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Penguins GM Dubas Faces Trade Deadline Decisions
16 Feb
Summary
- Penguins are buyers at the March 6 NHL trade deadline.
- GM Kyle Dubas will be key in any potential player movement.
- Several players are considered untouchable due to no-movement clauses.
The Pittsburgh Penguins are emerging as a surprising candidate to be active buyers at the March 6 NHL trade deadline. General Manager Kyle Dubas is expected to be at the center of any player transactions.
Several Penguins players hold no-movement clauses, significantly limiting potential trades. Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang are among those whose status is essentially untouchable due to these clauses. Letang's recent improved performance after a broken foot highlights his value, despite past difficulties in moving him.
Young talents like 18-year-old center Murashov and potential future NHLers Horcoff and Zonnon are considered off-limits by Dubas, who prefers cost-effective team building. Other players such as Rust, Novak, Rakell, and Skinner are viewed as crucial to the team's current or future success, making their departure unlikely.
Players like Mantha, due to his contract situation, might be considered for a "hockey trade" if the Penguins aim to acquire significant star power. Defensemen like Wotherspoon and Kulak are seen as valuable finds and unlikely to be traded unless an exceptional offer is made. Goaltenders Murashov and Šilovs are also considered vital to the team's playoff aspirations and future plans.
