been a part of any major rumors and has only completed the one trade yesterday which is seen as a high risk, high reward move. Schultz does struggle in his own end, but help from Sergei Gonchar as well as his ability to skate and handle the puck can make him a steal if he develops.
Rutherford has been and will continue to search for those who can add to the fast paced, quick transition team. Since the GM has already found his answer in adding defensive depth, look for Rutherford to look for a bottom six-line forward.
Players who may interest the Penguins are as follows:
Brad Boyles, RW, Toronto
The 33-year-old winger has just a $700,000 cap hit and averages 2.17 points per 60 minutes. Boyles is typically slotted into the Maple Leafs fourth line and could be a great depth player if picked up.
Pierre-Alexandre Parenteau, RW, Toronto
With a $1.1 million cap hit, Parenteau would still be a viable option, but it is more than likely the Penguins wouldn’t be the only team bidding for his skill. Thus far, the 32-year-old has 32 points and has 1.97 points per 60 minutes. For this winger, more would have to be dealt, but if acquired, Parenteau could play a major role on the team.
John-Michael Liles, D, Carolina
Yes, Pittsburgh did pickup a defensemen the other day, but the addition of Liles would solidify a defense that has incredible puck and skating skills. It is less likely Pittsburgh would be able to pull off this trade because of his $3,785,000 salary, but mainly because of interest from other teams.
Mikkel Boedker, LW, Arizona
The Coyotes have a major asset in Boedker who has scored 38 points in 61 games. With another high cap hit of $3,750,000 it would be a challenge for Rutherford to pull it off. However, if the deal is pulled off, it would require a lot of savvy and creative work in roster moves to allocate enough money.
Don’t expect the Penguins to make a major splash before the trade deadline. After years of selling young talent and draft picks, Pittsburgh wants to keep the same body of work with modifications coming if the price is right.
It would be proactive to add at least one more forward for depth considering the injury bug Pittsburgh has had this year. Adding one more forward could make all the difference in making the playoffs and making a push to the ultimate goal, the Stanley Cup.
