Penguins Trade Deadline Day Update I: Ehrhoff, Stewart, Search for a D-man

Christian Ehrhoff was not scratched last night because of anything trade related, at least that’s the message coming out of the organization for now. I’m told Mike Johnston did not want to play Ehrhoff Wednesday night vs Washington but the veteran defenseman pushed to play and the coach complied. Word is Johnston was not comfortable playing Ehrhoff again Sunday despite Ehrhoff being fully cleared by the medical staff and practicing Saturday. It remains an odd situation and the Ehrhoff camp has been quiet.

No one close to the situation seems to want to rule out a trade just yet, though, I put the percentages under 20%.

The Anaheim Ducks have been circling around with interest in Ehrhoff and the Penguins believe he wants to sign out West this summer. Ehrhoff has a no movement clause and a trade is very unlikely but there is believed to be some temptation from a few team officials but not the guy who calls the shots it seems.

Anaheim has put forwards Emerson Etem and Matt Beleskey in play for the right deal.

— The Penguins continue to monitor the situation for Marek Zidlicky, who they really like, but would likely cost their second round pick to get the Devils to think about retaining salary. Sounds unlikely but never know.

— Throughout scouting meetings over the last month, assistant coach Gary Agnew has been a big supporter of bringing veteran defenseman Jan Hejda on board, a source says. Penguins also believed to be monitoring that situation but like any pursuit for Zidlicky would need the Av’s to retain salary and word is that’s something they’re not looking to do. We’ll see.

Low-end defenseman with low cap hits that are available, Patrick Wiercioch ($2 million) Scott Hannan ($1 million) and Eric Gryba ($1.25 million).

— The Penguins having interest in Flames defenseman Kris Russell seems to be news to some close to the situation that would know.

— The price for Chris Stewart is dropping to a third or fourth round pick with the Sabres willing to eat salary. Penguins had interest in October…..That’s a situation where I could see Jm Rutherford being tempted and put Stewart on the fourth line. Name to watch today