The Pittsburgh Penguins traded centerman Lars Eller back to the Washington Capitals on Tuesday. The Pens received a 2027 third-round pick and a 2025 fifth-rounder. The 35-year old played for Washington for seven years, winning a cup there in 2018. I'll be analyzing the trade, including what it means for both teams.
For the Penguins, this trade makes sense. Looking at where the team is headed right now, trading an aging veteran for a few picks and letting some younger players step up into his role isn't a horrible idea. I also wouldn't say this is Pittsburgh punting on the season, as Eller wasn't exactly a showstopper. Eller has seven points in 17 games, which isn't atrocious, but it's not game breaking either. Eller was also in the last year of his contract, so trading him makes sense as he would either retire after this season or leave for greener pastures. Getting two draft picks isn't bad at all, I would say the Penguins did pretty good here.