Five Centers the Penguins Could Target Before the Trade Deadline

The NHL trade deadline looms just a week away on March 6, sparking excitement and speculation across the league. For the Pittsburgh Penguins, who recently fell to the New York Rangers 3-2 in a shootout, the urgency to strengthen their lineup is palpable. Currently sitting second in the Metropolitan Division and tied with the New York Islanders at 73 points, the Penguins face the league’s toughest remaining schedule while navigating the absence of their star center, Sidney Crosby, who is expected to miss three more weeks due to a lower-body injury.

In light of their current predicament and the reluctance to shift Evgeni Malkin back to center, the Penguins may need to consider calling up a prospect from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, such as Tristan Broz or Filip Hallander, or explore potential trade options to bolster their center depth.

Potential Trade Targets

One name that has emerged in trade discussions is Shane Wright of the Seattle Kraken. The young center has struggled to find his footing at the NHL level, leading to a dip in his trade value. While the Kraken may be hesitant to sell low on Wright, their depth at center, including rising talent Jake O’Brien, could make him available for the right deal. The Kraken are also looking for scoring help, which could open the door for the Penguins to offer an established player like Justin Brazeau or Rickard Rakell in exchange.

Another option is Brayden Schenn from the St. Louis Blues. At 34 years old and with a steep decline in production this season—12 goals and 24 points in 59 games—Schenn might not fit the Penguins’ long-term vision. However, his playoff experience and two-way play could be invaluable as they navigate the season without Crosby. This could also allow rookie Ben Kindel to step up without added pressure, as Schenn could serve as a reliable third-line center.

Then there’s Dawson Mercer of the New Jersey Devils, a player worth monitoring as the Devils unexpectedly find themselves in contention for a lottery pick. Mercer has recorded 13 goals and 30 points this season and embodies the type of player Penguins GM Kyle Dubas typically seeks: a high-IQ playmaker with excellent vision. The cost to acquire Mercer may be significant, especially if the Devils are not actively shopping him, but his contract through the end of next season at $4 million could make him a fitting addition.

Vincent Trocheck, a Pittsburgh native, could also be on the trade market as the New York Rangers shift towards a rebuild. Signed through the 2028-29 season at an average annual value of $5.625 million, Trocheck has tallied 12 goals and 38 points in 45 games this season, making him a strong candidate for the Penguins’ offensive needs. However, his lengthy contract and age may not align with the team’s future plans, and the cost to acquire him could be steep.

Finally, don’t overlook Elias Pettersson from the Vancouver Canucks. Once considered one of the league’s elite centers, Pettersson has seen a decline in production with just 13 goals and 35 points in 51 games this season. With the Canucks at the bottom of the standings, GM Patrick Allvin may be inclined to part with Pettersson, whose $11.6 million cap hit through 2029-30 is daunting but manageable for the Penguins. If the price is right, acquiring Pettersson could be a gamble worth taking for a player who, at his best, is an elite playmaker with a potent shot.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.