A blockbuster trade proposal has the Pittsburgh Penguins making another big-time move, this time one that involves a superstar winger for Sidney Crosby.
The Penguins narrowly missed the postseason this year, marking the first time in the Sidney Crosby era that they failed to qualify for the playoffs in back-to-back years. But with Crosby and franchise pillars Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang still producing at high levels, the Penguins aren’t in an ideal position to rebuild.
Last year, the Penguins traded for Norris Trophy-winning defenseman Erik Karlsson to bolster their offense. Even though Karlsson provided 56 points from the blue line, the Pens still finished a disappointing 18th in goals for (255).
Dan Kingerski of Pittsburgh Hockey Now proposed a trade idea that has the Penguins acquiring another big-named winger for Sidney Crosby: Disgruntled Columbus Blue Jackets star Patrik Laine:
“It’s been a while since Laine was the top sniper in the NHL, but he has the talent. And it would seem he again has the desire after completing the program. This week, he and his agent discussed a trade out of Columbus for Laine to get a fresh start elsewhere.
Dubas said last week at the NHL Draft Combine that his goal was to urgently stockpile picks and prospects while Sidney Crosby and the Penguins core were still around to mentor the young players. While acquiring Laine might run counter to that ambition, it may not do so destructively, and it may provide the Penguins with an opportunity to again part with superfluous veterans.”
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Laine appeared in 18 games this season, entering the NHL/NHL Players’ Association Player Assistance Program in January. Over his four seasons in Columbus (174 games played), Laine has 64 goals and 74 points.
The No. 2 pick of 2016 had his best season for the Winnipeg Jets in 2017-18, scoring 44 goals and 70 points. Unfortunately, Laine has missed plenty of time to injury, as he’s played over 68 games just once since 2018-19.
A fresh start is clearly needed for Laine, and few centers would be better to help him regain that 50-goal form than Sidney Crosby. This is a man who turned Chris Kunitz into an Olympic gold medalist and Jake Guentel into a four-time 30-goal scorer, after all.
Penguins’ Window With Sidney Crosby Is Closing
By the start of next season, Crosby and Letang will be 37 years of age, and Malkin will be 38. Karlsson himself just turned 34 years old last month, so the Penguins’ competitive window will be shut soon unless GM Kyle Dubas can complete a big move or two this offseason.
Laine is a consistent 30-goal threat despite never playing with a center of Crosby’s caliber. So it makes perfect sense for Pittsburgh to target Laine in an effort to re-open their championship window.
