Rumour: Pens place young forward on trading block

The Pittsburgh Penguins have several important decisions to make, not only before the Feb. 26 Trade deadline, but also during the offseason. 

Pens GM Jim Rutherford already pulled off a move earlier this season by acquiring Riley Sheahan from the Detroit Red Wings, but it seems like he is getting ready to address their ongoing need for a third-line center once again. 

According to Sam Werner of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Pens could use young forward Tom Kuhnhackl as a more realistic trade chip, seeing that they seem to be adamant about keeping pending unrestricted free agent Patric Hornqvist in the fold. In 20 games this season, Kuhnhackl has recorded three assists. 

TSN’s Darren Dreger added that the Penguins have a need for an experienced backup goaltender, and more trade chips would be needed. Werner wonders if Rutherford would be interested in moving winger Carl Hagelin’s $4 million salary from his books.

Hagelin is signed through 2018-19 and might be harder to move because of his salary. 

However, the Pens are likely to be  forced to wait until more clubs start falling out of playoff contention to address their center needs.

We will keep you posted.