Josh Yohe might not have a crystal ball on the Pittsburgh Penguins’ future but, if his insights are close to accurate, the team is ready to begin in a full-on fire sale. In his recent article in The Athletic (Subscription Required), Yohe expects Pittsburgh to try and trade nearly everyone on the roster besides Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin.
This past week was a litmus test for the Penguins as they played against subpar teams such as the Detroit Red Wings, Columbus Blue Jackets, and San Jose Sharks. Pittsburgh only collected three of a potential six points confirming for the team that the current iteration of the roster can’t compete.
Yohe even suggested the Penguins will attempt to move veterans with term such as Kris Letang, Tristan Jarry, Ryan Graves, and Erik Karlsson. It makes sense for Pittsburgh to try and move away from these contracts. Still, salary and trade protection in each player’s contract inject considerable complications into any trade negotiation. The Penguins are likely better served waiting for next offseason to make any trades involving the latter group.