Pittsburgh Penguins Trade Grades: Assessing Each Transaction in 2014-15
By Mike Necciai
Jan 27, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins left wing David Perron (39) and right wing Patric Hornqvist (right) celebrate a goal by center Brandon Sutter (16) against the Winnipeg Jets during the third period at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Penguins won 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Jim Rutherford was clear and concise last fall when he said that the Pittsburgh Penguins taking the ice on opening night would not be the team we see in the playoffs. Changes would be made, and the team would be adjusted to fill needs throughout the season. You have to give him credit, he was true to his word.
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Not only did the Pens see a ton of changes last summer, it seemed like Rutherford was bringing in a new face monthly in the second half of the season. While his moves weren’t all blockbusters like we’ve seen in the past with Ray Shero, he certainly changed the faces of this franchise throughout his first year as General Manager.
The real question, though, is how effective was he with his acquisitions? He traded away multiple draft picks, two of which were included in a deal for Daniel Winnik who may be a rental if the Pittsburgh Penguins don’t re-sign him. Of course, he also traded away Simon Despres for Ben Lovejoy of the Anaheim Ducks.
Let’s visit each deal in more depth.