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Win one for Marleau, Sharks forward now a Penguin

February 24, 2020, 11:20 AM ET [247 Comments]
Ryan Wilson
Pittsburgh Penguins Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
The Pittsburgh Penguins have acquired a likely future Hall of Fame player in Patrick Marleau today. The Sharks will receive a third round pick in the trade. The pick becomes a second round pick if the Penguins win it all. I’m sure they’d be fine with that.




As I mentioned this morning you need to frame a Patrick Marleau acquisition in the proper context. The goal was to trade for a third line winger and the Penguins did. They also paid a reasonable third line price with the third round pick. The value is fine. It fills a perceived need for the team.

Patrick Marleau is one of the more likable players from his generation and his career totals and ability to stay in the lineup has been impressive. The latter of the two is important considering the Penguins have struggled this year with their players staying in the lineup. What will win out? Marleau’s consecutive games streak or the Penguins bad injury ju ju? Marleau currently has 846 consecutive games played. For comparison sake Phil Kessel is at 839. Phil made it through his Penguins tenure without injury so there’s hope!

Marleau can provide some depth offense and that is the strength he brings. Defensively, he is not great. Good news, when the Penguins have been healthy they have been a very good defensive team. Getting a one-dimensional offensive player for the third line is fine.




If you are into intangibles there isn’t anything not to like. Marleau has been a captain for many years. He is considered a consummate professional. He lacks a Stanley Cup on his resume so he brings with him the “win it for Marleau” ambience which can be contagious in a locker room.

Even though the Penguins were looking for a third line player and paid a third line price the team has a ton of options for line combos and it would not be surprising to see Marleau bounce around the lineup. He he provides some offensive depth and it helps spread the wealth around the lineup however that may be.

Now stay away from trading for grit and toughness and the day will have been a success.

Thanks for reading!
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