Charles LeClaire-Imagn images
Things are going from bad to worse for the Pittsburgh Penguins.
They have slid to the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings and enter this week with two wins in their last ten games and 18 points in 23 games. Even Sidney Crosby reaching his 600th career goal couldn’t distract his followers from their poor performance.
Penguins GM Kyle Dubas made a major move two weeks ago, trading center Lars Eller to the Washington Capitals. On Monday he acquired young right winger Philip Tomasino from the Nashville Predators.
Related: Amid slow start, Penguins acquire Philip Tomasino from Predators
The club’s ongoing woes continue to fuel speculation of yet more changes.
Marcus Pettersson is considered a likely trade candidate as he becomes eligible for UFA status next summer. Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli has the 28-year-old defenseman at the top of his recent list of NHL trade targets, while The Athletic’s Chris Johnston has him at No. 2 on his recent NHL trade council.
Pettersson isn’t the only Penguins pending UFA who could be shopped before the March 7 trade deadline. Forwards Anthony Beauvillier, Drew O’Connor, Jesse Puljujarvi and Matt Nieto fall into that category.
Related: Pittsburgh Penguins Captain Sidney Crosby pursues Mario Lemieux
Last Thursday, TSN’s Darren Dreger noted that the Penguins were heavily exploring the Montreal Canadiens, suggesting they could become trade partners. He speculated that the Canadiens would sign a player on an expiring contract with a sweetener attached if the Penguins were interested in a young player who no longer fits the Habs’ long-term needs.
Dan Kingerski of Pittsburgh Hockey Now cited Dreger’s report linking the Penguins to the Canadiens. He suggested that young Habs, such as defensemen Justin Barron and Jayden Struble and center Kirby Dach, could be attractive to the Pens.
Kingerski believes it is time for Dubas to make another trade or coaching change. Athletic’s Josh Yohe wondered how poorly the Penguins have to play before coach Mike Sullivan gets the axe, but believes Dubas and the club owners would consider this a last resort.
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