Ray Shero and the Pittsburgh Penguins are notorious for being active at the trade deadline.
Marian Hossa, Bill Guerin, James Neal, and Alexei Ponikarovsky are just a few of the names Shero has added at crunchtime during his five-year tenure.
This week, TheHockeyWriters.com will take a detailed look at the Penguins’ needs, possible trade pieces, and potential acquisitions as we head towards 3pm on February 27.
Wednesday, February 15: The Gameplan
A detailed look at how Shero and his staff might be preparing for this year’s deadline. The Penguins must evaluate their needs, salary cap situation, and league market dynamics before heading to the negotiating table.
Thursday, February 16: The Pieces
You can’t acquire an asset without giving one up in return. What trade chips might Shero use to trade? Could Paul Martin be on the move? Is Shero more likely to trade high draft picks or prospects such as Dustin Jeffrey and Eric Tangradi?
Friday, February 17: The Options
Based on team needs and available assets, who will Shero target to prepare the Penguins for their first lengthy playoff run in three seasons? Last season, the Boston Bruins paid a heavy price to acquire Tomas Kaberle, but smaller pickups Chris Kelly and Rich Peverley played the key roles in their Cup run. Who are some of the under-the-radar names that might propel the Penguins?
I had an inkling when I heard PIT scouts at a COL/LAK game they might’ve been checking out Jones. Seems like the same story as Niskanen was, once highly touted up and comer that could use a re-invigoration of a new city.