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Frank Seravalli says Pittsburgh could be circling a surprise blue-line upgrade


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Daniel Lucente
January 27, 2026  (11:36)
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Calgary Flames defenseman Zach Whitecloud (28) takes the ice during the warmup period against the New Jersey Devils at Scotiabank Saddledome.
Photo credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images

Zach Whitecloud trade talk has Pittsburgh Penguins fans locking onto one thing, fixing the blue line fast before the playoff race turns ugly.

Frank Seravalli says teams have called to register interest, the classic "if you move him, call me" move.
That wording matters, because it's not rumors, it's inventory checks.
And yes, it's completely believable the Penguins are one of those calls.
Whitecloud just landed in Calgary in the Rasmus Andersson deal, and the market already smells an opportunity.
"Teams have called and they've registered their interest to say, if you are in a position where you're moving Zach Whitecloud, keep us in mind, let's talk."

- Frank Seravalli
This season he's played 51 games and he's at 2-6-8, not flashy, but honest minutes.
He's 29, undrafted, and Vegas bet on him anyway, then kept betting when he stuck as a legit NHL right-shot.
That path usually builds a defender coaches trust late in games.
Pittsburgh's biggest need is still predictable defending when the pace spikes.
Whitecloud helps because he wins the first battle, then makes the second play simple.
That's the exact skill that keeps you from living in your own zone for 40 seconds.

Zach Whitecloud gives the Pittsburgh Penguins a calmer third

Pens fans are exhausted by "almost clears" and scramble shifts, so this kind of target feels obvious.
Whitecloud's game travels, hard gaps, blocks, and a steady stick that lets partners get aggressive.
He also carries a $2.75 million cap hit with term through 2027-28, which fits the Penguins better than a pure rental.
If Kyle Dubas wants one more stabilizer behind the top pair, this is the type.
If Calgary sells later, Pittsburgh's pitch is picks plus a controllable piece, not a headline prospect.
Either way, this is the kind of call you make before someone else does.
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Frank Seravalli says Pittsburgh could be circling a surprise blue-line upgrade

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