Scout Buzz: Penguins with a heavy presence for Hurricanes – Leafs tonight

It’s that time of year and the Penguins have a heavy scouting presence in Raleigh tonight for Hurricanes – Maple Leafs. Pittsburgh has two scouts in attendance, including Derek Clancey, the Penguins director of pro scouting.

Top names of interest for Carolina are Jiri Tlusty and defenseman Andrej Sekera, the most highly coveted defenseman on the trade front. The Penguins have been trying to acquire Tlusty all season.

While the Penguins have downplayed chances of acquiring a defenseman, NHL sources say the Penguins have joined the crowded field of suitors for Sekera in the last week.

From Toronto, the obvious name of interest is Daniel Winnik who the Penguins tried to acquire in late January and again in early February. The Leafs asking price is reportedly a second, third round pick, deemed too high for the Penguins liking, though, recent talks with the Penguins had Toronto seeking a high pick and prospect Scott Wilson from the Penguins.

Penguin officials are high on Wilson.

The Penguins also have a scouting presence tonight in New Jersey. Former assistant coach Jacques Martin has scouted the Devils multiple times over the last three weeks.