Pittsburgh Penguins: Trades Need to Happen Despite Success

The Pittsburgh Penguins have been soaring through the standings lately.

After a huge victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Sunday night, the Pittsburgh Penguins found themselves first in the Metropolitan Division, right where they belong.

This has taken a huge load off our backs. After a rough start to the season, many wondered if the Penguins could find themselves back at the top of the standings, going for that three-peat. Well, despite the doubts, we were finally able to do it.

But this accomplishment doesn’t mean we can just sit back and relax. I see a lot of people saying that this means we can just cruise through the trade deadline as if our team will simply stay this consistent right through the playoffs. I wish this was the case, but it doesn’t work like that.

Pittsburgh Penguins

With the trade deadline coming up soon, we still have to hit the brakes and evaluate this team. Despite our recent success, I think there is definitely some improvement that needs to be made in terms of trading.

Matt Hunwick Needs to Go

First off the list is Matt Hunwick.

He needs to go. We need an improvement quick. I’ve said this since we picked him up in free agency, but based on his time in Toronto, he is not the most effective defenceman and we need better heading into these playoffs.

Whether the Penguins roll with him or not is up to Jim Rutherford, but I strongly believe he needs to be flipped for something better.

We’d Still Be Better With A Third-Line Centre Upgrade

Rutherford has toyed with the idea that the Penguins may pick up a forward that’s not a third-line centre. And to that I have to say, get your priorities straight. I like Riley Sheahan. I really do. But I really think we need an upgrade for that third-line centre position. These are the playoffs we’re dealing with. A winger can help our team, but I really think we need a third-line centre ASAP.