NHL Trade Rumors: Pittsburgh Penguins look to make additions before trade deadline

The Pittsburgh Penguins are fifth in the Metropolitan Division and are looking to add crucial players to their roster to help them contend for the 2023 Stanley Cup.

GM Ron Hextall is looking to add a top-four defenseman, veteran goaltender and a third-line center to the current lineup. According to Shane Seney of NHL Trade Rumors, these are the three players the Penguins could add to their roster:

#1 Jakob Chychruun, Arizona Coyotes

Chychrun is a great defenseman for the Coyotes and would immediately fit into place at the Penguins alongside fellow defenseman Kris Letang.

He's very effective during the power play, with three goals and as many assists this season in the power play. He signed a 6-year/ $27.6 million contract with the Coyotes in 2018, which will keep him there till the end of the 2024-25 season. His contract has a 4.6 million cap hit for the next two seasons.

#2 Thatcher Demko, Vancouver Canucks

Demko was the primary goaltender for the Canucks before he sustained a lower body injury in a 5-1 loss to the Florida Panthers in December. He was sidelined for six weeks, but the timeline got extended.

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman said that he didn't expect to hear Demko's name as a potential trade piece, but Demko looks to be a very interesting option for teams to trade for.

Demko's contract has a $5 million cap and will keep him in Vancouver till the 2025-26 season. He's a potential No.1 goalie for the Penguins, who don't have a primary goalkeeper for next season.

#3 Sam Bennett, Florida Panthers

Bennett is a versatile player capable of playing on the wing or down the middle and on the third line in a more defensive role.

He has 31 points for the Panthers this season, with 12 goals and 19 assists. He could facilitate the Pittsburgh Penguins offense for centers Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. Bennett's contract has a $3,425,000 cap, and he will become a free agent at the end of the 2024-25 season.

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Pittsburgh Penguins 2022-23 season so far

The Pittsburgh Penguins have had a lackluster 24-16-9 record this season. They have had stretches of games where they looked really commendable but have been unable to maintain their form. Sidney Crosby leads the team with 60 points (24 goals and 36 assists).

The Pittsburgh Penguins kick off their second half of the season against the Colorado Avalanche on February 8. They will look to better their current form with a couple of additions before the NHL trade deadline on Mar. 3.