Rumor: Penguins trying to trade D Jack Johnson for a Center; 3 possible destinations

The Pittsburgh Penguins are in a tough spot, as two of the top-3 centres have gone down with injury. Both Nick Bjugstad and Evgeni Malkin are not available and are considered week-to week, Malkin even month-to-month. It was obvious on Tuesday night against the Jets, the Pens need to make a move.

Bold GM, Jim Rutherford isn't shy from any type of trade, it's just not as easy as it looks given their current cap situation. There was reports earlier this month from the Athletic stating Jack Johnson was informed the team is looking to move him, and now it appears more likely than ever he will be moved for a forward who can take some faceoffs for the Pens.

According to sources connected to Rutherford, the team has been offering Johnson to several teams and have targeted a few centres, including:

1. Adam Lowry of the Winnipeg Jets. Lowry finished last year with 23 points, and would provide the Pens with a stable centre for their bottom six once everyone is healthy.

2. Chris Tierney of the Ottawa Senators. Tierney had a career high 48 points last season and parlaying Johnson with a high draft pick may be enough for the rebuilding Sens to budge.

3. Carter Rowney of the Anaheim Ducks. Rowney is an ex-Pen and someone Rutherford is familiar with. The 30-year-old played 62 games last season for the Ducks and tallied 20 points.

Rutherford continues to work the phones to try and ensure his team doesn't fall too far behind in what's to be a completely wide open division. It's not if, it's when will the Pens pull the trigger.