NHL Trade Rumors: Pierre LeBrun weighs in on Pittsburgh Penguins' deadline plans, talks of a 'fire sale' 

The Pittsburgh Penguins have struggled in the 2024-25 season. After narrowly missing out on a playoff spot last season, the team is nowhere near the postseason. They're in seventh place and a few points back even of the final Wild Card spot.

This has prompted rumors of a fire sale, and the idea that GM Kyle Dubas will declare open season on any player on his roster was born. However, hockey insider Pierre LeBrun doesn't believe that's going to be the case.

The NHL analyst said via The Athletic:

"But the idea that there will be some massive fire sale ahead of March 7 also would be an exaggeration, if for no other reason than the fact the team doesn’t have that many notable pending UFAs."

He did say that upcoming unrestricted free agent Marcus Pettersson will "be of interest" to teams. Beyond him, though, the big names are signed for more than this season.

LeBrun continued:

"That doesn’t mean they can’t be traded, but so-called 'hockey trades' are more difficult to pull off in-season. Usually, there are more suitors and a more flexible marketplace in the summer."

Those teams hoping to cash in on the Penguins this year might be left disappointed.

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NHL analyst details what Pittsburgh Penguins will want to do at NHL Trade Deadline

Despite the fact that there won't be any fire sale with the Pittsburgh Penguins, NHL analyst Pierre LeBrun believes the Penguins still have a clear plan and will trade some players.

The Pittsburgh Penguins want to acquire more assets (Imagn)

LeBrun said via The Athletic:

"There should be no confusion about the Penguins front office’s priorities ahead of the March 7 trade deadline. They are steadfast in seeking to acquire young NHL players, prospects and draft picks — in that order — to build their team back into a contender."

LeBrun reiterated that they may not be able to get much done before March 7 and may have to do their best business in the offseason. He believes GM Kyle Dubas "will do what he can" but wants to temper expectations. Whatever Dubas does accomplish, it won't be what people are expecting.