Penguins’ Best and Worst Trades Since 2010
T
The Hockey Writers
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The Pittsburgh Penguins have made a series of significant trades throughout the 2010s, with some elevating the team's success while others did not yield the desired results. One of the standout deals was the acquisition of Phil Kessel from the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2015. This trade proved to be pivotal, as Kessel's scoring ability complemented the likes of Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, helping the Penguins secure back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017.
Conversely, the trade for Mikael Granlund in 2019 did not provide the same level of impact. Granlund struggled to find his footing with the Penguins, and the hope that he would contribute significantly alongside the team's established stars fell short. Such contrasting outcomes underscore the unpredictable nature of trades in the NHL.
Other notable trades included the acquisition of defenseman Justin Schultz from the Edmonton Oilers, whose play solidified the blue line during crucial playoff runs. The Penguins have also let go of players like Olli Maatta and Connor Sheary, trades that saw varying degrees of success post-Pittsburgh. The management's ability to evaluate talent and make timely decisions remains a critical aspect for the Penguins moving forward.
As they look to the future, the Penguins will continue to evaluate their trading strategy, aiming to build around their core of elite players while avoiding the pitfalls of previous deals. Balancing short-term success with long-term sustainability is key as they navigate the competitive landscape of the NHL.
Conversely, the trade for Mikael Granlund in 2019 did not provide the same level of impact. Granlund struggled to find his footing with the Penguins, and the hope that he would contribute significantly alongside the team's established stars fell short. Such contrasting outcomes underscore the unpredictable nature of trades in the NHL.
Other notable trades included the acquisition of defenseman Justin Schultz from the Edmonton Oilers, whose play solidified the blue line during crucial playoff runs. The Penguins have also let go of players like Olli Maatta and Connor Sheary, trades that saw varying degrees of success post-Pittsburgh. The management's ability to evaluate talent and make timely decisions remains a critical aspect for the Penguins moving forward.
As they look to the future, the Penguins will continue to evaluate their trading strategy, aiming to build around their core of elite players while avoiding the pitfalls of previous deals. Balancing short-term success with long-term sustainability is key as they navigate the competitive landscape of the NHL.