NHL Trade Deadline 2015: Top 5 Players the Penguins Should Target
Jan 3, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins left wing David Perron (39) against the Montreal Canadiens during the first period at the Consol Energy Center. Canadiens defeated the Penguins 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O
The 2015 NHL trade deadline is nearly here (Mar. 2nd, 3 p.m. ET) and with the Pittsburgh Penguins looking somewhat unstable lately – they’ve lost six of their last ten and have been shut out three times in that span – the team could certainly use some help in the form of a deadline pickup.
Penguins’ General Manager Jim Rutherford has already pulled off some significant trades in his first season in Pittsburgh, and is reportedly not done dealing. The new front-office boss’ moves thus far have certainly turned out well as forwards David Perron and Patric Hornqvist have both looked excellent for the black and gold.
The Pens’ may be a strong squad, but their needs are still plenty.
With the pending return of Blake Comeau and Beau Bennett, the team’s top-six seems set. But the bottom-six could certainly use an upgrade, as could the defensive corps, which is still feeling the effects of Olli Maatta‘s absence.
That being said, let’s take a look at the Pens’ top 5 trade deadline options:
5. Brett Connolly
Nov 26, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning right wing
Brett Connolly(14) skates with the puck as New York Rangers defenseman
Dan Boyle(22) defends during the second period at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
One intriguing option for the Pens is young Tampa Bay Lightning winger Brett Connolly.
Picked 6th overall in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, Connolly hasn’t quite meshed with the Lightning thus far, but has the potential to develop into an elite talent once he figures out his game at the NHL level.
His untapped skill is clear – evidenced by the 46 goals and 73 points he put up in only 59 games in his last year of juniors.
Connolly’s size (6’2″, 181 lbs) and eagerness to prove he belongs in the big leagues could make him a great addition to Pittsburgh’s bottom-six – and practicing with the likes of Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin every day could do wonders in terms of bringing out his offensive game.
His friendly cap hit of $850,500 would be a welcome addition as well.
The Lightning have reportedly been considering moving Connolly – who’s posted only 10 goals and 3 assists through 42 games this season – as he simply hasn’t been a good fit in the Bolts’ system.
With defensemen Matt Carle and Radko Gudas both sidelined with injury, and the Lightning preparing for a deep postseason run, there is a good chance the team could deal for some help on the blue line.
Tampa is certainly not so starved for offense that they would miss Connolly. Their top two lines have been on fire this season – featuring stars Steven Stamkos, Tyler Johnson, and Ryan Callahan – and they have the promising Jonathan Drouin coming up as well.
If they are willing to move the young winger, Pittsburgh seems like a likely destination, as the Pens have a fair amount to offer when it comes to defensive help.
While Connolly was a high draft pick and still has loads of potential, it wouldn’t cost an arm and a leg to get him as he’s posted only 30 points in 126 NHL games thus far.
If the Pens were willing to gamble on him, they’d have young defensive prospects like Scott Harrington and Brian Dumoulin to choose from as a return, as well as more established defenders like Robert Bortuzzo, Rob Scuderi, and Paul Martin.
4. Emerson Etem
Apr 23, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Anaheim Ducks right wing
Emerson Etem(65) prepares to take the place of Anaheim Ducks right wing
Teemu Selanne(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.
3. Jiri Tlusty
Dec 2, 2014; Raleigh, NC, USA; Carolina Hurricanes forward
Jiri Tlusty(19) skates against the Nashville Predators at PNC Arena. The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Nashville Predators 2-1. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
While Jiri Tlusty would be a more expensive option than the previously mentioned forwards (he carries a cap hit of $2.95 million, per Spotrac), the 26-year-old winger could see his game flourish with the Pens, much like the team’s other recent acquisitions.
After putting up 23 goals in the shortened 48-game 2012-13 season, and then 16 goals in 68 games last season (also a 20-goal pace when projected over a full 82 games), Tlusty has tallied 12 goals so far this season.
He’s a skilled forward who could come in and make an impact offensively – one the Pens would surely embrace considering the number of shutout losses they’ve suffered over the last few weeks.
The addition of Tlusty would provide Pittsburgh with even more options in terms of balancing out their offensive. He has the skill and experience to be a reliable top-six forward, meaning he could slot in beside Evgeni Malkin and Patric Hornqvist if Blake Comeau doesn’t look good enough there after he returns from his recent injury.
However, Tlusty could also skate on the Pens’ third line to give the team’s bottom-six a bit more offensive bite, forcing opposing defenses to give the third-line some respect rather than keying in on the top two lines alone as they have been.
Canes General Manager Ron Francis has discussed moving his pending UFA’s (which includes Tlusty) for roster players or draft picks, meaning the team certainly has an eye towards the future at the moment.
If the Pens were willing to part with one of their prized defensive prospects or picks for Tlusty, then Francis would probably bite, but the Pens would be wise to seek him out only if they believed there was a possibility to re-sign him this summer.
GM Jim Rutherford‘s longtime ties to the Hurricanes could also be instrumental in bringing Tlusty to town for a fair price.
2. Andrej Sekera
Jan 8, 2015; Raleigh, NC, USA; Carolina Hurricanes defensemen Andrej Sekera (4) looks on before the game against the Buffalo Sabres at PNC Arena. The Hurricanes defeated the Sabres 5-2. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
Another Cane that could make his way to Pittsburgh is defenseman Andrej Sekera.
The veteran blue-liner is a reliable puck-moving defenseman who can log big minutes, block a ton of shots, and rack up some decent points (he put up 44 last season and has 18 at the moment).
Sekera could prove to be a decent temporary replacement for the injured Olli Maatta and considering he’s a UFA after this season, it wouldn’t cost a great deal to bring him to town.
As with Tlusty, Pens GM Jim Rutherford‘s ties to Carolina could prove valuable in getting a deal done, and in not giving up anything too hefty to land Sekera. A decent pick and a defensive prospect would most likely do the trick.
Sekera has enough skill to not only help stabilize the team’s back end, but to contribute offensively as well. If Christian Ehrhoff remains sidelined with his concussion-like symptoms, Sekera could be a good option to fill in on the second pairing.
If the Pens brass are wary of playing young Derrick Pouliot during the postseason, then adding in Sekera could give them the veteran experience they’re looking for.
Sekera carries an annual salary of $2.75 million, so a move by Pittsburgh would require some additional work in terms of creating cap space.
However, the move could be well worth it as the 28-year-old defenseman is just now entering the prime of his career.
1. Jaromir Jagr
Mar 7, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; New Jersey Devils right wing Jaromir Jagr (68) celebrates his goal in the second period against the Detroit Red Wings at Joe Louis Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Who else?
With the Penguins in need of offense, veteran leadership, and some more size up front, former club legend Jaromir Jagr once again presents himself as a viable trade option.
Despite clocking in at 42 years of age, Jagr still possesses uncanny ability on the ice, which has translated into 11 goals and 29 points this season.
His massive frame (6’3″, 230 lbs) remains a strong attribute, and his vision and offensive awareness have clearly not left him as of yet.
Much has been discussed recently regarding the possibility of a Jagr trade. The veteran winger reportedly wants out of New Jersey so that he can help a contender make an impact in the postseason.
Reports have also surfaced recently indicating that Evgeni Malkin was asked by team brass whether or not he felt Jagr would fit in well with him on the second line – to which Malkin replied yes, he would.
This indicates that if the team was to acquire the winger, he would slot in with Malkin and Patric Hornqvist, moving Blake Comeau down to the third line. Thus, the move could give the latter three Pens lines an upgrade in terms of the ripple effect it would have – effectively balancing out the team’s offensive unit.
The true issue here will be actually getting the trade to happen. Devils’ GM Lou Lamoriello has a history of avoiding deals with Pittsburgh, and he won’t be giving away Jagr for spare change regardless.
While New Jersey isn’t knocking on the door of the Stanley Cup finals by any means, they’re not a basement-dweller either, so Lamoriello is going to want real pieces coming back to New Jersey – something the Pens may not be willing to offer considering Jagr’s time in the league is nearing its end.
The veteran’s $3.5 million cap hit poses a problem too.
If acquired, Jagr could certainly help this team, and it would be quite a sight to see him perhaps retire as a Penguin sometime down the road.
But considering what they’d have to give up to get him, and to make room for him, it seems unlikely that Jagr suits up for the black and gold this season unless GM Jim Rutherford feels his team needs a significant shake-up before they head into the postseason (which wouldn’t be completely out of the question considering their recent play).