The Pittsburgh Penguins are one of the biggest surprise teams in the league this season. With elite center Sidney Crosby still producing, the Penguins are in second place in the Metropolitan Division. Their success this season may play a huge part in them being active to add a prime piece during this season's trade deadline
Where the Penguins stand now
Pittsburgh has a record of 25-14-11 and are in a great position this season. They have outscored their opponents 166-150 and are 4-0-1 in their last five games. They continue to be road warriors as they are 14-7-4 on the road but just 11-7-7 at home.
One of the reasons for their success this season is deeper scoring. While they are not an elite offense, they have received more contributions throughout the lineup than they did last season. Forwards Anthony Mantha and Justin Brazzeau have provided that secondary scoring, adding a combined 60 points and both have been a breath of fresh air.
Goaltender Stuart Skinner, acquired from the Edmonton Oilers, has been excellent between the pipes since his arrival. he is 6-4 with a .902 save percentage, a 2.34 goals against average, and is 4-1 in his last five games. Another newcomer is goaltender Arturs Silovs, who has been reliable in the backup spot with a 9-6 record, a ,892 save percentage, and a 3.00 goals against average,
What do the Penguins do at the trade deadline?
As mentioned before, Crosby, Brazzeau, Mantha,along with Bryan Rust, Evgeni Malkin and Erik Karlsson are the main sources of offense this season. However, the point production from the bottom six and bottom four on defense needs an upgrade.
Pittsburgh does have a projected cap space of $26.7 million to add players at the deadline. They also have pieces to move including unrestricted free agents (UFA) Malkin, Noel Acciari, Mantha, Connor Dewar, Connor Clifton, Brett Kulak, Ryan Shea, and Skinner. They could be moved in bigger deals and ones that give Pittsburgh a bigger return. One player in question is Skinner, who has played well between the pipes and may want to re-sign in Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh GM Kyle Dubas may also consider trading prospects Rutger McGroarty, Owen Pickering, and Joel Blomqvist and they may be ones to keey an eye on the closer the deadline gets,
Pittsburgh has a lot of options that could upgrade thier roster without moving too many pieces. They are in a great position, have a great history, and Crosby can attract players. Dubas is not afraid to make moves to strengthen his team, not only add pieces but plan farther down the road for the playoffs. In Dubas's favor is that there are players available who have playoff experience and can contribute offensively. Dubas will not sit still at the trade deadline is his team is in the playoff picture. He is likely to make moves but at what cost and what position will he target?