The Pittsburgh Penguins continue to struggle on the man advantage, dropping to 25th in the NHL. Heading into the 2023-24 season, Pittsburgh Penguins new president and general manager Kyle Dubas set a pretty high standard for the team. Dubas believes that the Penguins can still fight for another Stanley Cup and is willing to make the tough decisions to make that run a reality. In his first summer, Dubas proved to not be afraid of making big moves with the roster; he acquired Reilly Smith for top six forward help, and arguably the biggest move around the league, nabbing three-time Norris Trophy winner Erik Karlsson. Even after the season began, Dubas wasn’t done making modifications to the Penguins organization. Dubas dealt Mark Friedman for Jack Rathbone in a move that could mostly be seen as continuing to cleanse the Ron Hextall scent off of Pittsburgh. About 20 games into the season, the Penguins are still far behind the eight ball in finding success and are in desperate need of a shake up. Through performance decisions on injuries, the Penguins lineup has seen its fair share of modifications, but does Dubas have a trick up his sleeve that can serve as the proper wakeup call before things get even worse in Pittsburgh? In sports, especially in hockey, trades are inevitable, but who on the Penguins could Dubas see as a good trade piece, or even as extra baggage? P.O. JOSEPH Despite sitting out with an injury, defenseman P.O. Joseph might be right atop the Penguins trade block. The Penguins have plenty of options to fill his bottom pairing role and those names have already seen plenty of NHL time over Joseph. Ryan Shea and John Ludvig man the third pairing right now and even when healthy Joseph might not squeeze in. Joseph is still young and had a bright future in the NHL; he may not catch an outstanding return for the Penguins, but a number of teams would likely jump at the opportunity. ALEX NYLANDER There is no doubt Alex Nylander can play in the NHL; he has the skill and the speed, but he needs to find that finish. Dubas said prior to the season that he expects Nylander to be a regular NHLer by the end of the year and he thinks extremely highly of him. If Nylander can find a good rhythm and create some more offense, he could be floated as an attractive trade piece. RICKARD RAKELL If the Penguins want to make a splash in the trade market, Rickard Rakell may be the biggest name available. A few major downsides have cut into Rakell’s trade value, however, with a poor start to the season and currently sitting on long-term injured reserve. Rakell started the year with no goals and four assists in 17 games before suffering an upper-body injury. Far from good enough for someone who is usually a steady goal scorer and led the Penguins in power play goals last year. The Penguins don’t have many options right now and the losses continue to pile up. Dubas has already proven he isn’t afraid of making changes to the roster, but his next move might have to be a big one. Make sure you bookmark Inside the Penguins [http://insidethepenguins.com/]for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns and so much more. Penguins vs. Maple Leafs: Need To Steal Wins [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/latest-news/pittsburgh-penguins-toronto-maple-leafs-need-steal-wins] Sidney Crosby on Career Best Goal Scoring Pace [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/players/pittsburgh-penguins-sidney-crosby-career-best-goal-pace] Penguins Allow Three Unanswered Goals in Third Period in Loss to Sabres [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/latest-news/pittsburgh-penguins-allow-three-unanswered-loss-buffalo-sabres] NHL Blocks Former Penguins Goalie From Wearing Special Mask [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/latest-news/nhl-blocks-former-pittsburgh-penguins-marc-andre-fleury-special-mask] Penguins Core Take Different Roles To Help Find Success [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/players/pittsburgh-penguins-core-different-roles-success] * undefined * undefined
