NHL insider reveals clear path for major Penguins-Senators blockbuster deal
Photo credit: Edit from PensBurgh
NHL insider Alex Adams believes that there is a clear path to the Penguins and Senators swinging a blockbuster deal, but Pittsburgh's hot start has delayed it.
According to Sportsnet insider Alex Adams, there's a realistic path for the Ottawa Senators and Pittsburgh Penguins to become trade partners if circumstances align later this season.
Ottawa remains intent on adding another scoring winger and a right-shot defenseman.
The Senators don't have enough prospects to give up, so a roster player for roster player trade seems most likely
With no first-round pick and a relatively thin prospect pool at the moment behind Carter Yakemchuk and Logan Hensler, it appears that a roster-for-roster deal is the most practical avenue.
Adams adds that the Senators want immediate help up front and on the blue line, while Pittsburgh's strong start may delay any discussions until closer to midseason.
"The Senators want immediate help in the top six and on the right side of the blue line. The Penguins' strong start could pause talks now, but if Pittsburgh levels off or targets cap flexibility, both sides could explore a player-for-player deal that helps Ottawa now without costing futures."
- Alex Adams
- Alex Adams
The Penguins could look to free up cap space or retool their depth, and a "hockey trade", one that helps both teams without moving long-term assets, might be explored by both sides.
With limited trade chips on the table from Ottawa, it's likely that the Penguins will target NHL-ready players as opposed to pick-heavy packages. Adams referenced those like Fabian Zetterlund, Nick Jensen, and Dylan Cozens as examples.
The $4.275 million cap hit-carrying Zetterlund has not seemed to find consistency in a bottom-line role and may be due for a different environment. Jensen, a stalwart veteran, could be a bridge on the back end if Yakemchuk proves NHL-ready.
Cozens, however, would represent a much bigger swing and would require considerable assets in return.
If Pittsburgh's season trajectory changes or its priorities shift, then the Penguins' depth and Ottawa's immediate needs could find a point of intersection, setting up one of the more intriguing trade possibilities of the year.
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