The Pittsburgh Penguins need to focus on winning now and sacrificing the first round pick might be the cost.
When general manager Ron Hextall spoke about the state of the Pittsburgh Penguins and their season, he answered a wide array of questions.
One of those questions was whether or not the Penguins first round pick in 2023 was possibly being moved to help improve the current roster.
To be specific, Hextall was asked if the first round pick could be moved as a tool to clear some cap space.
The exact answer from Hextall seemed to state that trading the first round pick wasn’t an option for financial gain.
"I would say that's not on the table,” Hextall said. “in terms of first-round picks for getting salary out, I don't see that as being an option for us.”
Hextall also said that he hasn't been asked about such a deal, anyway, but that doesn't seem to be in the cards for the Penguins.
With that being said, is the first round pick on the table at all? It should be.
When Hextall was hired, he was put into a precarious spot; win now while the core is still together, but also prep for a successful future.
Easier said than done, but if Hextall aims to hold onto his top draft pick and build for the future, that’s his prerogative.
But, it’s clear he is trying to win now, as well; bringing back Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang signified that desire.
With that desire should come the willingness to send the Penguins first round pick to another team.
Hextall and the Penguins have no plans of becoming sellers at the deadline and look to fight for a playoff spot.
To do so, they're going to need an improved group on the ice, and trading a first round draft pick could help.
The Penguins need all the help they can get for this season and it might cost some of the future.
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