Penguins Rumors: 2 Potential Trade Candidates For Pittsburgh

According to Dan Kingerski of Pittsburgh Hockey Now, Lars Eller and Kevin Hayes have emerged as potential trade candidates for the Pittsburgh Penguins this coming season. 

As the Penguins aim to rejuvenate their roster with younger, more dynamic players, the roles of these veteran centers are being scrutinized. 

With Noel Acciari and Blake Lizotte capable of handling the bottom-six center duties, both Eller and Hayes could be viewed as expendable assets. 

Eller's $2.45 million AAV in the final year of his contract makes him an attractive trade option, especially given his defensive reliability and veteran presence. 

Trading Eller would free up valuable roster space for prospects like Vasily Ponomarev and Brayden Yager while also adding to the Penguins' stockpile of future draft picks, as noted by Kingerski.

Filthy short-handed goal from Lars Eller 🤢 pic.twitter.com/lkuYJvtyzH

— Danny Shirey (@DannyShireyPGH) November 10, 2023

Kevin Hayes, recently acquired and with two years remaining on his contract at a $3.5 million cap hit, is another player who could be moved if the Penguins decide to fully embrace a retool. 

Although Hayes brings experience and depth to the lineup, his presence also blocks younger players from entering the roster. 

Kevin Hayes with a huge goal to tie it up at 1! #stlblues pic.twitter.com/REEI92MPe6

— BluesMuse (@STLBluesMuse) January 14, 2024

Moving Hayes might be more challenging than Eller, but it aligns with GM Kyle Dubas's goal of refreshing the roster and preparing for a swift retooling as Sidney Crosby continues to lead the team.

As the season progresses, particularly around the trade deadline, the market value for experienced, reliable players like Eller and Hayes could rise, especially for teams looking to bolster their depth for a playoff push.

Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports