Following July 1st, the Pittsburgh Penguins’ forward group appears well-stocked and logically structured. While there’s currently a surplus of players, this could be addressed by trading veterans such as Bryan Rust or Rickard Rakell.
Such moves would not only clear roster space but also support a longer-term organizational plan. The team seems to have a forward depth chart that aligns well with its goals moving forward, and any minor adjustments would be manageable.
Penguins’ Blue Line Remains Weak and Uncertain Amid Questionable Offseason Defensive Moves
In contrast to the forwards, Pittsburgh’s defense remains unsettled and lacks clarity. Despite depth chart listings from sources like PuckPedia, there’s little to be optimistic about on the blue line. Owen Pickering and Vladislav Kolyachonok are not included in the core mix, and the current group’s quality is questionable.
Erik Karlsson’s presence is a major variable — his departure would leave a significant void in puck-moving capability, and the alternatives like Ryan Graves or Connor Clifton offer limited upside.
Rickard Rakell (NHL)The Penguins’ offseason maneuvers have arguably worsened an already problematic defense. Trading Conor Timmins and losing Matt Grzelcyk in free agency, while only gaining modest additions like Clifton, Alex Alexeyev, and Parker Wotherspoon, do not indicate an improvement.
These changes suggest a downgrade in defensive capabilities, and with Karlsson’s uncertain future, the overall situation becomes more precarious. Dubas hasn’t taken aggressive steps toward immediate contention, leaving the defense notably vulnerable.
Potential Penguins-Sharks Trade Could Address Surplus Forwards and Defensive Depth Concerns
San Jose could present a trade opportunity for Pittsburgh, particularly given the Sharks’ recent activity in acquiring defensemen like Dmitri Orlov and John Klingberg. With a logjam on their back end, the Sharks may be open to exchanging defensemen for forward depth, which the Penguins can offer.
Players like Noel Acciari could interest San Jose, especially as short-term trade bait for future assets. This scenario provides a natural alignment between the teams’ needs.
Timothy Liljegren, formerly of the Maple Leafs, could emerge as a potential target due to GM Kyle Dubas’ pattern of bringing familiar players into new settings. While right defense isn’t an urgent requirement, Pittsburgh could benefit from acquiring any capable blueliners, given the team’s defensive instability.
Henry Thrun, a 23-year-old with limited NHL success in San Jose, also represents a possible upside candidate if given a new environment to develop. These types of moves may help the Penguins reshape their defense without relying solely on aging or ineffective veterans.
