Rumor: Penguins and Canadiens linked in trade talks

Just two weeks into the season and things are still chaotic across the NHL.

The Buffalo Sabres and Edmonton Oilers are atop the league, while Stanley Cup contenders like the San Jose Sharks and Dallas Stars have struggled out of the gate. 

The Pittsburgh Penguins and Montreal Canadiens have each had an up and down start, but the Pens have managed to put three wins together for a 4-2-0 record. Still, general manager Jim Rutherford isn’t satisfied and NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reports that Rutherford is looking to make a move.

In his latest 31 Thoughts column for Sportsnet, Friedman reports that Rutherford is making calls and is willing to deal, but he’s not willing to trade his team’s 2020 first round draft pick.

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One thing the GM made clear: He is not interested in trading Pittsburgh’s 2020 first-rounder.

Additionally, Friedman reports that the Montreal Canadiens have been sniffing around and are interested in defenseman Juuso Riikola.

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I do think Montreal — which has kept an eye on left-shot defenders — took a look at Juuso Riikola. (Rutherford was not the source on this one.)

An interesting fit. The 25 year old Riikola has not managed to get himself into the Penguins’ lineup yet this season, despite the Penguins having a relatively weak D corps. In 37 games with the team last season, he put up two goals and five point.