NHL Rumors: 3 Pittsburgh Penguins Trade Candidates

The Pittsburgh Penguins haven't quite hit their stride this season and are a team who could be in for some changes this season. It's likely going to be nothing major, however expect to see Penguins GM Ron Hextall tinker with his roster before the trade deadline. Here's three Penguins to watch as prime trade candidates:

Kasperi Kapanen

The speedy winger is in the coach's doghouse and continues to be in and out of the lineup. So far in 13 games, Kasperi Kapanen has recorded one goal and five points. The team committed to Kapanen last summer, signing him to a two-year contract extension worth $3.2 million per season. Some questioned the deal then, and now it looks like they made the wrong choice. The Penguins have discussed Kapanen in trades the past few weeks, but so far, no luck. They may have to eat some salary to get a team to agree.  

Brian Dumoulin

The veteran Penguins defenseman has struggled this season and has been linked to a trade. Dumoulin has been rumored to be on the Ottawa Senators radar as the 31-year-old is a pending free agent who makes $4.1 million against the cap. He's a defensive defenseman, who when he's on, is one of the best in the game at what he does. Unfortunately, this season has been a struggle for Dumoulin, and he's slowly crept down the depth chart in Pittsburgh.

Tristan Jarry

Yes, the Penguins 'number one' netminder is worth keeping an eye on. There's a reason Jarry went into this season without a long-term contract extension as management wanted to be patient and see him perform at the highest level. So far...no good, as Jarry's appeared in 10 games and has posted a .895 save % and a 3.60 GAA. There's potential the Penguins could look to bring in a veteran goalie before the trade deadline this season.

Photo credit:  Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports