Pivoting Penguins Primer

The Pittsburgh Penguins proved to be the most active team in Karp’s Pond Hockey League before the trade deadline. “Genius” GM VideoJ, as the kids are calling him these days, pulled off 3 HUGE blockbusters to improve the franchise’s future, along with a couple of minor deals. VideoJ’s first move was shipping out franchise player, Sidney Crosby. Let’s break down just how this deal improve the pens.

The first move occurred when long time friend, GM GuyFieri reached out about Sid “The Kid” Crosby. The best player on the team, and one of the best players in the entire league wouldn’t be hard to move. However, Sidney had been underperforming. He was not the same player he used to be anymore. He also has had a rocky relationship with GM VideoJ after rumours of his involvement with a former love interest of Sid. Personally, this reporter just believes Sid couldn’t close the deal that VideoJ could- but I digress. After a couple of days of discussing, Crosby, along with Brian Dumoulin and Nick Bonino were sent packing to Minnesota. In return Pittsburgh received a very generous varied package of assets.

The players in the package were highlighted by the young phenom, Matthew Boldy. Boldy, recently signing a $6 million dollar per year contract figures in to the Pens’ top 6 for years to come. In only his 2nd full season in the NHL, he is roughly a .75 PPG player. Pittsburgh is excited to see how he develops into a future superstar, making Sidney Crosby’s skills looking more like Bing Crosby on ice. Adam Henrique was also sent in return as cap relief for Minnesota. The Penguins view Henrique as a viable fill in option on the 2nd line in Crosby’s absence. He also will figure in to the top 9 next season. He is a leader and will look good in Black and Yellow. Finally Oskar Lindblom was included as well. We have nothing good to say about him.

The prospects Pittsburgh received were a trio of defensemen who were all highly sought after according to VideoJ. VideoJ’s close, personal friend Mark Wahlberg has been scouting prospect Brock Faber in his free time, ever since he owed the GM for his help in training him for his role in the film “Pain & Gain”. Wahlberg has always been a hockey enthusiast and loves how complete Faber’s game is. He believes he does all the little things that don’t necessarily show up on the scoresheet. Brock seems like a top 4 minute muncher with top pairing upside. The defensive prospect, Jack Peart, was also acquired in the deal. We assume he has some relation to Neil Peart, former drummer of Canadian rock band Rush, but there’s no evidence for, or against this theory. If he can hit as hard as his kin, then we have a dynamo defenseman on our hands. He has stepped up his game offensively this year in the NCAA and looks to also factor into the future top 4 of this team. Rounding out the list is Daemon Hunt. While there is less hype out there about this prospect, he has possibly the greatest hockey name in the prospect pool. That alone is reason to be excited about the former 4th round pick. We will see how he develops.

The Picks the Penguins also received included a 1st and 3rd round pick in the 2023 draft. With GM VideoJ’s current “Scoutin’ Round’ the World” tour, along with Mark Wahlberg back home, I’m sure he will have some aces pulled when he is on the clock to make those picks this year.

The verdict: The Pittsburgh Penguins improved immensely in improving their team for the near future. Grade A+