The longtime Boston Bruin is having a career year in his first season with the Penguins. Matt Grzelcyk has already eclipsed career high numbers in assists (27) and points (28) and has been an integral part to a successful power play unit in Pittsburgh.
With the addition of defenseman Vladislav Kolyachonok, things are pointing to Grzelcyk being on the trade block with his expiring contract and good play.
If Marcus Pettersson was able to draw in a first round pick from the Vancouver Canucks, it's reasonable to project Grzelcyk to warrant a valuable return as well.
Let's look at some landing spots and potential returns for the 31 year-old blue-liner.
The Wild are currently in the worst cap situation at this year's deadline, but the Penguins could be of service to them by giving them a quarterback for their power-play as well as opening up some cap space.
Grzelcyk will be a $2.75M cap hit, and it will be offset by the Penguins taking on Marcus Johansson's $2M expiring contract for the rest of the season.
On top, the Penguins get a solid defenseman prospect David Spacek, who has hovered around Minnesota's top 10 prospect. The Wild have recently been ranked 2nd in NHL prospect pool, so maybe the Penguins could demand more than just Spacek, but the concept is still there.
How about we involve the Blackhawks in another Hurricanes trade, but this time they actually benefit a little bit.
Carolina's power play has been struggling mightily since 2025 began. They've scored as many short-handed goals as they have power play goals. Grzelcyk has been a key part of power play success with his 10 PPA this season.
If the Hurricanes want to make noise in the playoffs, they need someone with Grzelcyk's profile. In return the Penguins would receive 21 year-old Jackson Blake, who has been a productive fourth-line goal scorer this season as well as a 3rd round pick from the Blackhawks.
Chicago would receive Sean Walker's contract from Carolina, as well as giving the Blackhawks a defensive defenseman. Pittsburgh throwing in Valtteri Puustinen is a move to make the deal happen. He's 25 and never seen enough success at the NHL level, but could get a chance with Chicago.
With the return of Drew Doughty, the Kings are handcuffed with their young 22 year-old defenseman, Brandt Clarke. He's got 21 assists this season as a blue-liner at the NHL level, and his projections are comparable to Grzelcyk.
Clarke is waivers exempt, meaning that if the Kings would want to move him, they'd have to trade him. He's already come up in trade conversations. This is the move to make for Kyle Dubas.
He's a former 8th overall pick and he's enjoyed success at the NHL level. And he literally turned 22 just three days ago. This would be a grand slam move and the Kings with their bottom tier power play could really use Grzelcyk in the mix.
Where do you think Matt Grzelcyk should land, and do you think the Penguins could get more than what was mentioned for him? Let us known on Facebook or Twitter/X!