3 trade deadline acquisitions that would make the Penguins contenders
The Pittsburgh Penguins have the NHL’s longest active streak of playoff appearances on the line in 2023, and they’re going to need some help to contend once again.
Things are looking up for the Pens, as they have won three straight games following an embarrassing stretch of contests that had fans questioning the direction of this club at the upcoming trade deadline.
Of course, Pittsburgh’s years in the spotlight are numbered, and with that expiration date in the not-so-distant future, the team should go all-in again to try to win with Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang while they still can. Here are three players that could help them do that
Three players the Penguins could add to help spark another Cup run.
Nick Bjugstad, Arizona Coyotes
Nick Bjugstad is only 30 years of age, and while injuries have plagued his career, especially during his first stint with the Penguins, he is a useful, inexpensive option in the bottom six, which is exactly where the Pens need an upgrade.
Pittsburgh’s third line has been abysmal more often than not this season. Bjugstad could jump into the third-line center role and also give the Penguins another option on the power play, an area in which they’d like to improve.
Max Domi, Chicago Blackhawks
Max Domi fills a similar role, as he could step in on the third line and bring a much-needed offensive spark. He is having one of his best offensive seasons, so unlike Bjugstad, who would simply be a fresh face in the bottom six, Domi could inject life into Pittsburgh’s secondary scoring.
With 49 points on the season and 18 points on the power play, Domi could give the Penguins their most dynamic third-line center option since the days of Jordan Staal.
Cam Talbot, Ottawa Senators
Tristan Jarry is injury-prone, and Casey DeSmith is bad, so bringing Cam Talbot to the ‘Burgh could help sure up a shaky position for the Pens. The 35-year-old has only appeared in 30 games for the Ottawa Senators this season, but his numbers are respectable.
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Pittsburgh shouldn’t be looking to replace Jarry, who was an All-Star in 2020 and 2022, but it needs to have a steady backup plan at goaltender, as that is such a key position for any team with dreams of taking a run at the Stanley Cup.