Isles, Penguins talking?
The New York Islanders approached the Pittsburgh Penguins last week about the availability of defenseman Ben Lovejoy only to be told he’s not available, according to a team source. The Islanders were willing to move one of their two 3rd round picks in ex-change for Lovejoy, but the Penguins had no interest in such a deal I’m told.
However, the Islanders remain active in trying to add a defenseman and have been scouting the AHL ranks heavily over the past couple weeks.
One name to draw some interest from Islanders scouts is believed to be Penguins defenseman Deryk Engelland.
Engelland, 27, is a unrestricted free agent next season and team executives expect Engelland to pursue opportunities to be a 6th or 7th defenseman elsewhere next season.
Pittsburgh is seeking a 4th round pick in return for Engelland.
The Christmas Trade Freeze is December 19th.