3 major offseason trades that would make complete sense for the Pittsburgh Penguins
The Pittsburgh Penguins are entering a pivotal offseason for many reasons. After missing the postseason this year, theu could be on the brink of a rebuild, based on the average age of their superstars. Another reason why it could be the case is because the team moved one of their top stars last season, Jake Guentzel.
Nevertheless, some of the Pittsburgh Penguins' top players are still among the most talented in the league. That could lead general manager Kyle Dubas to approach the offseason with a more gentle approach as opposed to a complete overhaul of the roster. It could be an interesting offseason for the Penguins.
Three potential trades the Pittsburgh Penguins could make this offseason
#1 Reilly Smith to the Boston Bruins
Reilly Smith appears to be one of the most likely trade candidates for the Pittsburgh Penguins this offseason.
If GM Kyle Dubas is looking to move some of their expiring veterans, Smith will be near the top of the list. Smith will be entering the final year of his contract, which carries a $5 million cap hit.
"Reilly Smith is taking his skills to the Steel City" - @NHL
Reilly Smith was acquired by the Penguins from the Vegas Golden Knights for a third-round pick.
That would likely be the cost for the forward yet again. Although the Bruins don't have their third-rounder this season, they could move their fourth-round pick and a young player in exchange for Smith.
#2 Tristan Jarry to the Edmonton Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers are still in the hunt for the Stanley Cup this year, but there has been one glaring weakness for the club in recent years: goaltending. Stuart Skinner has been brilliant but inconsistent, and the disaster that was the Jack Campbell signing is not one that needs to be brought up.
"Tristan Jarry was asked what the last couple of weeks of the season were like for him. @SNPittsburgh" - @DanPotashTV
That's where Tristan Jarry enters the picture. Even though Jarry remains under contract for the next four seasons, it's clear that he fell out of favor near the end of the season.
If the Pittsburgh Penguins decide to move Jarry, the Edmonton Oilers might be the ideal landing spot. The Oilers could look to move their upcoming second-round pick to acquire the 28-year-old goaltender.
#3 Sidney Crosby to the Colorado Avalanche
This is the big one. If the Pittsburgh Penguins were willing to trade away Sidney Crosby this offseason, it would be a clear sign that the club is entering a rebuild. While Crosby has a full no-trade clause, he may be willing to waive it for the right landing spot. The Colorado Avalanche might be the perfect landing spot for Sidney Crosby.
Not only are the Colorado Avalanche a true Stanley Cup contender this season, but Crosby's relationship with Nathan MacKinnon could also come into play. There is some uncertainty regarding forwards Gabriel Landeskog and Valeri Nichushkin, which would make the acquisition of Crosby even more essential.
The Avalanche would need to pay up to land the future Hall of Famer, but it could be worth it. They have a first-round pick in both 2024 and 2026, which could be in play, as well as young players like Jean-Luc Foudy or Calum Ritchie. It will be a situation worth monitoring this summer.