Penguins Trade Rumors Swirl; Talks with Anaheim?

The Pittsburgh Penguins news came fast and furious, Wednesday. Penguins GM Jim Rutherford signed a three-year extension then began the shakeup he threatened one week ago. Rutherford dealt Carl Hagelin to L.A. for Tanner Pearson to shuffle the Penguins locker room and spur the on-ice product. But residual Penguins trade rumors persisted through the afternoon.

On a radio hit with 650 AM in Vancouver, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman dropped this nugget, according to hockey reporter Chris Nichols on his website, Nichols on Hockey:

“I do believe that Pittsburgh is potentially not done,” said Friedman. “I think they were talking with Anaheim about some stuff too.”

Speculation centered on right-handed defensemen Josh Manson and Brandon Montour. However, the situation with Anaheim (if there is or was a situation with Anaheim) was likely affected Wednesday night:

Injury Update:

Cam Fowler was struck in the face with a puck on Monday night. A CT scan revealed a complex right facial fracture involving the orbital bone, cheekbone and upper jaw bone. He will have surgery Friday, after which his expected absence will be known and announced.

— Anaheim Ducks (@AnaheimDucks) November 15, 2018

Fowler is the top defenseman in Anaheim, who averages over 24 minutes of ice time per game, and has maintained that average for three seasons. Fowler has become a playmaking defenseman in Anaheim, so the Ducks may need more serious defensive help than the Penguins are able to provide.

Montour, 24, had a breakout season in 2017-18, just his second NHL season. Manson posted nine goals and 23 assists.

Manson, 27, also had a breakout season, last year. The son of former NHL player Dave Manson notched seven goals and 30 assists in his fourth NHL season.

Also Read: Penguins Trade Analysis; Tanner Pearson Mixed Bag

Friedman listed several teams who are currently active on the market, “But the teams that are probably the biggest hotspots are Anaheim, Kings, Pittsburgh, Toronto because they’ve got the one situation. And you watch, I’ll say that and you’ll put it to air and then five minutes later two teams with nothing to do with them will throw something out there.”

Credit NicholsonHockey.com for the updated Friedman quotes.