Team: 2019-20 Pittsburgh Penguins

Initial Creation Date: Dec. 10, 2019

Published: Dec. 10, 2019

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

Honestly, for Galchenyuk, I see a few different scenarios that could play out, but I think the biggest piece getting back by trading him is on defense. Miller (BUF), Martinez (LAK--despite injury), Hamonic (CGY), and Brodie (CGY) are all expiring or have one or two years left on their deals that he could bring back in with a trade. But I think the one I have here might be most feasible.

Riikola has obviously hit the end of the line on the depth chart, with even guys like Trotman playing over him. With acquiring a new defenseman, there is no need for him. Send him to a team that could utilize him aside from the press box for a 5th round pick. I went with Ottawa since they need help in that regard, and Hainsey is most likely gone after this year.

Then, I think finding some forward depth would be good to have for the playoff run. Realistically, you could easily blow up the roster and try and trade for an all-star or a guy that automatically is TOP-6, but I think the Pens are finally in a good situation with somewhat decent forward and defensive prospects, as well as a solid healthy lineup. Why tweak it so much that you ruin chemistry and deplete futures? I'd like to Bjugstad play healthy for once and see his potential before just shipping him out, so I'm hoping dangling one of those 5th rounders from the Galchenyuk and Riikola trades in addition to a 4th may be enough to pry a guy like Toffoli from LAK (as I did) or Karlsson from SJS. Athanasiou is another guy on an expiring contract, but he's an RFA and I see Detroit wanting more for him.

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