Penguins have ideal trade plan to shore up their shaky third line

The Pittsburgh Penguins’ budget remains tight. However, Dan Rosen of NHL.com believes they still should find a way to shore up their shaky third line by acquiring a forward on the trade market ahead of the March 3rd deadline. And Rosen believes that target should be Max Domi of the Chicago Blackhawks.

With a solid top-six up front, the Penguins still need a boost on the third line for a ling playoff run. Enters Domi, who could provide it at a reasonable price. This is how Rosen puts it:

“Domi is a pending unrestricted free agent after signing a one-year, $3 million contract with the Chicago Blackhawks this past summer. So right away you know he’s affordable and attainable, especially with the Blackhawks expected to try to trade active players, especially those on expiring contracts, for future parts before the 2023 NHL Trade Deadline on March 3. Domi is productive with 23 points (11 goals, 12 assists) in 33 games for Chicago this season. He has 11 points on the power play, so he could be effective in that role for the Penguins too. Domi was traded at the deadline last season too, from the Columbus Blue Jackets to the Carolina Hurricanes by way of the Florida Panthers. It was a solid move for the Hurricanes. He had six points (three goals, three assists) in 14 playoff games with Carolina. He gave them more depth. He would do the same for the Penguins.”

Domi could however be very coveted closer to the deadline, as some insiders have already linked him to the Edmonton Oilers in the past. The forward would definitely be a great addition in Pittsburgh as he could take strong side face-offs and be used either at centre or on the wing.

On top of that, Domi is personally linked to the Penguins as his father Tie Domi is a close friend to legend Mario Lemieux, the godfather of Max. He could find it perfect to come closer to his mentor in a trade.

“Domi is effective, affordable and attainable. I think he would fit right in.”

Let’s see if that convinces general manager Ron Hextall to pull the trigger and bring Domi on board for the perfect addition ahead of the postseason.

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Penguins have ideal trade plan to shore up their shaky third line

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