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Penguins expected to keep four key veterans if winning continues this season, per Josh Yohe
Photo credit: The Hockey News
The Penguins are expected to keep Erik Karlsson, Tristan Jarry, Bryan Rust, and Rickard Rakell if the team continues on their winning ways this season.
We are getting to a stage in the NHL season where trade rumors begin to heat up, and Tristan Jarry's name is bound to feature. The goalie for the Penguins won't be in an Edmonton jersey at the moment. Are the Oilers interested? Of course.
Good goaltending is always tough to come by. The Oilers have expressed interest in Jarry, who has recovered well from last season. But when a guy starts trending up, he would be best off wearing your jersey.
What continuing to win does for the Penguins
The Penguins are in an interesting position. Winning changes one's priorities, but Penguins president and GM Kyle Dubas has a focus for down the line.
18-year-old Ben Kindel, forward Will Horcoff, and 21-year-old goalie Sergei Murashov are among others who represent a great future for this team.
Dubas does not see making a trade for anything significant to gain a quick fix. A fourth-round pick swap for a role player would be possible.
As a playoff-bound team, their goal might be to hold onto their veteran players, too. Dubas would like to build a powerhouse for when Sidney Crosby's career is done while competing in the current era.
The management has been pleasantly surprised with their current level of performance and definitely thinks this is no fluke.
If the Penguins continue winning, then Jarry, Bryan Rust, Rickard Rakell, and Erik Karlsson are not likely to be traded this season, according to NHL insider Josh Yohe.
"So, if the Penguins keep winning, I'd be surprised if Jarry, Bryan Rust, Rickard Rakell or Erik Karlsson are traded this season. Those players can always be dealt next summer, especially if they continue to play like they have this season."
- Josh Yohe
- Josh Yohe
Incidentally, trading such players can always be done in the summer season whenever organizations feel the need. Jarry, one who was likely to be let go in a trade, is one of Pittsburgh's most prized assets.
What it would take for Kyle Dubas to trade his veterans
At this stage, none of those players is immovable. However, this return would have to be exceptional. Dubas definitely won't trade away the future of his team.
However, he definitely won't sabotage his chances for a successful postseason campaign either.
Players such as Kindel, McGroarty, and Ville Koivunen would benefit much more from a postseason campaign with veterans than from accumulating more draft selections.
Previously on HockeyUnplugged
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 8 | 65 ANSWERS Penguins expected to keep four key veterans if winning continues this season, per Josh Yohe Should the Penguins keep these four players if they continue their winning ways? | ||
| Yes | 59 | 90.8 % |
| No | 6 | 9.2 % |
| List of polls | ||