According to the latest NHL trade rumors, Kris Letang of the Pittsburgh Penguins expects to be traded.
The Pittsburgh Penguins had a disappointing end to their season this year after losing to the Montreal Canadiens in the play-in round. Technically, they didn’t even make the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Changes are going to happen in Pittsburgh and if you believe the latest NHL trade rumors, star defenseman Kris Letang could be on his way out.
Letang has two years left on his contract with a $7.25 million cap hit. He has a no-movement clause, which means he can’t be exposed in the Seattle expansion draft or be sent to the minors without his consent. Furthermore, Letang has a modified no-trade clause which allows him to submit an 18-team no-trade list.
Letang might have to use that no-trade clause wisely if he wants to say in Pittsburgh. This report comes from Rob Rossi of The Athletic.
"In the days following the Penguins’ loss in the Stanley Cup playoffs qualifying round last month, shortly after sharing with team officials his desire to retire a Penguin, Letang told several teammates he expected to be traded this offseason."
It’s worth noting the Pittsburgh Penguins likely won’t spend to the cap ceiling next season, as the pandemic has understandably done a number on their finances. This is also true for many teams. But apparently, the Penguins have been hit especially hard.
This is going to be an offseason of changes for the Penguins. They’ve already moved out their first-round pick in exchange for Kasperi Kapanen of the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Penguins are almost indefinitely trading either Matt Murray or Tristan Jarry, most likely the former.
Now, the team is already going out of their way to try to help Letang get back to his elite years as a defenseman. Some of his best work came while Todd Reirden was an assistant coach. As soon as the Washington Capitals fired him, the Penguins expressed interest in him and quickly hired him.
If the Penguins are going to trade Letang, it’s going to have to involve a significant return. Otherwise, trading him makes absolutely no sense. Let’s take a look at three teams who should be calling the Penguins if Letang is actually on the trade block.