Report: Rutherford admits to a major issue that has put trade talks on hold

The Pittsburgh Penguins are dealing with a slew of injuries all across their lineup, particularly to their blue line - and that has apparently put Jim Rutherford's trade plans on hold.

The Penguins are in a trick situation where they need to start winning games to get back into the playoff picture, but without their starting goalie in Matt Murray, as well as Justin Schultz, Kris Letang, Bryan Rust, and Chad Ruhwedel.

All of them have varying timetables for their returns, but given the fact that three of those injuries are to regulars on the blueline - all on the right side, Rutherford will have a difficult time making moves. 

While Ian Cole headlines the players on Pittsburgh's trade block, there have been talks about Letang being available, despite the fact that he and his camp were never told anything of the sort.

Rutherford will be in tough to trade Letang until he recovers, and even then, his injury history, difficult season and expensive cap hit will make it a hard move to swing.

The general manager spoke on 105.9 radio in Pittsburgh this evening, stating that the host of injuries plaguing the team has put a pause on things trade-wise, and they will continue to operate "business as usual" for now. He added that he will look to improve the team in any way he can, and will always look to find a good deal to do so.

But with Cole being one of the few regulars healthy on the blue line, trading him away, likely for a third line centre, isn't a good option for Rutherford at the moment.

It'll almost certainly take some time until Rutherford can consider swinging the major deal that's long been alluded to.