Penguins’ Trade Deadline Primer: Who To Watch In The Next Two Weeks

With the Pittsburgh Penguins returning to play on Saturday against the Washington Capitals in their first game following the 4 Nations Face-off break, it’s easy to forget that another key date is approaching.

And that would be the Mar. 7 trade deadline, which is exactly two weeks away.

With the Penguins six games out of a wild card spot – and GM and POHO Kyle Dubas reiterating the organization’s desire to rebuild on-the-fly – they are likely going to be pretty heavy sellers, with, maybe, a surprise or two in store.

Here are some players to keep an eye on ahead of the deadline:

Matt Grzelcyk

Although he started out a bit rough with Pittsburgh, Grzelcyk has helped revive a once-dead Penguins power play and is enjoying a career year offensively. Over the past couple of months – despite some defensive hiccups – Grzelcyk has been good for the Penguins, as his 28 points have already surpassed his previous career high.

Defensemen are highly coveted assets at the trade deadline, and therefore, the Penguins should be able to get a decent return, with at least a third-round pick pretty much seeming a guarantee at this point. A contending team in need of a cheap rental who can elevate their blue line offensively will blow up Dubas’s voicemail.

Unless Pittsburgh plans to re-sign the 31-year-old Grzelcyk – which seems doubtful, given their desire to get younger – he is, likely, as good as gone.

Anthony Beauvillier

It should come as no surprise that teams have been calling about Beauvillier as well. Another pending-UFA rental,…