Penguins Have Opportunity to Land Young Star From the Lightning Due to Crumbling Relationship

Recently, Pierre LeBrun described the Pittsburgh Penguins as the only true seller in the NHL this off-season, and while that makes perfect sense, there are certain scenarios where they should be buyers in this market.

Now, one of those has been potentially confirmed, as Frank Seravalli had this to say about former Tampa Bay Lightning first-round pick Isaac Howard, who many believe will be traded this summer.

The 21-year old was expected to make the leap to the NHL after his NCAA (and Hobey Baker Award winning) season was over, but when that didn't happen, reports about him being disgruntled with the organization emerged.

Now, that's all been confirmed as Seravalli notes that the relationship is all but over, and with his value going down on the trade market, this could be the time for Pittsburgh to pounce, perhaps sending a veteran out to land the talented young winger.

In 37 games a year ago, Howard posted 26 goals and 52 points for Michigan State, and while he's not a sure thing at the next level, the belief is that at worst, he can be a solid middle-six winger in the NHL.

It's unclear right now what it would cost to land Howard for the Penguins, but given their current situation, it's something that they absolutely need to explore as they look to add more young talent to an ageing roster.