Penguins Brassard, Jarry and a defenseman could be on the trade market
TSN: Darren Dreger says that center Derick Brassard hasn’t been a fit for the Pittsburgh Penguins and that he could be in play.
“I know that Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford is at least listening to some of the interest in Brassard. The expectation is that he will get traded, and that the Penguins at least in return need a No. 3 centre back.”
Dan Kingerski of Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Reported back on Monday that the Penguins are likely to trade forward Derick Brassard.
A source said last night that the Dallas Stars have called the Penguins about Brassard.
Two Penguins scout were in Dallas last week watching a game.
If the Penguins were to move Brassard, they would need to acquire a third line center or shift Riley Sheahan back to center.
Dan Kingerski of Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The Winnipeg Jets and Colorado Avalanche had a previous interest in Brassard, but sources aren’t sure if they would still be interested.
The Penguins will soon have nine defensemen when Justin Schultz returns. They could send Juuso Riikola to the AHL without waivers. Chad Ruhwedel would require waivers.
They could look to move a defenseman. Olli Maatta‘s name has come up in the past, but he’s moved into a top-four role.
Carolina Hurricanes Micheal Ferland would be a perfect fit in Pittsburgh but if the asking price is a first-round pick plus, it may be too much for the Penguins.
Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: The Penguins recently signed goaltender Casey DeSmith to a three-year extension.
The Penguins could now look at trading 23-year old goaltender Tristan Jarry, who might bring back a decent return.
They’ll also have a defenseman or two available when Justin Schultz returns.
“By having Casey signed now, this gives us more options going forward, possibly even prior to the deadline,” Rutherford told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Sunday. “I like the idea that we have some depth there, preparing for the playoffs, but sometimes something comes along that you have to consider and maybe do earlier than you want.”
Jarry is on a two-way deal this season, but next year it will be a one-way deal.
Defenseman Jamie Oleksiak and his $2.1375 million salary cap hit for the next two season may be the most likely to be moved.
