Following its 4-1 win over the Winnipeg Jets Saturday afternoon, Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford was busy.
With the NHL trade deadline rapidly approaching, Rutherford pulled the trigger on a deal with the Edmonton Oilers that netted the Pens defensemen Justin Schultz.
In return the Pens are sending the Oilers a 2016 third-round pick.
Schultz is in the final year of a $3.9 million contract. The 25-year old will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.
In 248 career regular-season games, Schultz has scored 28 goals, 73 assists and 101 points for the Oilers.
Yet he is having his struggles this season, as Schultz’s shot totals and offensive production are his worst in years with only 10 points in 45 games.
Schultz was originally drafted by the Anaheim Ducks in the second round (43rd overall) of the 2008 NHL Draft, but never signed with the Ducks.
He got off to a good start to his career as he was one of the NHL’s top rookies during the shortened ’12-13 season, earning a spot on the NHL All-Rookie Team after scoring eight goals, 19 assists and 27 points while playing all 48 games.
His best season came in 2013-14, establishing career highs in goals (11) and points (33) in 74 games with the Oilers.
Schultz isn’t expected to join the Pens until Wednesday or Thursday due to visa issues.
Photo Credit: Edmonton Oilers
