Penguins May Have New Trade Target as Predators Forward Grows Increasingly Frustrated

While the Pittsburgh Penguins haven't made any big time moves to get younger this off-season, the team have clearly had some targets in mind, with Kyle Dubas reportedly interested in many young talents around the league.

Those included Bowen Byram, Mason McTavish and Marco Rossi among others, and while they're yet to make a move, the interest in young, NHL ready players remains.

Now, the latest target for the Penguins has been revealed, as a report from David Pagnotta has revealed a sizeable gap in contract talks between young winger Luke Evangelista and the Nashville Predators.

The former second-round pick has flashed potential in two full seasons with the Predators, tallying 39 and 32 points over the past two seasons, but to this point, he's failed to take the huge leap the team were searching for.

It's unclear as of right now where the difference is in contract talks, with the team likely looking for a bridge deal while the player may want long-term security, and if they can't come together on a deal, he makes the perfect target for Kyle Dubas.

At 23-years of age, Evangelista has a very bright future in the National Hockey League, and given that Nashville are unclear just how much they should be paying him with the way their future is lined up, if the Penguins want another young winger to develop around Sidney Crosby, than this is a potential trade they'll look to pursue ahead of the 2025/26 season.