What a day it’s been so far for Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford.
The 69-year-old signed a three-year contract extension this morning and wasted no time giving his roster a hefty shakeup, trading away one of the key pieces of Pittsburgh’s back-to-back cups shortly after. In a minor blockbuster deal, Rutherford sent Carl Hagelin to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for Tanner Pearson. The trade was a straight up one-for one deal.
Both players seem to be in need of a change in scenery. Through 16 games, Hagelin has recorded just a goal and an assist while Pearson notched just one apple through 17 games in LA. The Kings are dead-last in goals for with 34, so playing alongside either Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin could do wonders for Pearson in Pittsburgh.
Rutherford has a history of pulling off some big deals with the Pens. In February of 2016, the three-time Stanley Cup champ acquired Justin Schultz from the Oilers for a third round pick and gave up forwards David Perron and Adam Clendenning for Hagelin the month before. Pittsburgh went on to win the next two cups following the trades.
With their 4-2 loss to the Devils last night, the Pens have now dropped five of their last six. Don’t be surprised if the aggressive general manager pulls the trigger again at some point this season.
(H/T Pittsburgh Penguins)
