Pittsburgh Penguins Trade Ideas

As the Penguins are being remastered for the upcoming season, the broadest way of guessing which players may be acquired during the off-season is a list of mid-level talent to help the chemistry of the 1st and 2nd lines.

Management has made moves to adjust the bottom-six lineup, with a handful of signings, but, working on the top-six forwards list has to be on the checklist for Interim GM Kyle Dubas.

Most importantly, the defense will need certain upgrades, so defenseman Kris Letang will not have to carry most of the load. Not to mention that these upgrades will have to come at a price to secure the next generation's team’s depth and capabilities.

Selecting young and exciting prospects the past two drafts has spruced up the promising future, selecting defenseman Owen Powers this year and centerman Brayden Yager.

So, what’s next? Well… you know the name.

First off, I would strongly pursue defenseman Eric Karlsson. He is the perfect fit to help the defensive core with firepower and great skating ability, along with leadership and guidance to the younger generation. As Karlsson is still fairly young, incredibly polished, and a seasoned vet, it would make sense for the Penguins to acquire him.

Also, pursuing free agent Matt Dumba would secure the defensive line up. Keep his name in mind.

Next on the checklist, I would try to acquire two steady forwards, one on the right wing and one on the left.

Who comes to mind when looking at these needs for the team’s top-six, I would go with right wing Blake Wheeler, who is coming off a fantastic career with the Winnipeg Jets and is a top notch candidate to boost the offense. 

Next, I would go with left wing Anthony Beauvillier. He produced well with the Vancouver Canucks last season, heading into a contract year, because of his excellent skating ability and wonderful scoring prowess.

Ultimately, there is no limit to what interim GM Kyle Dubas could do in order to make the team a lot better.

From personal experience watching him make moves accordingly to the Toronto Maple Leafs needs, his format was to excel at certain areas that needed fixing.

In my opinion, a few moves will be made in the next handful of weeks - but even more will be made around Christmas.

With the possibility of acquiring the players I mentioned above, there is a promising sign to what the team can produce and how they will manage during the regular season, going into the 2024 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs.