Report card grades for all 31 NHL teams at the trade deadline

Pittsburgh Penguins: A

At this point, it should be no surprise that the Penguins are among the winners of the NHL trade deadline. Almost every year, Jim Rutherford makes an incredible move at the deadline that puts Pittsburgh over the top. This year, Rutherford was able to add Derick Brassard from the Ottawa Senators through the Vegas Golden Knights in a three-team trade. At the deadline, Pittsburgh was also able to flip Greg McKegg for Josh Jooris, as well.

The three-team trade broke down with Pittsburgh receiving Derick Brassard, Vincent Dunn a 2018 third-round pick and Tobias Lindberg. Pittsburgh sent out Ian Cole, Filip Gustavsson, Ryan Reaves, a 2018 first-round pick and a 2019 third-round pick. This gives Pittsburgh great depth down the middle of the ice for the rest of the season and into the playoffs. Riley Sheahan can move down to center the fourth line and Brassard can take his place between Guentzel and Kessel. Jooris will simply be a depth piece in the playoffs in case of injuries. He doesn’t score a lot of points, but he’s capable of filling in lower in the lineup if needed.

Rutherford once again gets an A this year for the deadline. The Penguins will be a tough out in the playoffs as they look for the three-peat. A bonus to the Brassard trade is that he is under contract for next year, too. Pittsburgh will be able to keep its top-three center trio for another run at the cup next season.