Pittsburgh Penguins: Trade Rumors Run Rampant – Possible Targets
By Mike Necciai
The recent defensive struggles by the Pittsburgh Penguins have everyone anticipating a trade. In the eyes of many, the Pens have to address their blue line before the season starts or things can spin out of control quickly.
More from Penguins News
- Penguins Hockey Is Finally Back! Well, sort of…
- Penguins Should have the Best Power Play This Year
- Welcome To The Burgh: Alex Nedeljkovic
- Welcome To The Burgh: Lars Eller
- Penguins Waddle Toward The Season
Before we get into who the Penguins could possibly target to fill their defensive void, lets first consider that this defense hasn’t looked all that bad outside of Sergei Gonchar, Rob Scuderi and Derrick Pouliot. The speedy Detroit Red Wings punished Pittsburgh’s defense this preseason but the keyword there is preseason. Also, the three aforementioned blue liners were major parts of the struggles faced in both contests.
Is there an argument that the Pittsburgh Penguins lack a physical defenseman with solid net-front presence? Absolutely. But, remember that this group also shutdown the Tampa Bay Lightning while boasting their most skilled players in Johnstown just two nights ago.
That being said, if I’m Jim Rutherford, I’m on the phone to find out what’s out there and who’s available. I don’t necessarily agree that a move has to be made immediately but if the right deal exists, why wait?
Will the Pittsburgh Penguins Target Dustin Byfuglien?
According to InsidePittsburghSport.Com, the Penguins will target Byfuglien in order to address their defensive needs. When you think about Byfuglien, he truly fits everything that Pittsburgh needs in their top-four. But, there’s one major issue, the Jets haven’t actually said they’re moving him.
If they do decide to trade the 30-year old defenseman, the Penguins will likely end up in a bidding war for his services. It won’t be easy, as Big Buff will surely attract tons of possible suitors. Do the Pens have the necessary assets to acquire him?
I recently wrote a piece outlining five valuable trade assets that Pittsburgh possesses. While many don’t like the idea of trading names like David Perron, Beau Bennett and Derrick Pouliot, it may be required for this type of deal. And, one of those three may not be enough. Don’t underestimate exactly how much of an impact Byfuglien could have on this team. He isn’t just a big body that plays physical. He’s thrifty with the puck and has a bomb from the blue line.
At this point, I assume the talk of pursuing Byfuglien is merely a rumor that has surfaced from the depths of doubt that encompasses the Pittsburgh Penguins blue line. But, I viewed the thought of Phil Kessel playing in Pittsburgh as a similar story and we all know how that worked out.
Nikita Nikitin Likely More Realistic
The 29-year old Nikitin, who stands 6-foot-4 and roughly 215-pounds would also be quite fitting for the Pens. Nikitin is often viewed as a third-pairing defenseman in Edmonton but as you’ll see below, his rate stats warrant a more prominent role.
He doesn’t offer as much physicality as the aforementioned Byfuglien but really, who does? At least, as far as defenseman that can offer production as well, Big Buff’s a rare talent. Nikitin has a nice combination of size and skill that would greatly benefit the Penguins. Of course, the question remains, who do they give up?
First, one piece of information that has to be considered is that according to the Edmonton Journal, the Oilers are indeed considering a trade involving one of their defensemen. Unfortunately, there hasn’t been mention of what they’re looking for in return. Would the players I previously mentioned work for Edmonton? Sending Perron back to them is obviously unlikely.
The Pens’ defensive landscape is something to watch, as it does warrant action on the part of Jim Rutherford. I don’t think it’s required that they take action immediately but rest assure, the blue line we see now will not be in tact for the entire 2015-16 season.
Next: Penguins Cut Notable Prospects in Most Recent Wave