Rumblings: Penguins connected to Rangers in some seismic trade talks?

A five game homestand that included three opponents Pittsburgh at the time was separated by three points or less, was a golden opportunity to stack some points before a seven-game road trip where the Penguins have won just six out of 21 times this season way from PPG Paints Arena. Accumulating three out of a possible eight points thus far on the homestand, Pittsburgh has to get tonight’s game against the reeling Seattle Kraken. The Kraken have dropped 11 of their last 15 games and there’s plenty noise of a GM change is looming with some wondering if Ron Francis will last the next month.

Could that lead to former Penguins coach Dan Bylsma being one and done in Seattle? If wholesale changes happen in the front office with Francis and Jason Botterill gone after the season, it’s hard to see Bylsma getting a second year in Seattle.

Pittsburgh has won just two out of nine games since Christmas Break, but they’ve played a lot better than their record indicates during this stretch which has led to frustration that this is just who the Penguins are. As mediocre the wild card chase is with Ottawa and Columbus currently slotted in the final two wildcard spots (Points%) at an 87 and 88 point pace, Pittsburgh enters Game #46 tonight and still hovering at an 80-point pace. Essentially need to win 22 out of the next 37 games just to get to 88.

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Whether you agree with the plan or not, Penguins GM Kyle Dubas has a long-term picture plan and he’s not going to deviate from it. Still, frustrations among the fan base and even some in the organization is warranted that there are options without messing with the development of your young players in Wilkes Barre.

Among them, how long are we going to wait for the shoe to drop with the goaltending? Make a statement, waive one of them and sink or swim with Joel Blomqvist rest of the way. Anyone can see it.

It’s not just the goaltender. Pittsburgh is not dressing their best 12 forwards.

Pittsburgh right now is prioritizing the development of their young forwards in Wilkes Barre and they take pride in the season Wilkes Barre is having. That’s understandable.

Something, though, has to change with this Matt Nieto experiment and does carrying a Noel Acciari on the roster make any sense when you’re not really trying to win? Stop prioritizing these guys just because they can kill penalties.

Emil Bemstrom with 15 goals and 32 points in 30 AHL games, is worth a look to switch something up to give the Penguins some more offense in the bottom-6 and even a left shot option on the 2nd power play.

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Penguins GM Kyle Dubas will always be on the hunt for change of scenery young players. That isn’t changing. An emerging trend, though, around the Penguins is a buzz in league circles Penguins management has been involved in serious discussions with multiple teams, particularly clubs looking to shed a major salary. One league source indicated it’s a matter of time before the Penguins are involved in a blockbuster type trade that sees them taking on a pretty seismic contract that nets them enough significant future assets to take the risk. NHL executives contend To read this insider news, subscribe to get “Inside Access”!

A name being floated connected to Pittsburgh is To read this insider news, subscribe to get “Inside Access”!

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*Tristan Jarry in Goal

*Michael Bunting to Play

*Evgeni Malkin Game Time Decision (Likely to Play)

Lineup:

Rakell-Crosby-Rust

Bunting-Malkin-Glass

O’Connor-Hayes-Tomasino

Beauvillier-Lizotte-Acciari

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Grzelcyk-Karlsson

Pettersson-Letang

Pickering-Joseph

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Tristan Jarry