Potential Defensemen the Pittsburgh Penguins need to target
Defensive playing has been weak across the board this last NHL season. With the Pittsburgh Penguins looking to turn this around, the team will have to look out to acquire a free agent in Brett Pesce, Nikita Zadorov, or Matt Dumba.
The Penguins were one of few teams looking to grab the last Wild Card spot in this year's playoffs. Despite captain Sidney Crosby's game heating up at the end of the season and a career season for defenseman Marcus Petterson, Pittsburgh could not overtake the Washington Capitals, missing their chance at the cup for the second consecutive year.
"For the second season in a row, the Penguins are out of playoff contention after a win by the Washington Capitals secured Pittsburgh's fate in the standings."
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Despite Petterson's success, Pittsburgh still underperformed defensively, proving the team needs to look to the free agent market. Among those high on the team's list is the highly sought-after Brett Pesce of the Carolina Hurricanes. Pesce had a 30-point season and is an instrumental defenseman in turning the direction of the game. However, the Penguins will have a lot of competition for this 29-year-old, as many teams, including the Toronto Maple Leafs, have directly expressed interest.
"The Leafs are expected to be all in on the race for Hurricanes defenseman Brett Pesce this summer.
The Leafs have holes on the blue line and are in need of more depth and better quality going into next season. [via: @TLNdc]
#leafsforever"
Another top target is Nikita Zadorov of the Vancouver Canucks. Big Z is a massive and intimidating player with an innate ability to switch positions and skate effectively. The downside to Zadorov is his price, which after coming off a hot season and failed contract negotiations, is likely only increasing.
"The #Canucks reportedly tabled an offer for $4.5M for 4 or 5 years to Nikita Zadorov's camp, which was rejected.
Both camps are interested in getting a deal done, so we'll see where it goes from here"
The last pending UFA defenseman the Penguins should look out for is Matt Dumba of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Dumba is an incredibly flexible player who has had offensive success in the past. With the player officially leaving the Lightning, he could be an easy acquisition for Pittsburgh.
"Somewhat obvious after the #GoBolts acquired Ryan McDonagh, but I've confirmed TB will not be bringing RD Matt Dumba back. He will hit the UFA market July 1."
With some clear options available to them come July 1st, the Penguins should have little trouble pulling in the defense they need to get a chance at next year's playoffs. However, If they cannot grab one of these targets, it could be another dry season for Pittsburgh.
Previously on Hockey Trade Rumours
| POLL |
31 MAI | 183 ANSWERS Potential Defensemen the Pittsburgh Penguins need to target Which defenseman should the Pittsburgh Penguins target for a trade deal? |
| Brett Pesce | 25 | 13.7 % |
| Nikita Zadorov | 55 | 30.1 % |
| Matt Dumba | 45 | 24.6 % |
| None of these | 58 | 31.7 % |
| LIST OF POLLS |
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