The Penguins and Islanders have spoken
Dan Kingerski of Pittsburgh Hockey Now: A source said that the Pittsburgh Penguins have called the New York Islanders about forward Josh Ho-Sang.
The ‘New York’ source said the Penguins GM Jim Rutherford made the call but didn’t say whether talks were serious or advanced.
Ho-Sang has cleared waivers and has requested a trade. The asking price for Ho-Sang likely isn’t high, but the two teams are division rivals.
The Penguins are without forwards Evgeni Malkin, Nick Bjugstad, Bryan Rust and Alex Galchenyuk.
What will the Penguins do with their blue line?
Dan Kingerski of Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman John Marino is working his way up the Penguins depth chart.
It’s been thought for a while that the Penguins would move Jack Johnson, but he remains with the team. Erik Gudbranson was a healthy scratch for a game before playing/struggling on the left side.
Kingerski notes: “Sullivan could make the call based on keeping the three defensemen involved and the rotation, however imperfect it may be. Sullivan could also ride Johnson-Marino as the naturally balanced pairing, but lose the physical presence Gudbranson provides.”
GM Jim Rutherford could move Johnson or Gudbranson based on which player brings back the greatest trade value.
Sportsnet Elliotte Freidman noted that defenseman Juuso Riikola could also be a trade candidate.
One thing to keep in mind with regards to their blue line is that Justin Schultz is a pending UFA and could be looking for big money on a new deal. Schultz could also potentially bring back a nice return if they looked to trade him. Not saying that the Penguins will trade him.