The Pittsburgh Penguins have acquired 31 year old center To read this insider news, subscribe to get “Inside Access”!

Penguins General Manager Ron Hextall cited Granlund’s versatility in a released statement by the team. “Mikael is a versatile forward, able to play either wing or center, and contribute offensively, said Hextall. “He has experience on both the power play and penalty kill and can add options to our lineup.”

What the move for Granlund certainly doesn’t address by any means is adding a different type of top-9 forward to the mix that has been evident as a major need for the Penguins ahead of the deadline. Granlund has struggled mightily this season in driving even strength offense and has not topped more than 17 goals in a season since 2017-2018 with the Minnesota Wild. This is a risky addition for the Penguins to make for a 31 year old declining player with a $5 million cap hit for two more seasons whose game is built on skill and having to produce. Granlund’s not going to be a player who’s going to come in and excel on the forecheck and do the little things really well if he’s not producing.

Cap wise to make room for Granlund, the Penguins tonight traded Teddy Blueger to the Vegas Golden Knights as expected got value for Blueger in receiving a 2024 third-round pick from the Golden Knights. The wheels have been in motion to trade To read this insider news, subscribe to get “Inside Access”!