The Pittsburgh Penguins are in a unique position, with General Manager Kyle Dubas signaling a willingness to trade some of their assets and draft picks for impact players in their late 20s. This move comes as a response to the team's current lack of primary contributors in that age bracket, with the core three players (Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang) aging, and young players like Ben Kindel and Rutger McGroarty still developing. Dubas' strategy is to attract players who may be unhappy in their current situations or approaching free agency, leveraging the Penguins' strong coaching staff and young talent to their advantage.
The potential targets include Jason Robertson, Auston Matthews, Jordan Kyrou, Andrei Svechnikov, and Brock Boeser. However, acquiring these players comes with significant costs. For instance, the Colorado Avalanche's trade of Mikko Rantanen for Martin Necas and multiple picks set a high bar. Similarly, the cost of acquiring Jordan Kyrou from St. Louis is reportedly an NHL player, a top prospect, and a first-round pick. The Penguins might have to offer Rickard Rakell, Rutger McGroarty, and a first-round pick for Robertson, but this seems unlikely due to Rakell's age and McGroarty's unknown ceiling.
The Penguins' biggest challenge is the number of other teams with more attractive players and/or prospects, as well as the willingness of those teams to participate in trade auctions. The market's top fish are Matthews and Connor McDavid, but acquiring them would require giving up all of the Penguins' prospects, which is not feasible. Other players like Jason Robertson, Andrei Svechnikov, and Brock Boeser are also mentioned, but their availability and cost vary.
In my opinion, the Penguins' strategy of trading for impact players is a bold move that could significantly impact their future. However, it also carries risks, as the cost of these players is high, and the competition for them is fierce. The team must carefully consider its options and make strategic decisions to ensure a successful rebuild. The Penguins' ability to attract and retain these players will be a crucial factor in their future success, and it will be fascinating to see how Dubas navigates this challenging landscape.
