NHL: Pittsburgh Penguins at Montreal Canadiens - Source: Imagn — Pittsburgh Penguins are looking for a right-handed D-man per Insider (Source: Imagn)

Penguins trade rumors: NHL analyst believes Pittsburgh 'badly needs' right side D-men

Modified Dec 15, 2024 19:28 GMT

The Pittsburgh Penguins reportedly need a right-handed defenseman, according to NHL analyst Dan Kingerski. In his column for Pittsburgh Hockey Now, Kingerski explained that the team has faced challenges this season with its defense.

"With young defenseman Jack St. Ivany’s regression, Penguins coaches have been forced into less-than-ideal solutions this season," Kingerski wrote. "Ryan Shea and Matt Grzelcyk have played on their off-hand to fill the void, but the Penguins badly need a right-handed defenseman."

Pittsburgh only has two right-handed defensemen: Kris Letang and Erik Karlsson.

The Penguins have had an up-and-down 2024-25 season. With a 13-14-5 record, they sit fifth in the Metropolitan Division. Despite adding veteran talent and extending Sidney Crosby's contract for two more years, the team has struggled with consistency.

They have shown flashes of good play, but defensive lapses and a lack of scoring depth have hurt them. The Penguins must improve if they want to compete for another Stanley Cup.

General manager Kyle Dubas has $3,919,414 in salary cap space but is cautious about making short-term moves.

Penguins coach Mike Sullivan praised Ottawa Senators defense after 3-2 defeat

Brady Tkachuk scored 1:46 into overtime to give the Ottawa Senators a 3-2 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday. Ottawa took a 1-0 lead in the first period. Thomas Chabot scored with a one-timer after Claude Giroux set him up.

Blake Lizotte tied the game 1-1 for Pittsburgh in the third period, scoring on a rebound from Noel Acciari. Chabot put Ottawa back in front at 6:38 of the third. His shot deflected off Drake Batherson's skate, making it 2-1.

Kris Letang tied the game again for Pittsburgh at 12:42. He scored on a wrist shot from the point, making it 2-2.

Coach Mike Sullivan said Ottawa’s defense made it hard for Pittsburgh to get to the net.

“I thought Ottawa defended their net front really hard all night,” Sullivan said per NHL.com. “It took us a while to get to them. I thought in the second half of the second period, I thought we got to them a little bit more, but they defended hard.”

In overtime, Tkachuk scored the game-winning goal. He beat Tristan Jarry with a wrist shot after a move around Erik Karlsson.