Trade Watch: Friedman Hints at Possible Penguins-Leafs Deal Between Dubas and Treliving
The Pittsburgh Penguins are looking to make some big changes, and now it could lead to a trade with Kyle Dubas' former team and Brad Treliving.
After a devastating 7-1 defeat to the Dallas Stars, the Pittsburgh Penguins started making moves by trading Lars Eller to the Metropolitan division rival Washington Capitals.
This is just the start, with rumours that GM Kyle Dubas is ready to make some big moves, and while a full-on rebuild isn't expected, they could be making plenty of moves in the very near future.
One of those players that will be moved in the near future is 26-year old forward Drew O'Connor, who put up a career high 16 goals and 33 points a year ago, with his $925k salary making him a solid trade chip for Pittsburgh.
During his latest 32 Thoughts piece, Insider Elliotte Friedman has noted that O'Connor is likely the next to move.
«Pettersson deservedly gets a lot of attention, but O'Connor's low number ($925,000) and flexibility makes him attractive, too. Last summer, Pittsburgh added. Months later, trading Jake Guentzel was the wakeup call, the sign Dubas felt it was time to follow a new path. What did Bill Parcells always say: «You are what your record says you are.»
Now, one writer for The Athletic has suggested O'Connor could be a good, proven forward for Toronto's middle-six, potentially replacing someone like Nick Robertson.
At 26-years of age, O'Connor is still young enough to contribute for years to come in Toronto, but is experienced enough to slot right in on the wing, but there's issues with a potential deal.
Unfortunately for Dubas, the Maple Leafs, who may be willing to give up a bigger trade package than any other teams for O'Connor are his former team, and thus far, they've been very hesitant to do business together.
If they can get past that, a deal would make perfect sense, so for now, we will keep very close eyes on the situation.
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