PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – You are with the growing group of people believing the Pens need to make a trade. Maybe not even looking to add to boost their playoff chances, just to shake up the team or drop some salary for a potential future trade.
Even if you dream about adding to help this current group, you can't do it without dropping salary. According to Cap Friendly.com the Pens have just over $18,000 of cap space. They aren't the only team in this situation, but it significantly limits their options.
Forget who the Pens want to get rid of, other teams have scouts, they know who is struggling. Who would other teams want?
Let's just rule out the big names, the Pens all-timers who won't be moved. They aren't trading Sidney Crosby ($8.7 million), Evgeni Malkin ($6.1 million) or Kris Letang ($6.1 million). No one will ever wear their numbers in black and gold again and they won't be traded.
Then there is the next level of players who would bring value but are key players now. A pair have been signed to recent extensions.
F-Jake Guentzel-28-years-old
CONTRACT-$6 million, becomes a free agent in 2024
STATS-20 goals, 26 assists in 45 games/currently on a five-game point streak
OUTLOOK-It's hard to believe Guentzel playing for another team. But he would bring back the biggest return and if you worry you won't be able to afford to sign him, now is the time with a year of control. Don't see it happening.
F-Bryan Rust-30-years-old
CONTRACT-just signed to a new contract, $5.125 million, becomes a free agent in 2028
STATS-11 goals, 19 assists in 49 games/2 power play goals/2 goals since December 22
OUTLOOK-Pens wanted him enough to lock him up long term, he's been an inconsistent scorer. Has big-game experience and versatility for other teams. Pens identified him as a key to their future, would be a big about face to trade Rust.
F Rickard Rakell-29-years-old
CONTRACT-just signed to a new contract, $5 million, becomes a free agent in 2028
STATS-18 goals, 15 assists, 49 games, 8 power play goals/longest point draught this season is three games, one time
OUTLOOK-Pens traded for him and he's played some really good games this year. If they believe they can win now or soon, he would seem to be a key piece. Has bounced between the first and second lines but fits into Mike Sullivan's system. Rakell is having his best season since 2017-18 with Anaheim.
D-Marcus Pettersson-26-years-old
CONTRACT-$4.025 million, becomes a free agent in 2025
STATS-0 goals, 13 assists, 32 penalty minutes, he's been a plus, plus/minus player his entire career
OUTLOOK-Talk before the season and at the end of last season of Pettersson being a salary dump trade or at least the odd-man defensively. Arguably the most consistent Pens defenseman this year, a great team-first player. If you believe in Ty Smith, he has a more team-friendly contract.
F-Brock McGinn-28-years-old
CONTRACT-$2.75 million, becomes a free agent in 2025
STATS-10 goals, 5 assists, 49 games, 17 penalty minutes, 2 short-handed goals
OUTLOOK-For a playoff team looking for a bottom six spark who can play steady minutes on the penalty kill. Has 7 goals in 41 career playoff games
Going to be free agents
F-Jason Zucker-31-years-old
CONTRACT-$5.5 million
STATS-13 goals, 17 assists, 45 games, one power-play goal
OUTLOOK-Finally healthy, has played his best hockey as a Penguin this season. Does a little of everything.
F-Teddy Blueger-28-years-old
CONTRACT-$2.2 million
STATS-1 goal, six assists, 34 games
OUTLOOK-Could be a bottom six center for a team looking for depth, seems like the plan would be for him to re-sign and be the third-line center
D-Brian Dumoulin-31-years-old
CONTRACT-$4.1 million
STATS-0 goals, 12 assists, 49 games, plus 1, 10 penalty minutes
OUTLOOK-Having the worst season of his Pens career, has won Stanley Cups playing with an elite defenseman & a team may believe a change of scenery would improve his game
F-Danton Heinen-27-years-old
CONTRACT-$1 million
STATS-5 goals, 10 assists, 42 games, minus 3, 1 power play goal//goals in 2 of last 3 games
OUTLOOK-inexpensive addition to a bottom six rotation
G-Tristan Jarry-27-years-old
CONTRACT-$3.5 million
STATS-16-5 in 27 games, 2.65 GAA, .921 save percentage
Will the Pens stay put? Will they salary dump? Will they be able to add, or more likely swap, for a player who gives them a jolt? There is a lot of time before the deadline on March 3.
