The Pittsburgh Penguins [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins] are the most popular team in the rumor mill right now. It is understandable, as Bryan Rust, Rickard Rakell, and Erik Karlsson are currently considered three of the top trade candidates in the league. While there is a real chance that we could see a few of the Penguins' top players on the move, they also have some under-the-radar trade candidates to keep an eye on. Let's discuss two of them now. BLAKE LIZOTTE Blake Lizotte is entering the final season of his contract and could be a player to watch because of it. There certainly could be some interest in him if he is made available, as he is a solid bottom-six center who chips in a bit offensively, kills penalties, and isn't afraid of the physical side of the game. His reasonable $1.85 million cap hit also adds to his appeal. Teams in need of a bottom-six center could call the Penguins about Lizotte, whether that is during this off-season or at the 2026 trade deadline. In 59 games last season with Pittsburgh, the 27-year-old recorded 11 goals, 20 points, 60 hits, and a minus-4 rating. DANTON HEINEN Danton Heinen is another Penguins forward entering the final year of his deal who could make sense for Pittsburgh to shop. He had a down 2024-25 season split between the Vancouver Canucks and Penguins, as he recorded nine goals and 29 points in 79 games. However, he notably bounced back a bit after being traded to Pittsburgh, posting 11 points, and a plus-3 rating in 28 games. When playing at his best, Heinen is capable of providing solid offensive production to go along with steady two-way play. Just back in 2023-24 with the Boston Bruins, he had 17 goals and 36 points in 74 games. If he bounces back next season and puts up numbers like this, he could be a popular trade chip for Pittsburgh to make available at the deadline. Penguins' Low-Risk Move Could Pay Off Big Time [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/41e305eb-9174-4569-88ae-24c04a941a47.webp] Penguins' Low-Risk Move Could Pay Off Big Time The <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins">Pittsburgh Penguins </a>have brought in multiple new players so far this off-season. This includes forward Anthony Mantha, as the Penguins signed the veteran winger to a one-year contract that carries a $2.5 million cap hit. It also comes with an extra $2 million of potential performance bonuses. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/latest-news/penguins-low-risk-move-could-pay-off-big-time] photo credit: © Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
