One of the biggest areas of need for the Penguins is on defense. The team has struggled with injuries on the blue line, and they have been looking for a top-four defenseman who can come in and solidify the defense corps. Names like Ryan Murray, David Savard, and Dougie Hamilton have been mentioned in trade rumors, and it's likely that the Penguins will target one of these players in an effort to shore up their defense.
Another area where the Penguins could use some help is at forward. While the team has a potent top-six, they could use a little more depth down the middle, especially with the recent injury to Evgeni Malkin. The Penguins have been linked to a number of centers in trade rumors, including Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Ryan Johansen, and Kyle Turris.
The Penguins are also reportedly interested in adding some scoring depth on the wing. With a number of teams looking to clear cap space, there are several forwards who could become available at the deadline, and the Penguins will likely be in the mix for a few of them. Names like Mike Hoffman, Tyler Toffoli, and Alex Killorn have been mentioned in connection with the Penguins.
It's important to note that the Penguins have a limited amount of salary cap space to work with, so they will need to be creative in order to make a trade happen. The team could opt to move some salary in order to free up cap space, or they could look to make a trade that involves taking on some salary in exchange for the player they want.
Overall, the Penguins are in a good position heading into the trade deadline. With a solid record and a roster that is built for a deep playoff run, the team has the assets and the need to make a move that can help them take their game to the next level. Whether they opt to add a defenseman, a forward, or a combination of both, the Penguins are poised to make a splash at the deadline and solidify their place as one of the top teams in the NHL.
It will be interesting to see what the Penguins do at the trade deadline, and how it affects the rest of the NHL. But one thing is for sure: the Penguins are a team to watch as the deadline approaches, and whatever moves they make are sure to have a major impact on the rest of the league.
POLL | ||
Should the Penguins trade for a top-4 Dman? | ||
Yes | 103 | 77.4 % |
No | 30 | 22.6 % |
List of polls |