This time of year is again, friends! The NHL trade valves have officially opened, and with that, rumors and movements will abound.
And the case is no different for Pittsburgh Penguins.
Since the team is simultaneously seeking to compete and rebuild their pool of prospects, it is probably prudent to assume that it will seek to withdraw some of its free agent contracts without restriction.
Thus, the site The Hockey News – Pittsburgh Penguins will examine the free agents without restrictions of each Penguins, the advantages and disadvantages of exchanging them, and the probability that they are moved before the deadline for exchanges of March 7 – as well as some potential landing points.
Then: defender Matt
Arguments in favor of an exchange
Even if his compatriot left defender Marcus Pettersson appears as the most precious asset of the Penguins in the exchange block, Grzelcyk could report an unexpected value.
To the way the season started for Grzelcyk, it did not seem that the Penguins would be able to take advantage of a player – falling into disgrace with Boston Bruins – whom they had signed for a one -year contract $ 2.75 million last time. summer. But after setting up in the Pittsburgh system, he changed things in a fairly large way.
Grzelcyk’s defense leaves a lot to be desired. This is clear. But offensively, it is only at one point of his career in a career of 26 which he established with Boston in 2022-23-and there are still 31 games to play in the Penguins season.
He also helped to transform a penguin power unit of power which was near the basement of the League last season, while they are now constantly around the top five of the league. It is Grzelcyk and its 10 points in digital advantage – and not the generational offensive defenders Erik Karlsson and Kris Letang – who direct the first unit of Pittsburgh with its decision -making spirit, its simplicity, its short passes and its ability to distribute .
Because Grzelcyk is a pending UFA with a cheap contract – and has played the first four minutes this season – it could be an advantageous option for a team in the running which needs an attack on its blue line or a Help in digital advantage.
A choice of third round certainly seems possible, and with a certain retention (although unlikely), the Penguins could potentially report a little more.
Arguments for an exchange
Well, the reasons above.
Even if the Penguins are currently seven points from a place by Wild Card, they are about to return to the race for the playoffs. And losing Grzelcyk could be quite prejudicial to their digital advantage, which is one of the only things that give hope to the season at this stage.
In addition, if Pettersson is distributed, the left side of the Penguins seems to be seriously embarrassed as is, and it would be even more if Grzelcyk was out of sight. Pittsburgh should count on Ryan Graves, Ryan Shea, Po Joseph and Owen Pickering – a recruit – to carry the charge, assuming that they do not acquire anyone else.
Even if Grzelcyk could bring back a better return than originally planned, its importance in the power game and the offensive attack of the Penguins cannot be overlooked. Walking for nothing would leave less brand to Grzelcyk than if someone like Pettersson remained around – and he would help them in a stretch race.
The verdict: exchange … but not before the deadline.
While other East teams are speeding, it will be difficult for the Penguins to win a lot of land in the classification – especially before the break for the confrontation of the 4 nations, which will take place from February 12 to 20. Since the Penguins and many other teams will have less than two weeks between the return to the game after the 4 nations and the deadline for exchanges of March 7, the deadline before the 4 nations break is likely to serve as a barometer in somewhat.
Pettersson is someone who can be treated before the 4 nations. However, it might be wise for the Penguins to keep Grzelcyk to the deadline … just in case they make their way back in the race.
Once again – in all likelihood – the playoffs will be an arduous task for the Penguins at this stage. They should have the opportunity to get back there, but if they do not do so, the managing director Kyle Dubas will not want to miss the value that Grzelcyk could bring for a better offensive season in career.
A team like the Florida Panthers could seek to strengthen its left side and its second unit in digital advantage, which could be an interesting option. In addition, if teams like Vancouver cannucks, Winnipeg jets and Edmonton Oilers are missing one of the biggest defenders on the market, Grzelcyk could be a decent withdrawal option