NHL Trade Deadline 2015: Top 5 Players the Penguins Should Target

 4. Emerson Etem

Apr 23, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Anaheim Ducks right wing

(65) prepares to take the place of Anaheim Ducks right wing

(not pictured) against the Dallas Stars in game four of the first round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Much like Connolly, the Anaheim Ducks’ Emerson Etem is a young star of the future who simply hasn’t adjusted to life in the NHL yet.

Drafted 29th overall in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, Etem has seen limited time with the big club, posting just 6 points in 27 games this season. He’s spent much of the 2014-15 campaign with Anaheim’s AHL affiliate in Norfolk.

Yet Etem’s numbers prior to the NHL show he has much to offer once he adjusts to the big leagues.

His final WHL season saw him post an astounding 61 goals and 107 points in just 65 games.

Also noteworthy is the fact that Etem played alongside Beau Bennett back in California when the two suited up for the Los Angeles Jr. Kings. The wingers were drafted together in the first round back in 2010 and a reunion could potentially give new life to both of their NHL careers.

Like Connolly, Etem possesses a notable mix of size (6’1″, 210 lbs) and offensive skill, which could make him a great addition to the Pens’ bottom-six.

He clocks in at a cap hit of just $870,000, meaning finances wouldn’t be much of an issue.

While the Ducks may be in no rush to move Etem, it is clear that they have little use for him at the moment, and with their core group on the cusp of their 30’s, they could move the young forward if doing so would bring them closer to landing another championship for Ryan Getzlaf and co.

Like Tampa, the Ducks are in need of some defensive replacements as Sheldon Souray and Hampus Lindholm are both on the shelf. Defensive prospects would seemingly be of little use to Anaheim in terms of immediate help, but the inclusion of a player like Paul Martin could draw the  Ducks’ interest.