NHL Insider Reveals When Penguins GM Kyle Dubas Could Make His Next Trade
Photo credit: DK Pittsburgh Sports
NHL insider Matt Vensel revealed there is historical data as to when teams typically engage in their first trades, which is around early to mid-November.
NHL insider Matt Vensel recently explored when teams generally begin making in-season trades, and what that might mean for the GM Kyle Dubas of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
One fan wondered when trade activity generally peaks, observing that the Penguins eventually will need to create space for prospects and can only retain so many veterans in the AHL.
Vensel looked at data from CapWages.com to discover some trends. Historically, it is only minor roster adjustments that occur in the first week or two of October.
Trade action doesn't heat up until early to mid-November as clubs that are struggling attempt to find a spark or address injury issues.
There are on average 5 trades in the month of November
Since 2015-16, NHL clubs have averaged around three trades in October, five in November, and slightly less than five in December, though the busiest month tends to be November.
"Trade activity picks up in early or mid-November, once GMs of underperforming teams start getting antsy or major injuries occur.
Since 2015-16, there were actually more trades in November than in December."
- Matt Vensel
Since 2015-16, there were actually more trades in November than in December."
- Matt Vensel
While most early trades are small, there are some notable exceptions. In 2021, Jack Eichel was traded from Buffalo to Vegas on Nov. 4, and Taylor Hall, in December of 2019, moved from New Jersey to Arizona.
Even high-end prospects such as David Jiricek have been dealt before the calendar turned to December.
The Penguins themselves have a precedent for moving early. Former GM Jim Rutherford started that train of thought, and current General Manager Kyle Dubas has continued.
Last autumn alone, Dubas made a number of moves between mid-November and December, adding Philip Tomasino and Pierre-Olivier Joseph to the fold.
While Pittsburgh got off to a good start, they are approaching a roster pinch-point, particularly after the return of Kevin Hayes. Vensel thinks Dubas might turn to make yet another trade in a matter of weeks.
"Yes, the Penguins are very much in play to make a move here over these next few weeks. However, I don't anticipate Dubas doing something major any time soon."
- Matt Vensel
- Matt Vensel
With Dubas' aggressive track record and the Penguins' increasing depth, precedent would make it not altogether surprising if yet another early-season deal strikes in Pittsburgh by the end of November.
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