Rumor: Pens and Oilers linked in rental trade

The Pittsburgh Penguins have made it known that Ian Cole is on the market. Old news. The Edmonton Oilers are looking to bolster their blue line. Very old news.

Some "newer" news was illuminated in Elliotte Friedman's "31 Thoughts" this afternoon, outlining some trade discussions that have transpired between the two aforementioned clubs.

"I’ve wondered what kind of trade partner Edmonton could be for Pittsburgh," Friedman wrote. "The Oilers certainly had interest in Ian Cole, although I’m not sure how the Brandon Davidson waiver claim affects things. The ask was high. There are two UFA-to-be-pieces that could make sense for the Penguins: Mark Letestu and Pat Maroon. They know Letestu well. My only question about Maroon is Mike Sullivan loves speed, and Maroon, a finisher, isn’t a burner."

Mark Letestu was a revelation for the Oilers last season, scoring 16 goals and 19 assists in 78 games. Patrick Maroon - even more so. In his first full season in Edmonton, he posted 27 goals, a career-high. There was evidently some inflation there due to playing on Connor McDavid's wing.

As Friedman described, he's not the protoypical Penguins player, but he could be an excellent finisher on Sidney Crosby's wing just as he was on McDavid's.

As for Letestu, he began his career in the NHL with Pittsburgh, so they know what they'd be getting with him. He could be the 3rd line center they've long searched for this season.

Either way, it's unlikely a trade happens until Justin Schultz returns to the lineup from injury, as the team is rather thin on the blue line and would take a big hit by losing Cole for two forwards.

A situation to keep your eyes on.