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NHL Trade Deadline: Pittsburgh Penguins acquire Justin Schultz from Edmonton Oilers

By Dave Stevenson

Feb 13, 2016; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers defenseman Justin Schultz (19) controls the puck against the Winnipeg Jets during the first period at Rexall Place. Winnipeg Jets won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 13, 2016; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers defenseman Justin Schultz (19) controls the puck against the Winnipeg Jets during the first period at Rexall Place. Winnipeg Jets won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Edmonton Oilers have reportedly traded Justin Schultz to the Pittsburgh Penguins 

The Pittsburgh Penguins have been searching to add to their defensive depth as they plan to make a playoff run and they were a bit limited as far as their options because of their cap situation. Pittsburgh has announced that they have traded for Edmonton Oilers for a third round pick. Edmonton will retain 50 percent of his salary.

This is a nice trade for the Penguins and certainly the type of acquisition that they should have made. They did not give up much and they’re getting someone back in Justin Schultz who could have success in Pittsburgh’s system. It’s worth noting that the Penguins traded for a very similar defenseman earlier this season in Trevor Daley and he has done quite well with them. Pittsburgh’s system favors those who like to move the puck and Schultz definitely fits in that category.

Schultz is a worthwhile gamble for the Penguins. If he does well, obviously this trade is a huge win for them. Even if he doesn’t do well, they likely won’t miss that third round pick.

Edmonton gets a third round pick for a guy who they had no interest in keeping as a restricted free agent. Schultz wasn’t working out in Edmonton at all so it’s good that they at least got something for him. What Pittsburgh will do with Justin Schultz after this season remains to be seen. He could be just a rental or he could be an option past this season.

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