NHL Rumors: Canucks Targeting Penguins Defenseman

According to Elliotte Friedman, the Vancouver Canucks are expressing interest in Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman John Marino.

Marino is currently in the first season of his six-year, $26.4 million contract, so it's hard to determine if the Penguins would be willing to trade him so soon. However, if it results in them landing a big-name winger like Brock Boeser or Conor Garland, that could spark their interest.

In 60 games this season, Marino has one goal, 18 assists, and a minus-5 rating. Overall, he has shown that he can provide decent offense from the point. When looking at Vancouver's roster, he could fit into their top four. The 24-year-old is also young enough that he could work well in their current core.

It will be intriguing to see if Marino ends up finding a new home in Vancouver from here. However, for the Penguins to trade him, they would understandably need to make an upgrade elsewhere in their lineup.