Hopes might be high going into the season for the Pittsburgh Penguins, but many should be careful of high expectations. Their core group of franchise icons have gotten a year older, and the club saw a ton of turnover throughout their lineup since last season. They are also dealing with a handful of injuries that will withhold some of their top players from suiting up to begin the campaign.
Signs are starting to sour against the Penguins chances this season, and general manager Kyle Dubas could make some massive deals if the club is not relevant in the standings when the trade deadline arrives on March 1.
If the team gets to the point of selling before the deadline passes, don't be shocked if some notable names hit the rumor mill. This is a franchise altering season ahead.
Any sort of tailspin by the Pittsburgh Penguins this season will lead to massive trades
Sidney Crosby
It will be unlikely for Sidney Crosby to ever get traded by Pittsburgh, let alone in the middle of the season. With all of that being said, if this season goes sideways and Crosby wants a shot at competing for another Stanley Cup, he could request a move out of town. This remains a highly unlikely scenario, but it's not something you can rule out with his expiring contract after the year.
Erik Karlsson
The more losses that pile up against the Penguins, the likelier it is that Erik Karlsson will get dealt before the trade deadline.
He is a prime candidate to get moved if Pittsburgh gets to that point. He is coming off a terrific season, and any sort of repeat of that will make him extremely valuable at that point of the year. Karlsson probably isn't coming back after this season no matter what, so moving him via trade to get some assets back makes the most sense if they're struggling.
Evgeni Malkin
It would be tough to see Evgeni Malkin play in any other uniform than Pittsburgh's, but it's not something you can rule out. He would be much more probable to move this season than Crosby. Malkin doesn't seem against the idea of playing for another team, doesn't cost too much against the cap, is on an expiring contract, and still produces points. It'll come down to if he wants to stay or not.
Samuel Girard
After joining the Penguins last year via trade, it was a shaky start to his career in the Black and Gold. Samuel Girard had a solid preseason and all signs point to him potentially bouncing back this season. It's unlikely that the team will extend him, so if they are struggling, he will be a prime trade candidate. He is the type of defenseman teams could covet, and more importantly, need by the deadline.
Bryan Rust
This wouldn't be the first time Bryan Rust appeared in trade rumors, and those will only heat up if the season becomes a lost cause.
The truth is that Rust and potentially Rickard Rakell might've been traded a while ago if the market was demanding them. Pittsburgh has never gotten their asking price met for Rust, and that's why he remains. That could change this time around as teams get antsy for a playoff push.
Arturs Silovs
It was a rough preseason for Arturs Silovs, and he needs to be careful of not losing his NHL job this year. With all of that being said, he proved his worth last season and should be in store for another big campaign ahead. Silovs is certainly someone the Penguins could deal before the deadline if he plays well enough. It comes down to if Sergei Murashov and Joel Blomqvist can effectively take over.
Rickard Rakell
Much like Bryan Rust, don't be shocked if Rickard Rakell eventually gets traded by the Penguins this season.
He has been inconsistent at times, but his ability to play up and down the lineup and in different spots will only strengthen his value. Pittsburgh might get some quality assets for him in a trade. If the schedule forces the Penguins into a losing record, Rakell and Rust could be the top names to watch.
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