Close Article Return to stream X
NHL •

5 Players Pittsburgh Penguins Should Target Before 2015 NHL Trade Deadline

+Read full article

5 Players the Penguins Should Target Before 2015 NHL Trade Deadline

Justin Williams Fans
Getty Images

The Penguins Penguins again have Stanley Cup aspirations this season, but injuries and a recent losing skid may prompt the team to seek some changes. Although the team already acquired forward David Perron from the Edmonton Oilers, Pittsburgh may look to fill other holes in the coming weeks. Here are five players the Penguins should consider adding prior to the 2015 NHL trade deadline.

5. Jaromir Jagr

Jaromir Jagr 2
Getty Images

5. Jaromir Jagr

Jaromir Jagr 2
Getty Images

Jagr enjoyed a historic run with the Penguins for more than a decade, and his name still draws a reaction from nearly every hockey fan in Pittsburgh. His ability on the ice has declined considerably from last season, though, and the soon-to-be 43-year-old is mostly used as a powerplay specialist. Still, his massive frame and scoring touch could give the Penguins' third line a boost if the New Jersey Devils unload the future Hall of Famer.

4. Jordan Eberle

Jordan Eberle
Getty Images

4. Jordan Eberle

Jordan Eberle
Getty Images

The Penguins already acquired one talented winger from the Oilers this season, but Eberle could be an intriguing long-term option. He’s signed at $6 million per season through 2019, so the Oilers will likely demand a high price in exchange for the 24-year-old. Still, Pittsburgh has the requisite defensive prospects to make a deal happen if it thinks Eberle could become a 40-goal scorer alongside Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin.

3. Zbynek Michalek

Zbynek Michalek
Getty Images

3. Zbynek Michalek

Zbynek Michalek
Getty Images

Michalek is an established stay-at-home defenseman, and one with whom the Penguins are very familiar. He is in the last year of the contract he originally signed with the Penguins in 2010, before he was dealt to the Coyotes. With Olli Maatta’s season-ending injury, Pittsburgh may look to beef up its defensive corps, and Michalek’s familiarity with the Pens' blueliners would make his transition smoother.

2. Chris Stewart

Chris Stewart
Getty Images

2. Chris Stewart

Chris Stewart
Getty Images

The Sabres are expected to deal several of their veterans, and Stewart could fill several needs for the Penguins. He has the size and grit to address one of Pittsburgh’s biggest issues, and he still may possess some dormant scoring touch that he displayed when he broke into the league with Colorado several years ago. A pending free agent whose stock is down, Stewart could likely be acquired for an affordable price by the Pens.

1. Justin Williams

Justin Williams
Getty Images

1. Justin Williams

Justin Williams
Getty Images

Williams has been a solid player during his career, but his biggest contributions have always come during the playoffs. A three-time Stanley Cup winner, he’s earned the distinction as one of the most clutch performers of this generation, as evidenced by his 25 points in leading Los Angeles to the ultimate prize last season. The Kings will likely seek an established blueliner in return, but Williams could be the missing piece to a Pens cup run.

seanmeyers is a writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter and like him on Facebook.
Your Favorites
 
 
Close Article Return to stream X
NHL• Videos•

Watch Sidney Crosby Get Hooked And Still Score

Sidney Crosby is still arguably the best player in the NHL when he is healthy, and on Monday night not even a blatant hook could keep him from scoring.

Comment 0 Comments