Rumor: Pittsburgh Penguins Looking to Move Out Salary

The Pittsburgh Penguins are one of the most cap crunched teams at the moment and general manager Ron Hextall has some work to do to create some financial flexibility. The team aren't in line to lose any key free agents but regardless, Hextall wants to add size and toughness and creating cap space would be a cherry on top.

Marcus Pettersson continues to be rumored to being shopped to other teams as his $4.02 million salary for the next four seasons isn't ideal for the type of production the Penguins have been receiving. The Chicago Blackhawks could have some interest in the 6'3 defender who recorded nine points in 47 games. With limited offensive numbers and listed at a slender 177 pounds, the Swedish defenseman isn't any ideal candidate for a team led by Hextall and Brian Burke. 

The Penguins are going to do whatever they can to add some nasty to their lineup this offseason. The team was pushed around too many times for management's liking and even though their goaltending wasn't on point when they needed it, the team is expected to go with Tristan Jarry as the starter next season. Management will be keeping a close eye on Evgeni Malkin's recovery from surgery and will be able to save a few bucks having him placed on LTIR. The fun begins when he gets healthy again as the timelines aren't setting themselves up for a 'Kucherov 2.0'. 

Expect trades out of Pittsburgh, but it won't be any core pieces. The secondary cast will have a few characters changing, and ideally management will have a few extra bucks in their pockets when it's all said and done.

Photo credit:  Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports