Pittsburgh Penguins Considering Trade Market for Justin Brazeau
The Pittsburgh Penguins are evaluating their options in the trade market concerning right winger Justin Brazeau. After joining the team on July 1, he has started the season strong, contributing to a 5-2-0 record. Last season, he played with both the Boston Bruins and Minnesota Wild, where he tallied 22 points in 76 games.
Justin Brazeau’s Performance
At only 27 years of age, Brazeau has become an integral part of the Penguins’ offense early in the season. In just seven games, he has already scored five goals and accumulated eight points. Notably, he achieved two goals in the season opener and recorded three points in a recent game.
Current Statistics
- Games Played: 7
- Goals: 5
- Points: 8
- Average Ice Time: 13:07 minutes
- Hits: 12 (third-most on the team)
His remarkable performance has made him the leading goal-scorer for the Penguins, and he is tied for second in points alongside veteran Sidney Crosby, just behind Evgeni Malkin.
The Trade Dilemma
Brazeau is currently on a two-year contract worth $1.5 million annually, presenting an intriguing situation for the team’s management. General Manager Kyle Dubas has a dual mandate to focus on both immediate success and future development. If Brazeau sustains his performance, he could become a valuable long-term asset.
However, the lack of no-trade or no-move protection complicates matters. The Penguins may need to consider trading him while his value is high. NHL teams place a premium on players like Brazeau, who blend scoring ability with physical play.
Potential Trade Value
Last season, the Bruins received a sixth-round pick, Jakub Lauko, and Marat Khusnutdinov for Brazeau. Given his current form, the Penguins could potentially command a better deal now compared to later in the season.
As the trade deadline approaches, Dubas must weigh the benefits of keeping Brazeau against the potential gains from a trade. If his production declines, so will his value. Therefore, monitoring the market for Brazeau’s services should be a priority.
In conclusion, the Penguins are pleased with Brazeau’s contributions, yet the decision on his future role will significantly impact the team’s strategy moving forward. Whether they opt to retain him long-term or capitalize on his solid season remains to be seen.
