Pens GM Jim Rutherford Says He May Be Done Dealing, But He Won't Turn His Phone Off
PITTSBURGH (93-7 The Fan) - Pittsburgh Penguins General Manager Jim Rutherford joined The Cook and Poni Show on Friday to discuss the upcoming NHL trading deadline on Monday.
Rutherford has been active before the deadline in picking up Daniel Winnik from Toronto in exchange for Zach Sill and two draft picks.
"He is a guy we've really liked," Rutherford said. "The prices kept going up as they always do this time of year, but we were able to get something done."
Rutherford admitted that draft picks are always hard to part with in deals, but that it's required to get the players you want.
"You have to give them up to get the player," Rutherford said. "On one hand, you don't like to give them up, but on the other hand, if you believe in the player you will have to give them up or the player will go somewhere else."
Rutherford said he doesn't anticipate many additional moves before Monday's deadline because he has very little wiggle room with the salary cap.
"I'm not going to be as aggressive as I usually am at this time," Rutherford said. "But I'm certainly not going to turn my phone off."
Rutherford did say he had discussions over the past week in regards to Jaromir Jagr, but would not go into detail about it. But he did say that even if they had wanted Jagr, the move would not have fit under the cap.
He also could not comment on any of the Jordan Staal rumors but did offer this:
"Since Jordan Staal has left the Penguins; they have really missed him." Rutherford said.
Rutherford says he feels no pressure to make any further deals because they have made moves to strengthen their team already. He likes where his team is right now.
"I do like our team," Rutherford said. "I feel the Pens team right now is as good as anyone in the East."
