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Pittsburgh Penguins: Are We Buyers or Sellers at the Deadline?

By Matthew Rodrigopulle

SAN JOSE, CA - JANUARY 20: Pittsburgh Penguins timeout as the game winds down during the third period of the regular season game between the San Jose Sharks and the Pittsburgh Penguins held January 20, 2018 at the SAP Center in San Jose, CA. (Photo by Allan Hamilton/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
SAN JOSE, CA - JANUARY 20: Pittsburgh Penguins timeout as the game winds down during the third period of the regular season game between the San Jose Sharks and the Pittsburgh Penguins held January 20, 2018 at the SAP Center in San Jose, CA. (Photo by Allan Hamilton/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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The NHL Trade Deadline is still about a month away but that time will pass quickly for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The Pittsburgh Penguins are moving along through this season and we’re finding it difficult to keep our hot streaks going. We’re fighting for a playoff spot right now and it leaves you wondering–what position will we be in for the deadline?

Are we buyers or are we sellers? Are we gearing up for another cup run or are we going to try and regroup and get em next year?

I think we can see a bit of both, but I truly believe we’re buyers this deadline.

We’re Still Cup Contenders

We had a rocky start this season and things aren’t looking as good as they have been in recent seasons. But let’s keep our heads up and realize the facts, we have an incredible team with a lot of talent here. We have superstars in Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Phil Kessel. They have been hot this season and are able to lead our team far in the playoffs.

Pittsburgh Penguins
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Pittsburgh Penguins

Also, although Kris Letang and Matt Murray have been having slow years, we know the superstar potential they both have and have shown in the playoffs. Add in our key support players like Conor Sheary, Jake Guentzel and Justin Schultz and you have the making of another Cup winning team.

We are a strong, well-built team despite our regular season struggles, but I still have good faith that we can excel in the playoffs. That’s where it matters. I don’t think we should mess that up by giving up early and selling.

We Need to Improve at the Deadline

I definitely still think we have a solid shot at a good playoff run this year. Although we have a lot of great pieces, we can still make some improvements at the deadline.

Some players need to go, like Matt Hunwick who should be replaced by another defenceman who we can hopefully acquire through a trade.

We should also be looking to acquire a third-line centre once and for all. If we want to improve we should try and acquire one sooner than later.

We are in a good position for the playoffs but if we fill the holes we have by the deadline we’ll be in a great position. This is why I believe we should be buyers heading into this year’s trade deadline.

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