3 Penguins 2023 Trade Targets to Help Bottom Six Forwards

The Pittsburgh Penguins are trying to upgrade their bottom two lines before the trade deadline. General manager Ron Hextall has a surplus of defensemen and once Kris Letang gets back to full strength, expectation is the Penguins will then get aggressive on the trade market. Here's a few bottom-six forwards who could be targets for Pittsburgh:

Austin Watson, Ottawa Senators

The Senators are expected to sell off some assets and pending free agent Austin Watson is someone who is expected to move. He's a veteran who loves to play an in-your-face style and be physical on the forecheck. Watson also isn't scared to stand up for his teammates, something the Penguins could use more of. So far in 37 games, the versatile winger has recorded five points and 90 hits.

Matt Nieto, San Jose Sharks

The Sharks are another struggling team who are looking to sell. The Penguins would love to add Timo Meier but a more realistic option could be checking winger Matt Nieto. He's a great penalty killer and has lots of Stanley Cup Playoff experience with the Colorado Avalanche. The 30-year-old winger can play either side and makes an affordable $850,000 against the cap, a figure the Penguins could easily fit within their books.

Nick Bjugstad, Arizona Coyotes

We could see a reunion of sorts in Pittsburgh this season as Nick Bjugstad is a potential trade target from the Arizona Coyotes. He's a big body at 6-foot-6 and can play down the middle and on the wing, something the Penguins would love to have more of. This type of versatility could do wonders in Pittsburgh as they can't seem to stay healthy and have to juggle their lineup on a consistent basis. Bjugstad is a rental, under $1 million and is having a fine season with 16 points in 35 games. Certainly an acquisition price the Penguins could afford.

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