NHL Rumors: Pittsburgh Penguins Declined Offseason Trade Offer

Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Ron Hextall had himself a fine offseason. He re-signed Pens legends Kris Letang and Evgeni Malkin to long-term deals so they can retire in Pittsburgh and Hextall was also able to secure extensions for Rickard Rakell, Kasperi Kapanen and made a couple of trades to boot. One thing which also went down this offseason, denying a trade offer according to Dave Molinari of Pittsburgh Hockey Now.

The trade offer was for forward Jason Zucker, who has been disappointing and inconsistent for the Penguins these past few seasons. He's a pending unrestricted free agent who is making $5.5 million against the cap. Word is the offer included Zucker and an ask of a first-round pick, something Hextall reportedly wanted nothing to do with.

Zucker is slated to battle it out with Danton Heinen for the second-line left wing position alongside Malkin and Rakell. The 30-year-old forward appeared 41 games in 2021-22, recording 17 points. He then went on to tally two assists in five Stanley Cup Playoff games for the Penguins last season.

If I had to guess, the Anaheim Ducks were the ones who likely made this request as they have tons of cap space and are looking to the future. They also are on Zucker's trade list of team's he's willing to be dealt to. For now, no deal, we'll see how this season turns out for Zucker and the Penguins.

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