Pittsburgh Penguins: Top 5 players to target via trade in 2020

The saga between Justin Schultz and the Pittsburgh Penguins has reached its tipping point. If you think that’s intense, just ask a group of Penguins fans what should happen to Schultz. It’s a bit like dropping a stink bomb in a room and walking away. The truth is, Justin Schultz is no longer the defender he once was, but that doesn’t make him invaluable.

As previously mentioned, this post isn’t intended to start rumors, but they’re out there. It is rumored that the Detriot Red Wings are interested, but also a team like the Toronto Maple Leafs should be involved in Schultz’s services and for a good reason. Schultz, however, is too right to just give up for a few draft picks. No, the Pens will need some real compensation back.

Starting with the Red Wings, their defense is atrocious. The need for a solid defender there should be the first order of business. If a defender like Schultz will be a top priority, then the Penguins should look to get Anthony Mantha back in return. Mantha contributed 38 points last season and is projected to be on the Wings top two lines. It’s a long shot, but worth a chance.

Pittsburgh Penguins: Top 5 players to target via trade in 2020

As much as the Penguins probably need to sell him, they just can’t let him go. With that in mind, if the Mantha trade falls through, or isn’t as productive, look elsewhere. That elsewhere is in Toronto. The Leafs have what the Pens need, offense, and loads of it. I think you already know where I’m going with this one, but its time to bring back a Penguin that never really got going.

That player is Kasperi Kapanen, K Kap racked up 36 points before the March layoff and was well on his way to reaching his career-high. He was part of the original trade bait to get Phil Kessel over Pittsburgh, and now he could be the main dish in a trade brining him back to Pittsburgh. Mantha would be our first choice, but if the Pens can’t get that going, bring the Kapanen family home.