Penguins Eyeing Blue Line Depth Ahead of Trade Deadline
Don’t look now, but the Pittsburgh Penguins are hanging around in the playoff conversation-something few predicted when the season began. With the trade deadline approaching, GM Kyle Dubas has a decision to make. And while this isn’t shaping up to be a blockbuster-buying season for Pittsburgh, there’s a clear direction: add depth on defense, not up front.
The Penguins aren’t expected to chase aging rentals or swing for the fences. Instead, the focus is on younger defensemen with team control-players who can contribute now and still be part of the picture beyond this season.
That’s a tight needle to thread, but Dubas has never shied away from a challenge. Here’s a look at some potential targets who could fit that mold:
Simon Benoit - Toronto Maple Leafs
At 27 years old and carrying a cap hit of $1.35 million for one more year, Benoit offers a physical, stay-at-home style that could complement Pittsburgh’s current group.
He’s not going to light up the scoresheet, but his size and edge in the defensive zone make him a steady presence. Think of him as a reliable third-pair option who can kill penalties and wear down opponents in the corners.
Zach Whitecloud - Calgary Flames
Whitecloud is a bit pricier at $2.75 million annually and still has two years left on his deal.
At 29, he’s not quite in the “young core” category, but he brings a defensive-first mindset and consistency. Offense isn’t his calling card, but he’s a smart positional player who could bring structure to the Penguins’ back end.
The acquisition cost might be higher, but the term and fit could justify it.
Mario Ferraro - San Jose Sharks
Now here’s an intriguing one.
Ferraro, 27, is set to hit free agency this summer, but there’s reportedly some openness to an extension. He plays with energy, brings some offensive upside, and logs big minutes on a struggling Sharks team.
If Pittsburgh believes in his long-term value, this could be a move worth exploring-even if the price tag is steeper than some of the other names on this list.
Logan Stanley - Winnipeg Jets
If size is what the Penguins want, Stanley checks that box in bold.
At 6-foot-7 and over 230 pounds, the pending UFA brings a physical edge that few others can match. He’s not a top-four guy, but in the right role, he can be a handful in front of the net and along the boards.
As a depth add, he’s worth a look.
Braden Schneider - New York Rangers
Schneider might be the most intriguing long-term project of the bunch.
At 24, he’s still finding his footing at the NHL level, but there’s upside here. He’s a pending restricted free agent, so there’s some flexibility if things don’t pan out-Pittsburgh could simply choose not to qualify him.
But if he hits, this could be the kind of low-risk, high-reward move that pays dividends.
Red Wings Weighing Blue Line, Forward Help
Meanwhile, in Detroit, GM Steve Yzerman is facing a different type of puzzle. The Red Wings are in the mix, but not quite in the “Cup contender” tier. That makes the deadline a delicate balancing act: improve the roster, but don’t mortgage the future.
The biggest need? A second-pair, right-handed defenseman or a top-nine forward.
Ideally, both. Detroit has struggled to generate consistent offense at five-on-five, and bolstering the blue line could help stabilize things in transition.
Yzerman isn’t expected to part with first-round picks or elite prospects for pure rentals. But if the right player with term becomes available-someone who can play 20+ minutes a night or slot into the top six-Detroit could be willing to pay up. A longer-term piece, like a Robert Thomas-type player, would be the kind of move that fits the Red Wings’ timeline and ambition.
What About John Gibson?
In net, the future remains a bit murky. Veteran John Gibson has one year left on his contract, and while an extension might be tempting, there’s no rush. The smart play may be to let the situation breathe and see how Detroit’s younger goaltenders develop before making a long-term commitment.
With the trade deadline inching closer, both Pittsburgh and Detroit are in position to make meaningful-but measured-moves. Neither team is likely to shake up the league with a headline-grabbing blockbuster. But smart, strategic additions could go a long way in shaping how the rest of their seasons unfold.