The Pittsburgh Penguins are currently leading the chatter in the trade rumor mill. Key players like Brian Rust, Rickard Raquel, and Eric Carlson are seen as some of the top candidates for trades across the league, which explains the buzz surrounding the team.
While the Penguins might trade some of their star players, there are lesser-known trade possibilities on the horizon as well. Two such players worth noting are Blake Lizotte and Danton Heinen.
Blake Lizotte is entering the final year of his contract, making him a potential trade asset. His manageable $1.85 million cap hit adds to his attractiveness for teams in need of a reliable bottom-six center. Last season, Lizotte played 59 games for Pittsburgh, recording 11 goals, 20 points, 60 hits, and a minus-four rating.
Similarly, Danton Heinen is also in the last year of his deal and could be a candidate for a trade. He spent the 2024-25 season split between the Vancouver Canucks and the Penguins, scoring nine goals and 29 points across 79 games. Since joining Pittsburgh, Heinen has shown some improvement with 11 points and a plus-3 rating in 28 games. Known for his steady two-way game and solid offensive contributions, Heinen had a strong 2023-24 season with the Boston Bruins, notching 17 goals and 36 points in 74 games. If he can regain that form, he might become a valuable trade option for Pittsburgh at deadlines.
In the offseason, the Penguins have also added some fresh talent, including veteran winger Anthony Mantha, who signed a one-year deal with a $2.5 million cap hit and a potential $2 million performance bonus.
Fan Take: This trade talk highlights the Penguins’ strategic balancing act between maintaining core talent and exploring new opportunities to strengthen their roster. For hockey fans, these moves underscore the evolving dynamics of team management, which can significantly impact the competitiveness and excitement of the sport.
