Recently, I published an article arguing that the Penguins should try and move up to the 4th overall pick with Utah in order to draft one of the drafts top forward prospects. However, if that move does not come to fruition (it probably will not, there is a reason I am sitting behind a screen and Kyle Dubas is managing the Penguins), there is one other move I would love to see the Penguins make.
Nick Schmaltz
Utah is one of the youngest teams in the league with talents like Clayton Keller, Lawson Crouse, Logan Cooley, and Dylan Guenther. They also have other young forward prospects such as Tij Iginla, Cole Beaudoin on the way, and since they are already signed to their ELCs, the big club would like for them to get a legitimate chance.
In order to make way for the previously mentioned prospects and also give Josh Doan more playing time, there will be an odd man out, that will be Nick Schmaltz. Since signing a massive deal in 2019, his production has plateaued, and he is in the last year of his deal. Also, at 29 years old, he is somewhat disconnected from Utah's young core. This may make him expendable.
The trade
Utah has signaled that they want to make a big swing this offseason. I think they will offer Mitch Marner a massive deal or Nick Ehlers for their big swing. If they do make a big acquisition, Schmaltz will be the odd man out.
This is where the Penguins can swoop in, they can acquire Schmaltz and give him a moderate extension. Playing with Sid and Malkin can rejuvenate him. He is also only 29 and he still has some quality play left in him.