Ideal Trade Deadline Target Emerges For Pittsburgh Penguins' Playoff Push

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Tyler Ball
September 4, 2023 (6:51 PM)

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The Pittsburgh put every team in the NHL on notice this offseason. The Penguins completed the biggest trade of the offseason bringing in Erik Karlsson.

They are now clearly all-in on getting this group another Stanley Cup. If the Penguins look like they need better depth heading down the stretch one veteran might be the ideal target to come to Pittsburgh.

Foligno To Pittsburgh

Nick Foligno has been a veteran presence on playoff teams going back to his days with the Columbus Blue Jackets. He now finds himself on the lowly Chicago Blackhawks as a veteran mentor. If the Blackhawks struggle like many think they will he could be a prime trade target at the trade deadline.

With Foligno's age and expiring contract, he would likely be pretty cheap to trade for. Here is a potential trade package.

Evaluating The Trade

This trade feels like one that could be a win-win. Each side comes out with value that helps them on their timeline of winning a championship.

The Penguins add another veteran with playoff experience and the ability to play up and down the lineup. Foligno would also add another strong leader to the group. Foligno most recently was a contributor on the historic Boston Bruins team putting up 26 points in 60 games.

For the Chicago Blackhawks, they add a prospect and a draft pick to continue stocking their cupboard.

Zam Plante is the son of Derek Plante who is a former NHL player and Blackhawk himself.

Plante, a fifth-round pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, most recently played in the USHL with the Fargo Force where he put up 10 points in 18 games. Then of course the 2024 Second Round pick will allow the Blackhawks to bring in another prospect that they like to eventually pair with Connor Bedard and the rest of their promising young core.

This trade looks like it could be a great deal for both sides. The Blackhawks get back some value for a player they were unlikely to bring back. On the flipside the Penguins continue to add to their group as they go all in for a championship.