Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Things are going from bad to worse for the Pittsburgh Penguins.
They’ve slid toward the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, entering this week with two wins in their last 10 games and 18 points in 23 games. Not even Sidney Crosby reaching his 600th career goal could distract their followers from their poor performance.
Penguins GM Kyle Dubas made a significant move two weeks ago, trading center Lars Eller to the Washington Capitals. On Monday, he acquired young right winger Philip Tomasino from the Nashville Predators.
Related: Amid Slow Starts, Penguins Acquire Philip Tomasino From Predators
The club’s ongoing woes continue to prompt speculation of more changes to come.
Marcus Pettersson is considered a likely trade candidate due to his eligibility for UFA status next summer. Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli has the 28-year-old defenseman atop his recent list of NHL trade targets, while The Athletic’s Chris Johnston has him at No. 2 on his recent NHL trade board.
Pettersson isn’t the only Penguins pending UFA who could be shopped before the March 7 trade deadline. Forwards Anthony Beauvillier, Drew O’Connor, Jesse Puljujarvi and Matt Nieto fall into that category.
Related: Pittsburgh Penguins Captain Sidney Crosby Chases Mario Lemieux
Last Thursday, TSN’s Darren Dreger noted the Penguins were heavily scouting the Montreal Canadiens, suggesting they could become trade partners. He speculated the Canadiens might take on a player with an expiring contract with a sweetener attached if the Penguins were interested in a young player who no longer suits the Habs’ long-term needs.
Pittsburgh Hockey Now’s Dan Kingerski cited Dreger’s report linking the Penguins to the Canadiens. He suggested young Habs, such as defensemen Justin Barron and Jayden Struble and center Kirby Dach, might be enticing for the Pens.
Kingerski believes it’s time for Dubas to make another trade or a coaching change. The Athletic’s Josh Yohe wondered how poorly the Penguins must play before coach Mike Sullivan gets the axe but believes Dubas and the club’s ownership would consider that a last resort.
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