The Pittsburgh Penguins were among teams listed as a destination for one of the top players in the trade market.
PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Penguins aren’t expected to make big moves at the trade deadline, but if they decide to go for it, there are plenty of quality options they could look at. Early reports have indicated that the Penguins have their eyes on defenseman, and a new name has emerged as a possibility.
According to Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff, the Penguins could be a perfect landing spot for Calgary Flames defenseman Chris Tanev. The Flames seem ready to start tearing their roster down one piece at a time, and Tanev is one of the biggest names likely heading out of Calgary.
“We’re not convinced the Pens are going to add," Seravalli writes. "But if they do, a shutdown guy like Tanev would make sense.”
Tanev is a gritty third-pairing defensive defenseman who isn’t afraid to bring a rough and tumble game to the ice. In 763 career games, Tanev has only recorded 180 games, but regularly gives his body to play stout defense. In his career, Tanev has blocked 1,580 shots and currently leads the Flames with 135 blocks on the year.
135 blocks would enter the Penguins lineup as far and away the leader in the clubhouse. The current leader among the Penguins is Ryan Graves with just 89.
Tanev would obviously be a huge help to the Penguins defensive group, but he would likely cost a premium. Tanev is being regarded as one of the biggest trade targets in the NHL this season. At 34-years-old, Tanev is in the final year of his contract that earns him $4.5 million against the salary cap.
The future of the Penguins still feels undecided and a possible quick rebuild might be the plan, but if they’re committed to the 2023-24 season, Tanev is a solid option to fill out the bottom pairing.
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