PITTSBURGH – With 30 games remaining on the docket for the Pittsburgh Penguins, it’s decision-making time for the team. Sitting seven points out of a playoff spot and no Jake Guentzel until after the trade deadline, things look bleak in Pittsburgh.
Much of the discussion around the Penguins has been about the possibility of them ushering in a rebuild and committing to finding more substantial pieces for next season. According to one player-turned-analyst, he’s not sure just how a rebuild can be in the cards already.
“I just don’t know how you can go from six months ago to making a massive blockbuster trade getting one of the biggest names available,” TSN's Frank Corrado said. “To six months later saying ‘we’re actually going to move on from some of these players.’”
The trade Corrado is discussing was Kyle Dubas’ first big swing in the Penguins front office. Not long into his tenure, Dubas traded for Norris Trophy-winning defenseman Erik Karlsson, not just for help on the blue line but also as a sign that the Penguins are still gunning for championships.
In Karlsson’s first year in Pittsburgh, he’s been a perfectly fine addition. He’s played in all 52 games with seven goals and 31 assists for 38 total points.
Corrado also discussed how the Penguins are also loaded with guys who won’t bring franchise-altering returns in a deal.
“Okay, you’re going to move on from guys,” Corrado said. “Who are you moving on from that changes the landscape of your organization overnight?”
Jake Guentzel is far and away the most prominent name the Penguins could float out to the trade market for a huge haul, but his current injury might give teams pause. Outside of him, the Penguins don’t have many attractive trade pieces.
Rickard Rakell has struggled and has a massive contract that would be tough to move. Reilly Smith has also been brutal this year. Ryan Graves hasn’t worked out and also carried a considerable contract. P.O. Joseph hasn’t seen a ton of ice time, not giving him a great opportunity for teams to see what he’s worth.
“There’s not a lot of names there that would signify you’re bringing in big-time, A-list prospects,” Corrado said.
The Penguins are in a tough spot; on one hand, there is still time to kick things into gear and make an improbable run to the playoffs. On the other and the more likely outcome, they can turn this season in and make more adjustments on the fly this offseason.
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