Penguins Trade Targets that Fit Better than Erik Karlsson
The Pittsburgh Penguins have plenty of defenseman to pursue if they don't land Erik Karlsson.
1. Neal Pionk - RHD, Winnipeg Jets
2022-23 Stats: 82 GP, 10 G, 23 A, 33 P
Contract Status: Two seasons remaining on current contract with $5.875 million cap hit
If the Penguins really want to make a swing for another puck moving, right handed defenseman, they should look north of the border rather than in San Jose. The Winnipeg Jets are a franchise in disarray and turnover, and could be open to moving anyone. That includes the extremely talented defender Neal Pionk.
Pionk has flown under the radar, but has quietly put up four straight 30+ seasons split between the New York Rangers and Winnipeg. He can run a power play, and would add a bonafide threat to the second unit. He can eat minutes, playing just a hair over 21 minutes per matchup with the Jets last season. He'd balance out the defensive mindedness of Marcus Pettersson on the second pairing, making them a much more dangerous pairing. And he's still young at just 27-years-old, so the Penguins could count on him to be around for a few years. Lastly, Pionk could provide an instant and noticeable boost to the Pens' defensive corps while simultaneously taking some much needed offensive pressure off of Kris Letang.
The cost for Pionk would be a significant return, including at least a first round pick and possibly a prospect like Owen Pickering. He's an extremely valuable player to the Jets, so acquiring him would cost a premium, but he's worth it for a team that's in the Stanley Cup hunt. If the Pens want to consider a serious back up plan for Karlsson, Pionk would be an excellent choice.
2. Andrew Peeke, RHD, Columbus Blue Jackets
2022-23 Stats: 80 GP, 6 G, 7 A, 13 P
Contract Status: Three seasons remaining on current contract with $2.75 million cap hit
If the Pens want to make an under the radar move that could pay dividends, they should take a run at Andrew Peeke from the Columbus Blue Jackets. Peeke is a defensively inclined defender who can play a top-four role, first penalty killing minutes, and someone you trust in all zones.
While the team could certainly use another puck mover or second power play quarterback, they also need defensive reliable players who are also mobile. With respect to Jeff Petry and Jan Rutta, their skating styles are hardly described as "up-tempo".
Peeke is a hard skater, with smooth strides and a deceptive amount of speed. He's been playing in a terrible role in Columbus, taking on all major defensive responsibilities and situations for a team that played incredibly poor team defense. His stats show that he was frequently on the ice when the other team scored, but find me a player from Columbus where that wasn't the case this past season.
He could greatly benefit from a change of scenery. At only 25 years old, he has more room to grow and may flourish playing alongside a player like Marcus Pettersson or Ryan Graves. Combine that with a cap hit that matches Jan Rutta's, and you have a low-cost, high-upside defender that would add a steady and youthful element to the stable of Penguins' defenders.
3. Connor Murphy
2022-23 Stats: 80 GP, 6 G, 7 A, 13 P
Contract Status: Three seasons remaining on current contract with $4.4 million cap hit
If the Penguins are going to tether themselves to another 30+ year-old defender, why not invest in a stay at home, tough as nails defenseman like Connor Murphy? The Penguins struggled with physical offenses and insulating their goaltender last season, two areas of strength to Murphy's game. Not only does Murphy stabilize whatever pairing he's playing on, you can also count on him to give you 18-22 minutes each night.
The last few years of Murphy's career have been spent languishing with the basement dwelling Blackhawks, so his defensive metrics are a shell of what his talents are. He is a defender you want against the other team's top lines and when you are defending a one-goal lead late in the game. He has an active stick, is excellent along the boards, and doesn't frequently let players get inside of him. The Pens undoubtedly need a physical presence like Murphy on their defense, and he would cost much less than a Karlsson trade would.
All in all, the Penguins can certainly improve their defense without breaking the bank going for Karlsson. As incredibly talented and mesmerizing as he is to watch, it may be a more shrewd move to find a defenseman who better fits the two-way, second pairing role that Kyle Dubas aims to upgrade. These three players, while not as exciting offensively as Karlsson, would fit in seamlessly with the Pens and add depth in different ways to Pittsburgh's defense.
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