Pittsburgh Hockey Insider has no direct affiliation to the Pittsburgh Penguins, NHL or NHLPA
Penguins could steal a cap-friendly scorer from the hated Flyers
Photo credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Bobby Brink trade chatter just hit the Philadelphia Flyers, and the Pittsburgh Penguins should smell blood in the Metro.
On Wednesday, reporter Anthony Di Marco said he’s sensing Brink could be a winger "to walk the plank" as Philly makes room for more prospects.
That’s not a "Brink can’t play" message. That’s a roster math message.
Brink is 24, a 2019 second-round pick, 34th overall, drafted by the Flyers.
He’s sitting at 13-10-23 in 48 games this season, and Di Marco even notes he’s pacing another 40-point year.
The contract is the part that should make Pittsburgh lean in, $1.5 million cap hit and he’s an RFA when the 2025-26 season ends.
Re Flyers: "I have gotten the sense that Bobby Brink may be (one of) the wingers to walk the plank to clear space for the incoming influx of prospect wingers over the coming years."
- Anthony Di Marco
- Anthony Di Marco
The Penguins are 28-15-11 and clearly in the mix, but they still need affordable skill that can slide up the lineup when injuries hit.
Brink’s game screams "middle-six driver," quick touches, pace off the wall, and enough finishing to punish loose coverage.
He also doesn’t need the puck glued to his stick to help, which matters on a roster that already runs through elite centers.
Bobby Brink fits the Pittsburgh Penguins’ need
Penguins fans hate the idea of helping the Flyers, but stealing a useful piece from a rival is the kind of petty that wins winters.
Philadelphia is 24-20-10, and if they decide Brink is the cleanest cap and lineup lever, that’s Pittsburgh’s opening.
You’re not paying for a superstar. You’re paying for cost-controlled scoring and a player who’s still climbing.
The "rival tax" is real, so Pittsburgh likely has to lead with a pick plus a prospect, not a spare part.
And yes, the Pens have already handled the Flyers this season, including a 5-1 win on December 1, which only adds spice to the idea.
If Brink really is on the plank, Kyle Dubas should be the first one shaking the boat.
Also read on HockeyUnplugged :
Arturs Silovs calls out NHL after controversial Claude Giroux winner
Arturs Silovs calls out NHL after controversial Claude Giroux winner
| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 3|96 ANSWERS Penguins could steal a cap-friendly scorer from the hated Flyers Should the Pittsburgh Penguins try to trade for Bobby Brink? | ||
| Yes | 42 | 43.8 % |
| No | 54 | 56.3 % |
| List of polls | ||