As the NHL trade deadline has come and gone, the Pittsburgh Penguins have made their moves, aiming to inject new life into a season that has seen them struggle to find consistency. With a record of 24-31-10, the Penguins face an uphill battle to make the playoffs. Despite being listed on most hockey betting apps, they are a longshot. Despite this, the team’s recent trades suggest a commitment to short-term improvement and long-term strategy.
The Penguins’ most notable move involved sending forward Michael Bunting to the Nashville Predators in exchange for defenseman Luke Schenn and forward Tommy Novak. Additionally, they traded defenseman Vincent Desharnais to the San Jose Sharks for a 2028 fifth-round draft pick. These transactions may not have been the blockbuster deals some fans hoped for, but they reflect a deliberate effort to bolster the team’s defensive solidity and offensive depth.
Playoff Odds and Stanley Cup Chances
Despite these efforts, the Penguins remain a long shot to make the playoffs. Their odds of reaching the postseason are zero, and their chances of winning the Stanley Cup are similarly remote. Currently, the Penguins are not listed among the top contenders for the Stanley Cup, with teams like the Edmonton Oilers, Carolina Hurricanes, and Dallas Stars leading the pack. The Penguins’ odds of winning the Cup are not even mentioned among the favorites, reflecting their status as a significant underdog.
However, the Penguins’ trades suggest a commitment to improving their performance in the short term while laying the groundwork for future success. Even if a playoff run seems unlikely, the team’s focus on building a stronger roster and creating a positive team culture could pay dividends in the coming seasons.
The New Additions
Luke Schenn brings a wealth of experience to the Penguins, having played over 1,000 NHL games and won two Stanley Cups with the Tampa Bay Lightning. His presence is expected to enhance the team’s defensive capabilities, particularly in physical play and clearing the crease. Schenn’s leadership and grit are invaluable assets for a team looking to stabilize its back end.
Tommy Novak, on the other hand, offers a more dynamic element. With 13 goals and nine assists this season, he provides the Penguins with a forward who can create scoring opportunities at even strength. This is particularly important for a team struggling to produce offense consistently throughout the season.
The decision to trade Vincent Desharnais for a future draft pick is a strategic move to manage assets effectively. Although Desharnais did not find a regular spot in the lineup during his brief stint with the Penguins, the trade allows the team to secure a draft pick that could be valuable in the future.
The Bigger Picture
Penguins General Manager Kyle Dubas emphasized that these moves were not merely for the sake of change but were designed to address specific needs. Novak fills a gap down the middle, Schenn brings much-needed leadership and physicality, and moving Desharnais opens up flexibility for future roster decisions. This approach indicates that the Penguins are thinking about the present and the future, especially with the NHL salary cap expected to increase in the coming years.
Upcoming Challenges
The Penguins face a demanding schedule ahead, with games against strong opponents like the Vegas Golden Knights, St. Louis Blues, and New Jersey Devils. Their upcoming matchup against the Golden Knights on March 11 will be particularly challenging, given Vegas’s strong record and current form. The Golden Knights are favored in this matchup, but the Penguins will be looking to capitalize on any momentum generated by their recent trades.
In conclusion, while the Penguins’ playoff hopes may be extinguished, their recent trades demonstrate a proactive team-building approach. By adding experience and depth, the Penguins are positioning themselves for potential future success, even if this season does not yield the desired results. As the team navigates the remainder of the season, fans will watch closely to see how these new pieces fit into the larger puzzle and whether they can spark a late-season resurgence.