March 7th at 3pm EST will mark the deadline for NHL teams to process trades. The Penguins will undoubtedly have players on the move, but, as with every deadline, some will remain in black and gold.
Today we ask the the critical question Slash did in 1981: "Should I Stay or Should I Go?"
A reminder that these are merely personal speculation. The spice of life rests in the unknown. Let's see where the whims take us.
Glass has had streaks of high-flying production as well as some dry spurts. He's only 25, but he's at the end of his contract. This one could go either way.
Prediction: Glass is traded to the Blue Jackets
Lizotte still has another year on his contract and has displayed the most energy among the "energy guys" the Penguins have had this season. He reminds me a lot of Teddy Blueger, whom the Penguins traded to the Golden Knights a few years ago.
That trade upset me, personally, and a Lizotte trade would upset me in a similar way. It won't wreck my world, but I would feel a Teddy-sized hole in my heart.
Prediction: Lizotte stays a Penguin
Beauvillier has proven to be productive when placed on a line with guys like Sidney Crosby. Anybody would, but Beau has shown a finishing touch to benefit from a good passer like Sid.
His value along with his cheap contract makes him a prime trade piece. He'll be gone in a day or two.
Prediction: Beauvillier is traded to the Kings
Heinen was reacquired by the Penguins in the Marcus Pettersson/Drew O'Connor trade with the Canucks just a few weeks ago. There's a strong possibility he could be flipped right back for a draft pick.
He still has another year on his contract and could be a buy-low option for a middling team that might have visions of grandeur for making the playoffs as a Wild Card sleeper.
Prediction: Heinen is traded to the Ducks
While 31, Rakell would be an investment for any potential suitor with his $5M cap hit for another three seasons. He's found himself again this season after a rough 2023-24, but as we enter March, he's been fairly quiet.
He's not top-10 in the NHL in goals any longer, and teams might not want to commit to him into his mid-30's. This one is delicate. The return could be great, but the Penguins could opt to keep him for now and trade him in the offseason.
Prediction: Rakell stays a Penguin (for now)
The wily veteran is being funded by the Philadelphia Flyers for the most part, so potential suitors would only have about a $3.5M commitment through the rest of this year and next.
Hayes has been seeing power play minutes recently, but I don't believe teams will see that side of him in the market. A bottom-feeder team could make a move for him, but it might behoove the Penguins to keep him.
Prediction: Hayes is traded to the Utah Hockey Club
Grzelcyk has displayed the ability to be a power play quarterback and produce at a respectable pace. His defense is passable, and he's a prime trade candidate for a playoff-caliber team with a struggling power play.
Matt Rempe's hit caused a scare, but Grzelcyk should be good to go for the rest of the season. Don't expect him in black and gold much longer.
Prediction: Grzelcyk is traded to the Wild
Alright, here's the big boy. A massive cap hit for two more seasons, but looks to be turning back the clock to the Norris Trophy Erik Karlsson. He might warrant a big return, but there's a strong possibility the Penguins retain a lot of contract.
However, if they can get a 3rd party like Chicago to take on some of the money, the Penguins could make out like a bandit with the return.
Prediction: Karlsson stays a Penguin
Maybe not a name you expected to see on a list like this, but it's worth mentioning. Nedeljkovic could be a security blanket to a team desperate for goaltending down the stretch.
He's shown hot flashes, and as we saw recently, his fire and vigor could be attractive to a playoff team. I've got a weird feeling that if the Penguins struggle in their three games before the deadline, Ned might be on the move.
Prediction: Nedeljkovic is traded to the Devils
Cry me a river, Biz.
Prediction: Crosby stays a Penguin FOREVER
Who do you think moves on and who do you think stays? Is it feasible for the Penguins to trade extracurricular pieces and keep big names like Rakell and Karlsson with the cap increasing next season?
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