I wanted to see the Penguins deal their first round pick this weekend. It didn't happen. Given that the pick was one of their only trade-able assets, it served to reason that they'd let it go. They held onto it and made their pick.
As disappointing as that was, I was relieved at another trade the Penguins DIDN'T make. A trade with Kris Letang being the centerpiece. Rob Rossi of the Athletic reported on Friday morning that Kris Letang was in play as Jim Rutherford was trying to shake up the roster.
The Penguins biggest problem last year was its defense corps. It would be hard for the blue line to be better next year after trading the best defensemen on the team.
Kris Letang makes a shade over 7 million dollars a season. He's the NHL's 12th highest paid defenseman. He was recognized as being one of the best d-men in the league this year as he finished 6th in the Norris Trophy voting. His contract represents a value. He scored 16 goals from the back end and was third in the league in TOI.
It's not impossible, but it's hard to win a trade when you give up the best player in the deal. Kris Letang, in all likelihood, would be the best player in a trade to move him out of town.
I'm bummed that the Penguins didn't deal their first round pick, but I'm happy that they held on to Kris Letang. That makes draft weekend a win.