Penguins Eye Sabres’ Young Talent as Trade Deadline Approaches
As the NHL trade deadline of March 7th draws near, the Pittsburgh Penguins, under the leadership of general manager Kyle Dubas, continue to position themselves for the future while still attempting to remain competitive around Sidney Crosby. Despite recent rumors suggesting a fire sale, Dubas has clarified that the team isn’t looking to overhaul its roster in dramatic fashion but rather pursue strategic moves that bolster both the present and future.
Dubas is focused on building a balanced team capable of supporting Crosby in his final years, while also developing a long-term strategy for after his eventual retirement. His plan involves acquiring younger NHL-ready players, prospects, and draft picks to build the next competitive iteration of the Penguins. This approach has seen Pittsburgh stockpile assets, particularly through trading aging talent in exchange for future potential.
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One team that could play a significant role in the Penguins’ strategy is the Buffalo Sabres, known for their collection of young, promising players. In a recent Sportsnet column, Elliotte Friedman noted that Pittsburgh’s interest in Buffalo’s younger stars, such as Dylan Cozens, Byram Bowen, and Jack Quinn, might make for a compelling trade discussion. While Cozens carries a hefty $7.1 million cap hit, making him a less likely target, Bowen could be an intriguing option depending on what the Penguins are able to get in return for their own tradeable assets, particularly defenseman Marcus Pettersson.
Jack Quinn, in particular, could fit well into Dubas’ vision. The 23-year-old right-winger has shown flashes of his potential in the past, including a breakout season two years ago where he recorded 14 goals and 37 points. Though Quinn has struggled this year and even found himself a healthy scratch at times, his potential is still evident, and the Sabres may be willing to part with him at a relatively low price given his current form. For Pittsburgh, a player like Quinn offers a chance to add a high-upside piece without overpaying, much like the deal that brought Philip Tomasino to the Penguins.
While the notion of a “fire sale” might seem appealing to some, Dubas has firmly rejected this narrative. Instead of a full-scale sell-off, Pittsburgh’s goal remains a “soft retool” or a measured rebuild, focusing on long-term flexibility without forsaking the present. This balance is not without its challenges, as the Penguins’ cap situation makes it difficult to trade away high-priced talent with term remaining on their contracts. Pettersson, as a pending UFA, is likely the most valuable trade chip on the roster, but Dubas will have limited room to make sweeping moves in-season.
Looking ahead, the Penguins already have 10 picks in the 2025 NHL Draft, and with more assets potentially coming their way through trades, Dubas could position the team to be more aggressive in future seasons. The strategic acquisitions of younger NHL talent and draft picks, as well as possible moves involving veterans like Pettersson, suggest that Pittsburgh is preparing for a more sustainable future while still respecting the championship window that Crosby and the team’s core provide.
In the coming weeks, all eyes will be on Dubas and his team as they decide whether to hold on to these assets or aggressively pursue young players to complement their veteran stars. Whether they manage to flip future picks into immediate help for Crosby’s last push or wait until the offseason, it’s clear that the Penguins are focused on a measured, calculated approach to team-building—one that balances their immediate ambitions with the need for a long-term vision.
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