Penguins Trying To Trade Multiple Defensemen

The Pittsburgh Penguins might be in the race for a playoff spot and haven't given up yet, but the mentality since Kyle Dubas took over as general manager has been to get younger and build for the future. The core of veterans haven't been moved yet, even though it was looking like it would be the case with Evgeni Malkin, Bryan Rust, Erik Karlsson, and Rickard Rakell.

The Penguins did bring in Stuart Skinner and Brett Kulak while moving out Tristan Jarry and Samuel Poulin, but those pieces can be flipped or held onto for a playoff push. Even if Pittsburgh holds onto those newly acquired players from the Edmonton Oilers, there are others they are looking to trade.

According to Bruce Garrioch, "The Penguins aren't acting as sellers, but are trying to move Matt Dumba and Connor Clifton."

Moving these players definitely doesn't make the Penguins sellers. They are trying to trim the fat on their team and for the case of Dumba in particular, he was sent to the AHL when Kulak arrived. Dumba is very overpaid and in the final year of his deal that has a cap hit of $3.75 million AAV. He has played just 11 games this season for the Penguins and the 31-year-old is nearing the end of his time as an NHL player with how recent years have gone. Unfortunately, at least some of that has to be due to his injuries, but regardless, the Penguins would have to dump Dumba's contract somewhere.

It makes little sense for them to pay to get rid of Dumba though as the Penguins have $17 million in cap space this season. The way Dumba, or Clifton for that matter are moved is to a team desperate for an experienced right-shot defenseman to fill a hole.

Clifton is also in the final year of his deal, but is more useful in an NHL lineup. But he has only played 14 games this season and averaged 16 minutes per game with no points and limited time even on the penalty kill. His cap hit is $3.33 million, so a little more affordable for what he brings. It won't be easy for the Penguins to move either one of them, but they are available if a team is desperate and only wants to pay a late round pick for a quick fix.