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Penguins connected to veteran Maple Leafs defenseman as a potential trade deadline target
Tonight the Penguins have been connected to a potential deadline deal with GM Kyle Dubas' former club the Toronto Maple Leafs to shore up their defensive unit.
The Pittsburgh Penguins find themselves in the middle of the Stanley Cup Playoff race as the Christmas break approaches for the NHL.
With the Penguins unexpected surge to begin the season reports have indicated the team has shifted mindsets and now could be buyers at the trade deadline to give Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin one more run at a Stanley Cup.
If the Penguins are going to make upgrades at the deadline they will likely target either depth forwards or a top four defenseman.
The Penguins defensive unit has outperformed expectations but is full of unproven veterans who have mostly been journeymen depth players in their other stops.
As a result, NHL analyst Vivek Kalia has suggested that the Penguins should look to add Brandon Carlo from the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Penguins linked to behemoth defenseman Brandon Carlo from the Toronto Maple Leafs
During a recent piece discussing potential trade targets for the Penguins, Kalia indicated that Carlo could be the perfect addition for Kyle Dubas.
Carlo isn't about scoring; he's a 6-foot-5, right-handed defenseman who's great at defense, killing penalties, and going up against tough opponents. Those skills are very useful in the playoffs, especially for the Penguins, who have had trouble holding onto leads late in games. - Vivek Kalia
As of now, it remains unknown whether Penguins GM Kyle Dubas' prior relationship with the Maple Leafs would help or hinder a potential deal getting done between the two sides.
If the Penguins can land Carlo it would be a clear sign that the organization is all-in on this season and leaving plans for a rebuild for another year.
As the situation continues to play out, we will pass along all of the latest news and notes.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 8 | 78 ANSWERS Penguins connected to veteran Maple Leafs defenseman as a potential trade deadline target Would you like to see the Pittsburgh Penguins trade for Brandon Carlo? | ||
| Yes | 45 | 57.7 % |
| No | 33 | 42.3 % |
| List of polls | ||