We know the Penguins are looking to trade to become cap compliant. We now know they are set on moving a defenseman, at least according to Darren Dreger
Pittsburgh will trade a defenceman. There’s been much speculation out there about Jack Johnson. That’s a tough contract to move, but Jimmy Rutherford will move one of his blueliners.
It’s good to see the Penguins are still looking to move on from one of the worst free agent contracts handed out from the last few years, but it isn’t a secret to other teams. What kind of poison pill are the Penguins going to take back? I don’t doubt the Penguins want to move on from Johnson at this point. What is the cost going to be? Like Dreger said it is going to be a tough contract to move.
I think it is a lot more likely that the Penguins move somebody like Chad Ruhwedel than Jack Johnson. They let Ruhwedel rot in the press box for weeks and months at a time last year. Part of the reason I think it could be Ruhwedel is that they are intrigued by giving John Marino his role eventually. They can place Marino, who is waiver exempt, in WB/S to start the year and then recall him later when needed. With Letang, Schultz, and Gudbranson there really isn’t a lot of opportunity for a 29 year old depth player. Getting Ruhwedel’s 700k off the books is enough to get them cap compliant.
I know people are excited about the Jack Johnson thing, but I’ll believe it when I see it. Sorry.
Thanks for reading!