PENGUINS TRADE: John Marino to Devils, Sets Up More Trades

The Pittsburgh Penguins found their trade. And it appears they are set up for more action on the NHL trade market, too.

After days of stirring the trade rumors when GM Ron Hextall openly admitted the team would not carry nine defensemen next season, and one or two would go, Hextall sent right-handed d-man John Marino to the New Jersey Devils for Ty Smith and a third-round pick.

Marino’s contract comes off the Penguins’ books. He has five more years with a $4.4 million AAV.

Smith, 22, was the 17th overall pick in the 2018 NHL draft. He’s an offensive defenseman in whom many still see top-four defenseman potential. However, he had a tough year in New Jersey with just 20 points (5-15-20) and was a minus-26.

Smith has played in 114 NHL games over two seasons and scored seven goals with 36 assists.

National Hockey Now prospects chief Marco D’Amico said, “Really good youngster, mobile and top-4 to be for sure.”

The 5-foot-11 180-pound defenseman is left-handed, which gives the Penguins six lefties under contract, including Mark Friedman, who can play both sides. Marcus Pettersson, Brian Dumoulin, P.O Joseph and Mike Matheson are the others.

Removing Marino’s cap hit but adding another defenseman would appear to set up another trade as the Penguins still have nine defensemen. Smith’s cap hit is only 863k. He will enter the third year of his three-year ELC and be a restricted free agent after this coming season.

The Pittsburgh Penguins now have about $3.2 million in free cap space, pending a contract for RFA Kasperi Kapanen.

Update: GM Ron Hextall confirmed Smith is waivers exempt. He could be placed in the minors if the situation dictates.

The #NJDevils acquired 25 y/o RD John Marino (Yr 2/6 $4.4M Cap Hit) from #LetsGoPens for 22 y/o LD Ty Smith (Yr 3/3 $863K Cap Hit then RFA) & '23 3rd Round Pick#Pens save & #NJDevils add $3.54M Cap Hit in Dealhttps://t.co/eaDx6xonUN

— PuckPedia (@PuckPedia) July 16, 2022