|
It wont' take a Haula to land this third line player |
|
|
|
|
|
It is always interesting trying to figure out the different needs and paths there are during deadline day. Pittsburgh is definitely looking to add a third line player to help out with their forward group. I’ve mentioned names like Conor Sheary and Tyler Ennis on the lower end of the spectrum that shouldn’t cost a ton.
A few hours after defeating the Pittsburgh Penguins the Washington Capitals traded a third round pick to land Ilya Kovalchuk who was another player I have discussed in the past month or so. The Capitals already had traded for Brenden Dillion which you probably noticed in the game on Sunday. So the Penguins are definitely going to feel motivated to do something.
I’ve scanned through a lot of the rosters in the league keeping in mind what position the team is sitting at in the standings, their roster needs, and their cap space. I found a potentially interesting one which could make sense for both teams and it won’t take a haul to get the player. It will involve a Haula.
Erik Haula is an unrestricted free agent. He has had injury issues the past few years. He’s only around 400 minutes played this year at 5v5 and was under 200 last year. He’s a third line player and the Penguins have something the Hurricanes might need. As you’ve heard Carolina resorted to an emergency backup the other night and the health of their two goaltenders is in question. Enter Casey DeSmith who was kept out of tonight’s WB/S game. This all hinges on Carolina’s need at the goaltender position and their assessment of DeSmith as a player.
Carolina is also hurting for defensemen at the moment because of the Dougie Hamilton injury and now Brett Pesce looks to be out for a while. Could Justin Schultz be used in a hockey trade for someone like Erik Haula? It makes sense for the team needs, but it appears the Penguins aren't keen on doing anything with their defense depth at the moment
Haula has shown some stretches of very good hockey. Before he got hurt in Vegas he was having a great season. This year hasn’t been his best, but other samples are encouraging. His two most common linemates have been Martin Necas and Ryan Dzingel.
The good sample in Vegas is a shade under 200 minutes so it isn’t the most reliable. He played with Max Pacioretty and Alex Tuch for the most part.
When you are looking to be responsible with your assets at the deadline or have already used your big pieces it makes things more difficult. I think there are needs for both the Hurricanes and Penguins and they might be able to help one another out if need be.
Thanks for reading!
Pittsburgh Penguins Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»