NHL Rumors: 2 Trade Targets for the Pittsburgh Penguins

The Pittsburgh Penguins started slow this season due to a wide range of injuries to some key players but ever since we turned the calendar to 2022, they have been one of the league's best teams. President of hockey operations Brian Burke and general manager Ron Hextall have been busy trying to get a grip on the trade market as while they don't want to trade first round picks and top prospects, the team is open to 'hockey deals' as we approach the March 21 trade deadline. Let's take a look at two trade targets for the Penguins:

Cedric Paquette, Montreal Canadiens

The Montreal Canadiens are in the middle of a fire sale and Cedric Paquette is a player multiple playoff-bound teams would like to add before the trade deadline. He plays the game tough, loves to be physical and would be a great addition for the Penguins for their bottom-six. The 28-year-old is a pending free agent who is making under $1 million and wouldn't cost an arm and a leg to acquire. Paquette has recorded only two assists this season but isn't someone the Penguins would rely on to chip in offensively. His defensive game, versatility, playoff experience and his toughness is what they're after.

Martin Jones, Philadelphia Flyers

Martin Jones and Hextall have some history and while the netminder has struggled this season with the Flyers, he's someone the team could insert to replace Casey DeSmith. Jones has 62 games of Stanley Cup Playoff experience and considering the inexperienced duo in Pittsburgh at the moment and Tristan Jarry who struggled last postseason, this addition makes some sense for the Penguins. At 32 years old and looking for a new contract, an extension wouldn't be out of the picture as well. Jones has posted an .898 save % this season which is under league average however the Flyers have been horrible and the Penguins play a much tighter defensive game under head coach Mike Sullivan. While neither of these two targets are flashy names, they could go a long way in helping Pittsburgh push for the playoffs.

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