GM Ron Hextall has said he won’t trade the Penguins’ first-round draft pick for 2022.
Maybe he should.
It would have to be the right deal. It would have to be made within the restrictions of the Penguins’ limited cap space: Just $3 million, according to CapFriendly.com.
Maybe Hextall could package that pick with winger Kasperi Kapanen, ditching his $3.2 million cap hit and a player that contributes very little. Kapanen is a restricted free agent at season’s end, so whatever team takes him could let him walk.
Hextall could also ask his trade partner to retain salary on whatever player comes to Pittsburgh.
The Penguins have severe rebuilding to do in the not-too-distant future. They need draft picks to do that.
But if the 2022 draft occurred today, the Penguins would select 28th in the first round. Chances are that player will not rebuild the franchise, nor sell tickets.
If you think these Penguins can make a playoff run, you consider trading that pick.
The Penguins need to get better by the March 21 trade deadline. The New York Rangers will, and they could easily be the Penguins' first-round playoff foe. Click HERE to learn more.
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