NHL Trade: Penguins acquire Ron Hainsey from Hurricanes

The Pittsburgh Penguins added some much needed depth to their blue line by acquiring Ron Hainsey from the Carolina Hurricanes. 

With numerous injuries to their blue line, the Pittsburgh Penguins have been looking to add a defenseman in recent weeks. Instead of waiting, they’ve decided to make a move just a few days before the NHL trade deadline. The Penguins have acquired Ron Hainsey from the Hurricanes in exchange for a 2017 second round pick and prospect Danny Kristo, per NHL.com:

"Hainsey carries a salary cap hit of $2.833 million and he will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. Carolina will be retaining 50 percent of Hainsey’s remaining salary.Hainsey, 35, was in his fourth season with the Hurricanes. This season, he has suited up for all 56 games played, producing 14 points (4G-10A), including his 200th NHL assist against the Penguins back on Jan. 20."

It’s worth noting Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford is quite familiar with Hainsey. Back when he was the general manager of the Hurricanes, Hainsey played for him. He’s is a solid fit with the Penguins. He might be aging, but he’s still an effective puck mover who should fit in well in Pittsburgh. The Penguins like to get the puck out of the defensive zone quickly and Hainsey can definitely do that.

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Pittsburgh’s desperation to add a defenseman got Carolina a second round pick and an AHL player. Kristo is a 26-year-old forward. In 257 AHL games, he has 153 points. Kristo hasn’t played any games in the NHL. The Hurricanes got a very good return for a guy they would have risked losing for nothing. Pittsburgh had to pay a tad bit of a premium to get Hainsey, but he should be a great fit.