{ "blocks": [ { "type": "video", "data": { "url": "https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/video-migration/80UdhfX1.mp4", "streached": true, "controls": true, "caption": "Adding Erik Karlsson would take a ton of weight off of the core of the Pittsburgh Penguins.", "image": { "url": "https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/video-migration/80UdhfX1-poster.jpg" }, "cdn": { "service": "jwplayer", "playlistUrl": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/manifests/80UdhfX1.m3u8", "sources": [ { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/manifests/80UdhfX1.m3u8", "type": "application/vnd.apple.mpegurl" }, { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/videos/80UdhfX1-PleLi0gz.mp4", "type": "video/mp4", "height": 180, "width": 320, "label": "180p", "bitrate": 271316, "filesize": 2577511, "framerate": 30 }, { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/videos/80UdhfX1-TPyFHjSz.mp4", "type": "video/mp4", "height": 270, "width": 480, "label": "270p", "bitrate": 363445, "filesize": 3452732, "framerate": 30 }, { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/videos/80UdhfX1-j3UGax3n.mp4", "type": "video/mp4", "height": 720, "width": 1280, "label": "720p", "bitrate": 1111344, "filesize": 10557772, "framerate": 30 }, { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/videos/80UdhfX1-KwtrUhfG.m4a", "type": "audio/mp4", "label": "AAC Audio", "bitrate": 114727, "filesize": 1089907 }, { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/videos/80UdhfX1-hoWDbBur.mp4", "type": "video/mp4", "height": 360, "width": 640, "label": "360p", "bitrate": 363178, "filesize": 3450196, "framerate": 30 }, { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/videos/80UdhfX1-TcGp53GP.mp4", "type": "video/mp4", "height": 540, "width": 960, "label": "540p", "bitrate": 628098, "filesize": 5966934, "framerate": 30 } ] } } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Kyle Dubas was tasked with rebuilding the Pittsburgh Penguins' bottom six this summer. The additions of a few veteran centers, Noel Acciari, Lars Eller, and winger Matt Nieto, provided an upgrade from the Penguins' horrendous depth at forward last season." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "However, with the offseason at a standstill, Drew O'Connor has become the center of discussion for his pivotal role in the potential Erik Karlsson trade to Pittsburgh. The Penguins are not flush with assets at the moment. A mostly baron prospect pool, next to no cap space, and a currently overstaffed NHL roster make it near impossible to see how a trade like that could work." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Thanks to O'Connor's decision to file for salary arbitration, the Penguins were given more time to work on the potential landscape shattering deal. The 25-year-old forward's arbitration not only gives the Penguins time but could potentially net extra cap space as it triggers a second buyout window for Dubas and the Penguins." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "While O'Connor has already played a significant role for the Penguins off the ice this summer, he could play an integral role in turning around their bottom six during the season. " } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "O'Connor has seen his opportunity grow each year since signing with the Penguins in 2020. Last season, he became a pseudo-everyday NHL player, playing 46 games and averaging 9:49 of ice time. " } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "He has endeared himself to the coaching staff, becoming one of the few players under 26 years old on the NHL roster. His speed and forechecking make him a perfect fit for head coach Mike Sullivan's system, and showed glimpses of offensive upside as he has gotten acclimated to the NHL game." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "If O'Connor continues progressing as he has through the first three years of his career, he could become a solid depth piece for a Penguins team in desperate need of improvement in that area. " } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "O'Connor has played wing since joining the Penguins in 2020 but showed versatility when he moved to center for Team USA at the 2023 World Championships. He scored 8 points (3G-5A) in 10 games, raising the eyebrows of fans back in Pittsburgh." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "The Penguins will need contributions from all around the lineup to return to the postseason in 2024, and O'Connor could find himself in a pivotal position once again." } }, { "id": "wue1gjyk-5nnxie3l", "type": "embed", "data": { "service": "playlist.megaphone.fm", "source": "https://playlist.megaphone.fm/?e=STRAB8527694070", "embed": "https://playlist.megaphone.fm/?e=STRAB8527694070", "caption": "", "height": "200", "width": "100%" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLBMJ2lFveI[/embed]" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Make sure you bookmark Inside the Penguins for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns and so much more!" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Current Penguins That Could Crack 2026 Olympic Rosters" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Does Jason Spezza Play a Role in Bringing Erik Karlsson to the Penguins?" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Erik Karlsson Opens up About Trade Talks With Penguins" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Penguins Trade Targets that Fit Better than Erik Karlsson" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Penguins Prospect Pipeline Slightly Improves" } }, { "type": "list", "data": { "style": "unordered", "items": [ "Subscribe to Inside the Penguins on YouTube", "Follow Inside the Penguins on Twitter: @InsidePenguins" ] } } ] }

Drew O’Connor Is Pivotal for the Penguins