3 Pittsburgh Penguins Offseason Trade Candidates

The Pittsburgh Penguins are expected to name Kyle Dubas as their new general manager in the coming days. Dubas has been taking his time deciding on accepting the contract, as some feel he's keeping his options open regarding a potential president position with the Ottawa Senators. Regardless of if it's Dubas or anyone else, the Penguins new GM will have to be aggressive this summer trying to reset a veteran lineup. Trades will be coming this summer, here's three players in Pittsburgh who could be moving:

Mikael Granlund

The Penguins can thank Ron Hextall for this one as he basically went rogue last season and wasn't taken anyone's advice, including head coach Mike Sullivan. Hextall acquired Granlund at the trade deadline for a second-round pick and it was a disaster. The shifty forward did not fit in with the Penguins and recorded one goal in 21 games. He has two seasons left on his deal at $5 million annually. Without any trade protection, look for Granlund to be dangled at the draft and into free agency.

Marcus Pettersson

It may be time to sell high on defenseman Marcus Pettersson as the 27-year-old defenseman had a fine season in 2022-23. The Penguins have Pierre-Olivier Joseph and Ty Smith, who are both set for bigger roles next season. Pettersson could be shipped out to find a third-line center as Jeff Carter can no longer be trusted. Another Hextall gem.

Casey DeSmith

The Penguins are going to get a lot of calls on Casey DeSmith as his contract is very affordable at $1.8 million against the books. DeSmith and starter Tristan Jarry haven't been able to get the job done when it matters these past two seasons and injury troubles have crept into the picture on more than one occasion. Jarry is a free agent and could be on the move, meanwhile DeSmith's name will come up this summer as someone other teams are interested in adding to their roster.

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