Trades are a coin flip for general managers. Some trades work out while others do not. That being said, rental players are not the solution for this club, as we saw last year how that worked out. If the Penguins are going to pull the trigger on a trade or two, these players must be under contract for the foreseeable future. However, the Penguins are under zero pressure to make something happen here. This team isn’t struggling; they’re not grinding for a playoff spot; they’re simply looking for the piece that this team needs not wants.
In the early 90s, Craig Patrick, then the general manager of the Penguins, made two historical trades that made him a legend in Penguins history. Even though both trades were a coin flip for the organization, Patrick will always be remembered for making these trades that gave his team a chance to win.
In 1991, Patrick went out and made one of the best trades in Penguins’ history when he acquired Ron Francis, Ulf Samuelson and Grant Jennings from the Hartford Whalers in exchange for John Cullen, Zarley Zalapski and Jeff Parker. Initially, the trade looked to be in favor of the Whalers due in large part because they landed 100-point scorer in Cullen and top 5 draft pick in Zalapski. Three months later, the Penguins hoisted their first Stanley Cup championship.
On Feb. 19th, 1992 Patrick pulled the trigger on a move to strengthen his team. On that day, he acquired Rick Tocchet, Kjell Samuellson, Ken Wregget and a draft pick in exchange for Mark Recchi, Brian Benning and a first-round pick. At the time, Recchi was far and above the best player involved in the trade. However, as Herb Brooks would say, “I’m not looking for the best players, I’m looking for the best team.”
In 2012, Ray Shero traded away a very good player in Jordan Staal for the betterment of the team. However, you don’t always win trades by acquiring the better player, but the better fit for you team. Days before the trade, Shero offered Staal the exact same contract that Staal signed immediately after being dealt to Carolina. Ten years and $60 million. Once Staal declined the Pens’ offer, it became clear that the trade needed to happen.
Jayson Megna, Andrew Ebbett, Brian Gibbons, Taylor Pyatt and Chuck Kobasew have filled in adequately thus far in the regular season. However, this team cannot expect these players to produce in the playoffs against teams like the Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks or Anaheim Ducks.
First and foremost, the Penguins need to replace the loss of Pascal Dupuis and hoping that the previous list of players can do that is misguided. Prior to the Penguins calling, Pyatt and Kobasew looked to be all but washed up. Megna and Gibbons weren’t even drafted. Beau Bennett looks to be a viable option, however he can’t stay healthy long enough to prove that.
At the end of the day, Ray Shero knows what’s best for this team moving forward. So amid the speculation, Shero will do what’s best for business.
