Pittsburgh Penguins: 5 Possible Offseason Trade Targets

Feb 24, 2015; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Edmonton Oilers forward

(67) shoots during the third period against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. The Oilers defeated the Wild 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Benoit Pouliot – Edmonton Oilers

The Edmonton Oilers are in dire need of defensemen. The Pittsburgh Penguins have a crop of young blue-liners that could help. I can’t say that I’m completely sold on Benoit Pouliot, as he has been inconsistent and carries a pretty hefty contract, but a 28-year old with his potential is hard to overlook.

Pouliot has a large frame at 6’3 and roughly 200 lbs., but he could be more aggressive as he doesn’t necessarily use that size to his advantage. However, he’s very shifty and quick for his size, and as his profile on The Hockey News states, “oozes talent”.

He’s the type of player that can play the East-West style that Evgeni Malkin plays so well and has the potential to explode if given the chance to play alongside an elite center like Geno. His cap hit is manageable considering that Scuderi will likely be bought out and you’d be moving a roster piece in the deal.

Also, it would be pretty fun to hear Mike Lange calling goals by Benoit Pouliot assisted by Derrick Pouliot.