Jim Rutherford got his man. He always does.
The Pens traded a 2020 first-round pick, prospect Calen Addison, and Alex Galchenyuk for Jason Zucker.
Zucker scored 32, 21, and now 14 goals in each of the last three seasons. He's got speed, plays left wing, and fits the Penguins forechecking system. He's the perfect fit to play alongside Sidney Crosby.
If you're worried about the Penguins trading away a first round pick...Don't be. The window for the Penguins to win is now.
If you're worried about the Penguins trading away Calen Addison, well, have you ever even seen him play?
The Pens have shown an ability to bring in defensemen such as Justin Schultz and John Marino.
I don't care what Addison winds up doing in Minnesota. I care about what Zucker can do in Pittsburgh through 2022/2023.
That's the thing. Zucker can help the Penguins in their quest for the Cup this year, and the next few seasons.
In addition to getting a top-six forward that the Penguins desperately needed to keep up with the best in the Eastern Conference, Jim Rutherford was able to move Alex Galchenyuk's 4.9 million dollar salary off the books.
Galchenyuk played three minutes against Florida on Saturday. He was never a fit here in Pittsburgh. Malkin has found success with straight line players Bryan Rust and Domonik Kahun. Galchenyuk's more of an East/West player.
I love the player the Penguins acquired, and I won't be pouring out any drinks for Addison or the first round pick. No matter how you slice it, this was a home run for Jim Rutherford.