USA Today NHL Writer Kevin Allen On Pens Trades: Wouldn't Trade Maatta For Kessel
PITTSBURGH (93-7 The FAN) - With trade rumors swirling and free agency set to start for the NHL, USA Today hockey writer Kevin Allen joined the Starkey and Mueller show to talk about what he thinks the Pens are up to as they look to improve their top six forwards.
Allen told us he was a little surprised that the Pens came away from the draft weekend empty handed with all the trade rumors surrounding them.
"He said he would not, and I don't think it was from a lack of trying," Allen said. "I think they stuck their nose in pretty much everything including the Kessel sweepstakes and the Blues and TJ Oshie. I'm sure they're contemplating a variety of free agent moves as well. I'm pretty confident at some point that the top six Penguins forward group is not going to look the way it does right now."
Speaking about the constant Kessel rumors and the talk that the Maple Leafs would want Olli Maatta in return, Allen says he wouldn't give up the Penguins young defenseman.
"I think it's going to be difficult to achieve that (a Kessel trade) simply for that reason."
Given the high asking price in trades for scoring wingers, Allen gives us a free agent name he thinks would make sense for the Pens.
"The roll of the dice I like is Marty St. Louis...I know he's 40-years-old, but on a one-year contract with some bonus incentives for next to nothing, I would think that's a good roll of the dice for the Penguins."
Hear more from Allen on targets that make sense for the Pens and why Phil Kessel isn't a bad teammate like some say below.