Pittsburgh Penguins should trade for Matt Duchene
The Pittsburgh Penguins need a third line center. Matt Duchene is the right choice.
The Pittsburgh Penguins go into the 2017 NHL offseason as back to back Stanley Cup champions. They’ve overcome a lot to win the past two titles, including a long-term injury to star defenseman Kris Letang. Pittsburgh will also have to replace Nick Bonino this offseason. While he has done some wonderful things for the Penguins, he’ll likely get overpaid in free agency. There’s a perfect, flawless replacement option for Bonino who they nearly acquired back in February – Matt Duchene of the Colorado Avalanche.
There is, however, the issue of acquiring him. In life, you need to give something to get something. This rings especially true in the NHL. The Avalanche will likely want a top four defenseman, a top prospect and at least a second round pick for their star center.
Pittsburgh can easily match this if that’s what they’re asking for. Olli Maatta is solid enough to be a noticeable upgrade to Colorado’s blue line. Sure, his seven points in 55 games in 2016-17 is concerning. His puck possession stats over the past two seasons are a tremendous red flag. But Maatta’s a year removed from putting up 19 points in 67 games.
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His game could translate well in Colorado. They need some stabilizing defenseman and that’s something Maatta can bring to the table. Especially if his speed and agility gets back to its 2014-15 form, when Maatta looked dominant at times. It’s hard to remember, but he’ll only be 23 this year. Maatta still has room to grow.
Daniel Sprong is likely going to be the prospect the Avalanche ask for. And why not? Shoot for the moon, at worst, you’ll hit the stars. Sprong, as talented as he is, should be traded for Duchene. The latter helps the Penguins solve an immediate need. And with Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and a hopefully healthy Kris Letang, the future is now for Pittsburgh. Meanwhile, the former helps them solve a future need, but not a present one.
As the Penguins proved at the 2017 NHL Draft, draft picks are precisely what they are – lottery tickets. Far from a sure thing. If Pittsburgh isn’t reluctant to give up a first round pick to get Ryan Reaves, there’s no reason for them to balk at giving up a second or even first round pick for Duchene.
In a third line center role, the Avalanche center would flourish. He’d face inferior competition and steamroll over it. The best thing about Duchene is he’s versatile. With Pittsburgh’s eternal injury curse, players are in and out of the lineup every night. If the Penguins need another top six wing, Duchene has experience playing with Crosby and his fast, skilled game complements Malkin.
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The odds are against the Penguins winning three straight Stanley Cups. But trading for Duchene puts them in an excellent position to do it.