Elliotte Friedman Suggests Penguins Could Strike a Trade with Atlantic Division Team
The Pittsburgh Penguins have had quite the start to their season, and according to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, it is highly possible that they are looking to make a trade with a rival.
The Pittsburgh Penguins started their 2024-25 season terribly, however, after a few games they were able to scrape into the playoff picture.
Once likely sellers at the deadline, the Penguins are only five points back for the Eastern Conference's second wild card and might be pivoting their approach.
On the '32 Thoughts Podcast', Elliotte Friedman said the Penguins will listen to deals across the lineup, but still appear set on specific targets.
The Penguins want young players and could look at the Sabres
Since the offseason, a few things have become pretty clear: the Penguins want players who are young and in need of a fresh start. Low-risk, high-reward types of players to help now and into the future, and the Sabres have plenty of young talent, such as Dylan Cozens.
To this point, the additions of Cody Glass, Anthony Beauvillier, and Phil Tomasino have reflected that. Glass has nine points in 33 games, but a lot of his time has been disrupted due to a variety of injuries.
Beauvillier has 12 points in 45 games, proving pretty versatile across the lineup. Tomasino has five goals and three assists in 18 games, and he recently returned from an injury.
The Penguins are currently 18-20-8, good for 44 points, and five points back of the Boston Bruins for the last playoff spot.
A few names like Marcus Pettersson and Ryan Graves may find themselves on the trading block as the Penguins look to restructure their team.
In an ideal world, the Penguins should indeed consider trading some of their older players in order to push for the playoffs while at the same time, building a team for the future.
