Source: Penguins brass in attendance last week came away with a high opinion of Oilers d-man Jeff Petry

Penguins GM Jim Rutherford and assistant general manager Bill Guerin were among the prominent front office members who traveled with the team on last week’s three game Western road trip and while the Penguins have been getting a read on the right handed d-man market over the last several weeks, one player left a strong impression on the Penguins brass.

A silky smooth defenseman on the breakout, Oilers defenseman Jeff Petry (6-3, 200 lbs) caught the eye of the Penguins top decision makers in the organization who have a higher opinion than before of what Petry could bring to the table to the Penguins short-term and potentially long-term.

Petry’s $3.1 million cap hit has Pittsburgh considering a move for Petry who is expected to cost a second round pick or a mid-to-top tier NHL ready prospect.

Despite limited cap space, the fear of losing Christian Ehrhoff and Paul Martin this summer has the Penguins in the discussion stage of acquiring a younger No. 4/No. 5 type defenseman they could potentially sign this summer at a lower cost than Ehrhoff or Martin will cost with both nearing their mid-30’s.

Petry at age 27 fits the bill.

The team has also had discussions on Devils defenseman Marek Zidlicky in attempt to bolster their depth. Zidlicky has been a favorite of some decision makers in the organization for years. The sense around the league is Zidlicky will go for a third round pick.

Toronto’s Cody Franson and Andrej Sekera are the top available defenseman, though, both are expected to fetch a first round pick and top prospect.

As GM for the Carolina Hurricanes, Rutherford traded for Sekera in 2013.