Is it possible the Pittsburgh Penguins lost their backup plan for Erik Karlsson?
Is it possible the Pittsburgh Penguins lost their backup plan for Erik Karlsson?
The Pittsburgh Penguins have continued their quest to acquire Erik Karlsson, but as time goes on, it’s safe to assume Kyle Dubas has started looking backup plans.
The wait can’t last forever and the Penguins need to start thinking about roster construction and where certain players will fit in the lineup.
If Karlsson isn’t making his way to Pittsburgh, Dubas likely would need to get creative in continuing to bolster the blue line.
Could Dubas have been looking at Tony DeAngelo as a Karlsson backup plan?
DeAngelo has had his issues off the ice and has clashed with teammates before, but from a purely hockey standpoint, he’s a good option after Karlsson.
The 27-year-old defensemen is a former 19th overall pick, and still produces to that degree.
In 70 games played last season with the not very good Philadelphia Flyers, DeAngelo put up 42 total points (11G-31A), leading their defense in scoring.
The season prior with a much better Carolina Hurricane squad, DeAngelo posted a career-high pace of 51 points (10G-41A) in 64 games.
DeAngelo is a solid puck mover that could have complimented the Penguins blue line nicely, especially if Karlsson landed with the Carolina Hurricanes.
The two most notable teams to be in on Karlsson are the Penguins and Hurricanes; did DeAngelo signing with the Hurricanes take them out of the race?
NHL Network’s Mike Rupp believes so, giving the Penguins the inside track on the reigning Norris Trophy winner.
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAxJ0yktDwM[/embed]
DeAngelo likely may have been a backup plan for both the Hurricanes and Penguins, but it was Carolina that jumped first.
That small singing may force the Penguins’ hand to go all in on Karlsson; they don’t want to overpay, but if they still want to bolster their defense, he’s the best option available.
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