Penguins aiming for third Stanley Cup with Brassard addition

The Pittsburgh Penguins are trying to bolster themselves for another run at the Stanley Cup, one that would make them historic.

It is being reported that a trade has been completed between the Ottawa Senators and the Penguins for Derick Brassard.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have been looking for extra center depth to boost the team’s bid to retain the Stanley Cup. Now the side has pulled off a major move for Brassard.

Details on the deal are still emerging., but industry insider Darren Dreger is reporting that the return includes defenseman Ian Cole, teenage netminder Filip Gustavsson and a first-round pick.

Former Senator Brassard will give the Penguins enviable depth through the middle, slotting in behind Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. Brassard comes with a $5 million cap hit. Now 30 years old, he was drafted in 2006 at sixth overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Adding Brassard tells you everything about the mindset of general manager Jim Rutherford. The Penguins are trying to become the first team since the 1980-83 New York Islanders to win three consecutive Stanley Cups (the Islanders won four and reached five straight Finals). Pittsburgh would immediately become one of the greatest dynasties in league history.

Additionally, the Penguins have to be thinking that this window must be maximized. The Eastern Conference isn’t all that deep, and the talent on the current roster is obscene. With Crosby and Malkin — not too mention Phil Kessel — Rutherford is doing all he can to add multiple years onto this run. Brassard helps by adding quality depth and another quality scorer in the middle.

So far this season, Brassard has 18 goals and 38 points in 58 games. He also has a great track record in the playoffs, making him an even more attractive add for the Penguins. In 78 NHL playoff games, he has put up 55 points.

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As for the haul heading back to Ottawa, it is likely that a first-round pick was an essential piece of the deal with the team’s impending rebuild in mind.

Ian Cole is a 29 year-old reliable two-way blueliner. He has been in Pittsburgh for four seasons and played a significant role in the club’s last two Stanley Cup title wins. Cole carries a $2.1 million cap hit.

Young goalie Gustavsson was drafted in 2006 at 55th overall. He was signed to an entry-level deal by the Penguins in the summer. He was loaned to Lulea HF in his native Sweden, where he is playing this season.