It is no secret that the Pittsburgh Penguins are open to making trades right now as they continue to retool their roster. Bryan Rust, Erik Karlsson, and Rickard Rakell are three notable names who have been discussed heavily in the rumor mill this off-season. However, with the Penguins willing to make changes, it is fair to wonder if some of their depth players could end up moved, whether that is during the summer or the season.

When looking at the Penguins' roster, one player who has the potential to generate interest around the league is forward Blake Lizotte.

Lizotte is certainly a player to keep an eye on moving forward. The 27-year-old center is entering the final season of his contract and is a pending unrestricted free agent (UFA). With this, he could be a player who the Penguins make available if they do not view him as a long-term part of their plans. When noting that he has an affordable $1.85 million cap hit, there would likely be some suitors out there for him if he is shopped.

Lizotte just completed his first season with the Penguins after spending the previous six with the Los Angeles Kings. In 59 games this past season with the Penguins, he recorded 11 goals, 20 points, and 60 hits. When noting that he can provide decent secondary offensive production and grit, he could be a nice addition for a playoff club looking to boost its bottom six at the center position. He can also kill penalties, which adds to his appeal.

Nevertheless, it will be intriguing to see what the Penguins end up doing with Lizotte this season.

Former Penguins Winger Still A Free Agent With it now being August, things around the NHL have naturally slowed down significantly. It is not surprising, as most of this year's unrestricted free agents (UFAs) have been signed. However, there are still some veterans who are UFAs at this point in the summer, and one of them is former <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins">Pittsburgh Penguins</a> forward Matt Nieto. 

Penguins Forward Could Become Popular Trade Target