Penguins' Letang expecting a trade from Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Penguins continue to search for ways to shake up their roster. With trade talks ongoing with a number of teams, another deal is expected to go down, and soon. Matt Murray and Jared McCann appear to be the next out of town, but if you ask defenseman, Kris Letang, the long-time Pen feels it's him that's on the way out.

Sources tell The Athletic's Rob Rossi, Letang has told those close to him he expects to be dealt this off season, or sometime next year from Pittsburgh. 

GM, Jim Rutherford continues to contact teams to see what the market is for a veteran RHD like Letang, but word is, the team isn't quite 'shopping' him. 

While Letang feels he's the odd man out, a team source was very candid about trading the defenseman:

How is it ‘win-now mode’ if you trade our best defenseman?.Trading him just doesn’t make any sense. He cares a lot about our team and what people here think of him. Tanger’s honest. He’s hard on himself. He’s been through a lot as a person, not just a player. He’s made his family here. This team matters to him. If you know him, Tanger will work harder than anyone to make it work.

Keep an eye on Rutherford and the Pens. The GM has made 50 trades in his tenure with the Penguins, and #51 could include a historic franchise figure. 

If Letang had his way, he would be retiring a Penguin. Unfortunately, sports don't work that way. 

Photo credit:  Jeanine Leech/Icon Sportswire

Kris Letang wants to retire with the Penguins. But he doesn't think he'll get that chance.

GM Jim Rutherford is gauging interest, and Letang has told teammates he expects to be traded this offseason or coming season.

From @Real_RobRossi: https://t.co/j2dTcY3q4K

— The Athletic Pittsburgh (@TheAthleticPGH) September 8, 2020