In market for top-9 forward, Penguins GM Ray Shero made scouting trip to Minnesota Thursday night

Penguins GM Ray Shero only takes a handful of select personal scouting trips a season and tonight he was in Minnesota scouting the Wild and Colorado Avalanche.

The Penguins are in the market for a top-6 forward but Shero is also interested in upgrading the Penguins third line, sources have said.

“I think we need a little bit more out of that line, in particular,” Shero said of the Penguins third line on Wednesday night prior to the Penguins – Senators game.

The hot name in Wild circles continues to be Devin Setoguchi who is available. The Penguins have discussed Setoguchi internally but have yet to aggressively pursue him. The Wild are also shopping winger Pierre-Marc Bouchard who has 2 goals and 1 assist in 12 games this season. Bouchard, 28, has dealt with major concussion issues in the past couple years and is a pending free agent.

Setoguchi remains a player of interest and has picked up his game of late with 2 goals and an assist in his last four games.

Even if Beau Bennett works out as top-6 winger, Shero could still look to add another top-9 forward as Tyler Kennedy is on the hot seat due to his subpar play, dating back to last season and being a restricted free agent at seasons end has him reaching an important point in his Penguin career.

“I know with TK coaches have talked to him and he’s a guy who needs to pick up his game,” Shero said of Kennedy who could be on the move if he doesn’t pick up his game as it’s no guarantee the Penguins would tender him a contract as he currently makes $2 million per season.

Scouts say Setoguchi could fit in a second or third line role. He carries a $3 million cap hit for this season and next season.