Pens That Fly weighs in on trade rumors

As the trade deadline approaches, rumors are flying around. Some are credible, while others are just stupidity. Bottom line is, though, that Shero has 2 and a half weeks to infuse the Penguins with enough energy to make a legitimate playoff push. Let’s take a look at two probable deals.


Martin St. Louis—The Bolts need some fresh blood. Especially on their defense. Their defense has been lagging as of late and the probable trade would be for Ryan Whitney. Whitters is a great player but I’m not so sure he’s so good for the Pens anymore. Last year he was fantastic in the SCF, but this isn’t the same Pens team as last year. That’s an understatement, but it’s fairly obvious that Therrien and Shero want to clear a roster spot for Goligoski. So, what the Penguins need is a winger for Sid. We’ve heard it ever since Benedict Arnold headed for Hockeytown in July. St. Louis would probably be a good fit. He battles for pucks deep in the corners and could be valuable on the forecheck. The problem is that he’s Tampa Bay’s top scorer; what kind of “perks” will they want? How many prospects and/or draft picks will they demand along with Whitney for St Louis? That’s what we don’t know. Reporters in TB are grossly overestimating St. Louis’s value: they want Jordan Staal, too. But, we all know that the Pens would rather keep Staalsy around for scoring depth.


Colby Armstrong—The search for Sid’s winger would come full circle. Army was just starting to shine when he was traded in the Hossa deal. He was a fan favorite and, let’s face it, he was pretty awesome. He and Sid have chemistry…maybe not like Sid and Hossa, but they do have it. With the reintroduction of Army to the Pens line-up, the boys would be invigorated and it would take less time overall for him to get into play. Also, it would be cheaper to get Army than St. Louis. Who GM Waddell will demand is the question. They might ask for Whitney, which would be okay with Shero, but will the Pens get another player from Atlanta or will Waddell try and wheedle to get Whitters and another player?

Nothing would make me happier than seeing Army in a Pens sweater again. I'd prefer him just because he was a favorite of mine when he was here and I think it’d be easier for him to mesh with the new team. But I also see what a veteran like St. Louis would do for Pittsburgh.

Big decisions coming up for the franchise.

In Shero we trust.

Do it.

LET’S GO PENS!