Pittsburgh Penguins
Cap Space: $2.03 Million
Red Wings In Play: Erne, Sam Gagner, Luke Glendening
The Penguins are another team in the East looking for another crack at the Cup – but at third in the division, they are looking for a way to solidify their footing in the playoff race. They are seeking players that can help right now. According to NHL.com’s Michelle Crechiolo, GM Ron Hextall is looking for a physical top nine winger to round out the team.
This is where Gagner, and Glendening come in. If you want that player who can shuffle between the third and fourth line seamlessly while making an impact on special teams, Glendening are two cheaper options. Both have contracts that work with the Penguins limited cap space (Glendening $1.7 million, Gagner $850,000), sport veteran experience and can bolster the lower lines of a good team. Let’s not forget Glendening’s faceoff prowess.
Erne is a solid choice as well however he could cost more as a result of his deluge of goals. The Flyers would maybe have to pay a little bit more during his negotiations this summer, which could hurt the Wings return.
Best Case:
Erne: ’22 2rd round pick
Gagner: ’22 4th round pick
Glendening: ’22 2nd round
The Penguins have already traded away most of their ’21 draft picks, so it’s unlikely they part with the lone 2nd round pick they have this year. But they might sell off some future assets to make one final run with the current core.
Realistic:
Erne: ’22 3rd or 4th round pick
Gagner: ’22 5th round pick
Glendening: ’22 3rd round pick or ’23 3rd round pick
The Penguins end up refusing to give anything better than a middle to lower tier pick to bolster the team. The Wings only make these deals if Yzerman is hell bent on selling away the team at the deadline.