As the NHL trade deadline approaches, consideration is being given to the future of every player in the Pittsburgh Penguins’ roster. This reflection is seen as a necessary step to gauge the team’s prospects and plan for potential trades. Some of the unit’s star players like Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang are understandably kept separate from these discussions, confirming their place as untradeable assets.
Players who fall under the tradeable banner are the Penguin’s core, non-star players. These include Jake Guentzel, Bryan Rust, and John Marino, all of whom hold considerable value on the trade market. Additionally, the Penguins may look at slightly less valuable but still profitable assets like Teddy Blueger, Brock McGinn, and Marcus Pettersson, influence the team’s decisions come the trade deadline.
Another potential trade group consists of veterans with expiring contracts, such as Jeff Carter and Brian Dumoulin. Interest in these players may vary based on team needs, making them less predictable in trade dealings. However, their potential for trade should not be underestimated. Similarly, low-impact players and those with poorer performances like Chad Ruhwedel and Dominik Simon hold less trade value but may be considered for a trade to balance the books.
Finally, the discussions are expected to involve unlikely but not impossible trade assets. This group includes some players who have underperformed this season, like Mike Matheson, and up-and-comers like Daniel Sprong. While these trades may seem unlikely, they cannot be completely ruled out due to the unpredictability of the trade market.
This analysis of the Penguins’ current lineup provides insight into the potential trade strategies for the team. As the NHL trade deadline draws closer, this overview is crucial for the Pittsburgh Penguins to make the best possible decisions for their team’s future.
Last modified: February 18, 2025
