Although the Pittsburgh Penguins don't have as much cap space to work with as they did earlier in the offseason, they have some money to play with. At $13.67 million in spending change remaining in their back pocket, the club could look at different cap dumps from around the league to better their team. It's possible they could get players on the cheap since their contracts are inflated.
Using their cap space to their advantage is something Kyle Dubas has routinely done during his tenure as the Penguins general manager.
Thus far, that hasn't been a normal approach for the team this offseason, but that could always change leading up to the season as team's up against the cap could get desperate and swing some deals. There are some interesting trade targets who could be out there.
Pittsburgh Penguins could use remaining cap space for cap dump trade targets this offseason
Jesperi Kotkaniemi, Carolina Hurricanes
Remaining contract: 4 years x $4.82 million AAV
Helping a division rival is frowned upon but doing so after they just won the Stanley Cup is worse. With that said, the Penguins don't appear close to contending anytime soon, so if they can pull of a cap dump trade where they receive assets that benefit them, they should consider it.
Jesperi Kotkaniemi had a terrific start to his career, but after signing his contract extension, things have fallen apart.
It's been three seasons since Kotkaniemi reached his career high 50-point season plateau. He has rapidly regressed, especially since joining the Carolina Hurricanes. At just 22 years old, there could be some level of bounce back to his game, it just depends on how much. Carolina would have to sweeten the pot for Pittsburgh to consider a trade, but it would be a bold gamble by Dubas.
Alex Laferriere, LA Kings
Remaining contract: 2 years x $4.1 million AAV
Perhaps the most enticing trade target could be Alex Laferriere from LA. He's only 24, producing strong numbers and doesn't have a terrible cap hit. This could be the perfect kind of cap dump for the Penguins to go after. A young skater who could have some untapped potential for them to unlock going forward. The Kings only have $1.77 million in cap space and could use some relief.
Although LA is a team in contention to make some noise in the Western playoffs, they only have much money to go around. There isn't any pressing reason to move a cap dump out at the moment, but if they do, Laferriere makes the most sense to send out of town. He would be a solid addition by the Penguins if he becomes available on the market this offseason.
Morgan Rielly
Remaining contract: 4 years x $7.5 million AAV
Something has to give in Toronto as the Maple Leafs sit $2.75 million over the cap ceiling. That means some sort of move will be coming to help get them cap compliant moving forward. It would also be best for their team to have a level of cap space going into the season if they want a massive bounce back campaign.
The Penguins have many connections to the Toronto organization, and they could consider some of their players.
One name who continues to sit on the trade target lists around the NHL is Morgan Rielly. The veteran defenseman has produced a strong career, but he is coming off a down season, and his age continues to tick upwards. Toronto would consider moving Rielly out of town, but they would probably want solid return in any deal. Rielly should bounce back, but because of his age, it would be a gamble.
Elias Pettersson
Remaining contract: 6 years x $11.6 million AAV
There have been rumors floating around regarding the Penguins potential trade interest in Elias Pettersson this offseason. It makes sense on paper to acquire a young center who has shown star potential in the past. The biggest red flag surrounding Pettersson has been his lack of effort and production since getting his massive contract extension.
Landing Pettersson in a deal would be Dubas' biggest gamble yet as the general manager. The hope would be you have the Canucks eat some money, but even after that, the forward would be an expensive asset. In an ideal world, Pettersson would join the Penguins and gain back his high production from a few years back. Otherwise, it could be one of the worst moves in franchise history.
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