NHL Analyst Predicts Two Pittsburgh Penguins Likely to be Traded at the Deadline

With the 4 Nations Faceoff now in the books, the hockey world turns its attention to the next major event: the NHL trade deadline, which will be on Friday, March 7.

Fans have had their say in what they believe should take place, but the following is what is most likely to transpire for two particular Penguins players, as reported by NHL analyst Hooks Orpik.

Orpik believes that Anthony Beauvillier is moving to a new team. He was dealt last season for a fifth-round pick after a worse year, so it's fair to believe a contender in need of an inexpensive depth piece will roll the dice on him.

There won't be much of a return, but it's a good deal for the Penguins to cash in and clear a roster spot for a younger AHL forward.

Orpik also believes that Matt Grzelcyk will be traded too. It's a surprise that there's a market for him considering he's struggled this season, but he has been playing out of position in the top four.

To his credit, he's gotten better as the season has gone on, and his assist numbers (27) speak to his puck-moving prowess. Look for a mid-round draft pick in return.

Grzelcyk is likely not a difference-maker for the acquiring team, but defensive depth is always needed this time of year. Pittsburgh's recent waiver pickup of Vladislav Kolyachonok already has the feel of a preemptive strike to replace Grzelcyk.

All things considered, it seems like a pretty quiet deadline is going to be shaping up for Pittsburgh, as their main focus will be on trading expiring contracts for whatever value they can receive and looking toward the future.