Report: Penguins Asked for Lowry from Winnipeg

The Pittsburgh Penguins attempts to solidify their third line and deal center Derick Brassard have not been agreeable to the Winnipeg Jets.

Wednesday evening, Darren Dreger of TSN reported he believes the Penguins asked for a name first speculated by Pittsburgh Hockey Now last summer: Adam Lowry.

However, according to Dreger Winnipeg has thus far balked at Penguins GM Jim Rutherford’s asking price. Lowry is the Winnipeg third line center and signed through 2021 at a manageable $2.9 million average annual cap hit.

This season, Lowry has only 14 points (7g, 7a) in 48 games. The 25-year-old center is a commanding physical presence. The 6-foot-5, 210-pound center has 132 hits already this season. He had 217 hits in his last full season, 2016-17.

“This year they kicked tires on Derick Brassard, but my understanding is that Pittsburgh probably wanted somebody like Adam Lowry as compensation.” #NHLJets #Pens https://t.co/AcE4ZIQqwB

— Chris Nichols (@NicholsOnHockey) January 30, 2019

It was widely believed Winnipeg GM Kevin Cheveldayoff was the front runner for Brassard at the 2018 trade deadline, but Vegas and the Penguins teamed up for a three-team deal which allowed the Penguins to acquire Brassard.

Wednesday night, the Brassard situation again bubbled in Pittsburgh. The Penguins center missed the morning skate and the game against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday night. While internet speculation immediately ignited, the team announced Brassard was out with an upper-body injury–a fact which was hinted at by sources to Pittsburgh Hockey Now, early in the day.

The Athletic also quoted Rutherford, Tuesday night that a trade was not imminent.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now asked Brassard if he has heard the trade scuttle. Read the full story here.