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Penguins Trade Talk

McKenzie Downplays Injured Penguins Trade Talk

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Bob McKenzie Penguins Trade Talk

TSN Insider Bob McKenzie joined NBCSN during the first intermission of the Penguins game on Wednesday night for his weekly discussion of NHL rumors. McKenzie talked about the post-Bill Peters fallout, St Louis defenseman Alex Pietrangelo’s next contract, the possibility of Buffalo making a move, but of particular interest to Penguins fans were McKenzie’s remarks about current Penguins trade discussions. Or lack thereof.

It has been speculated in the wake of their growing injury list that the Penguins’ GM Jim Rutherford might do some early holiday shopping. Mckenzie disagreed.

“There has been talk about Jim Rutherford looking to swing a trade to help his team get through their injuries,” said McKenzie, ” Its my belief and understanding that Rutherford likes the makeup of his team, but they just aren’t healthy at the moment.”

McKenzie then elaborated on why he thinks a trade might be unnecessary at this point and stressed that Rutherford’s patience might win out over “knee jerk” reactions.

“If you search hard enough there is probably a move that could benefit the Penguins,” he explained. “However, Jim Rutherford holding off on making a move until after he can take stock of his team will benefit the Penguins for the time being.”

Finally, McKenzie believed the emergence of Sam Lafferty, and other Wilkes-Barre/Scranton call ups have helped the Penguins weather the storm of injuries.

When you look at their line up tonight, there is talent from the minor leagues contributing for them.” said McKenzie. “I don’t think any trade is pressing as long as they have those options to help withstand the injuries they have had.”

An observation made on the same night recent Penguins’ call up Stefan Noesen notched his first goal with the team just less than 40 minutes into his first game. McKenzie also discussed the Penguins’ interest level in New Jersey forward Taylor Hall, but called any possible trade “difficult” and “unlikely.”