3 Potential Trade Destinations for Penguins Mikael Granlund

The Pittsburgh Penguins will be busy this summer as the new management regime of Kyle Dubas and Jason Spezza look to improve the roster for next season. There's little doubt the Penguins will shop forward Mikael Granlund, who was acquired last season by Ron Hextall, a move that didn't sit well with head coach Mike Sullivan. Look for Granlund to be discussed, with these three teams likely involved:

Chicago Blackhawks

The Blackhawks need forwards more than anyone and have a ton of cap space to work. This would be a straight salary dump of Granlund's $5 million contract the next two seasons. Dubas and Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson have history with these types of trades and it would likely cost the Pens a first-round pick in 2023 or a second-round pick in 2024.

Detroit Red Wings

The Red Wings are looking to improve up front and even though things didn't work out in Pittsburgh for Granlund, he's still a 31-year-old versatile forward who can play all over the lineup. There is some appeal there and especially if the trade package is sweetened with a draft pick. Granlund's career high of 69 points came back as a member of the Minnesota Wild.

Arizona Coyotes

Again, if this is going to be a straight salary dump transaction, the Coyotes will be involved. Dubas isn't shy to move draft picks and if it means it's going to set him up with more salary cap flexibility, it's something he's going to entertain. Dubas was constantly against the cap in Toronto and had a cap guru as his right hand man. It won't be the same in Pittsburgh and this extra bit of freedom should untie his hands a little bit. We'll see an aggressive Penguins front office this summer and it will start by moving on from Granlund, which could end up being to the 'Yotes.

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