Although they made a couple of smaller deals right before the trade freeze, the Penguins are looking to make a splash in the trade market, reports Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos (video link). In particular, Kypreos notes defenseman Kris Letang as someone that they may be willing to move, in part to shed some salary. Letang carries a $7.25MM cap hit through 2021-22.
2017-18 has not been a strong season for Letang, particularly at the defensive end. While he has 25 points in 37 games (a point-per-game mark slightly above his career average), he has struggled considerably in the defensive zone and is turning the puck over at a higher rate than normal.
What would likely be concerning for any potential acquiring team is Letang’s health. He missed the final 23 games last season as well as the playoffs after undergoing neck surgery and Kypreos adds that the fact they won the Stanley Cup last year without Letang makes the idea of moving him a bit more palatable. The 30-year-old has also had three concussions since 2011 while he dealt with a heart ailment that cost him 26 games back in 2014. With that type of injury history and his contract, there is certainly some risk involved although when he is on his game, he can be one of the more dominant defensemen in the league.
If Pittsburgh were to indeed decide to move him, Letang would have a large say in where he would ultimately wind up. On top of having a full no-move clause, he also has an 18-team no-trade clause throughout the life of the contract.
As for what GM Jim Rutherford might be looking for, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman suggests in the same segment that they would likely be looking for a pair of forwards in return. Pittsburgh hasn’t hidden the fact that they’re still looking for a third line center so presumably, that would be one of the pieces they would be asking for.
With the Penguins currently sitting out of a playoff spot, it wouldn’t be surprising at all to see them be active on the trade market soon after the trade freeze lifts on December 27th whether that’s with Letang or someone else.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Backes at 1.5 mil retained, Spooner, and a conditional pick based on health?
They’re not going to get a great return and will have to keep some of that salary.
Wow. Letang instantly becomes the best piece available on the trade market. Penguins would get a major return for him, something incredibly good.
Glad to hear they are considering it. They should for all the reasons laid out in the article. The Pens have got to find some way to clear cap space because it’s going to take more than 1 player to fix the roster at this point, unlike the past couple years. Letang is a great player and will likely do well, but it’s time to shake things up. I’d try to move Hagelin’s $4MM/year as well—won’t get much, but cap space is the real prize.
Please do need the cap space won with out him last year, he is a luxury not a necessity
7 mill opens up 2 solid roster players from FA
The return would be based on what they retain in salary
With his health risk no one will break the bank for him as it stands with a 7.25 cap hit
Leafs would be a perfect trade partner plus they could eat up the difference the leafs are paying kessel