NHL Shockwaves: Unexpected Moves Brewing in Penguins, Wild, Stars, Flyers, and Maple Leafs?

The Pittsburgh Penguins’ recent move to acquire defenseman Brett Kulak in the Tristan Jarry–Stuart Skinner trade has stirred up quite the buzz, hasn’t it? At first glance, it seemed unlikely that Pittsburgh would even take Kulak on, given their initial reluctance, but the tide turned—and with it, the whole dynamic of the deal shifted. Now, Kulak’s had a rough patch this season, no doubt, but beneath those struggles lies a player with solid potential—one who might just surprise us if given the right opportunity. What’s really piqued my interest is whether the Penguins will see him as a long-term piece or treat him as a potential trade chip to flip for something more substantial. There’s a lot at play here, and watching how this unfolds could shed light on Pittsburgh’s broader strategy heading forward. LEARN MORE

Will the Pittsburgh Penguins look at flipping Brett Kulak?

NHL Network: Elliotte Friedman on the Pittsburgh Penguins taking defenseman Brett Kulak in the Tristan Jarry-Stuart Skinner trade with the Edmonton Oilers, and what it may mean for his future.

** NHLRumors.com transcription

“The other thing here, Jamison (Coyle), is. I’d said a week ago, I didn’t know if this trade could happen because Pittsburgh was not willing to retain. I initially, I think one of the things that changed, Jamison, was, I’m not sure Pittsburgh was willing to take Kulak at the beginning, but they did, and that changed the dynamic.

And it’ll be interesting. Like, I think Kulak’s a better player than he’s shown this year. He’s had a really rough year. I’ve always liked him. It’ll be interesting to see if they flip him for more.”

NHL Rumors: A Change of Scenery Was Needed for Both Stuart Skinner and Tristan Jarry

Quick hits involving the Wild, Stars, Flyers and Maple Leafs

David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period: The Minnesota Wild had already been looking to add some secondary scoring, and that search will likely continue. After including center Marco Rossi, will their focus become a center?

The Dallas Stars are weighing their options at forward and on the blue line to see who is/could be available. They’ve been linked to Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson and forward Blake Coleman.

Trade talks between the Philadelphia Flyers and Vancouver Canucks involving Quinn Hughes didn’t get far as Flyers weren’t interested in moving Matvei Michkov or Porter Martone.

NHL Rumors: New Jersey Devils, and the Vancouver Canucks

The Toronto Maple Leafs, and half the league, are looking for a top-six forward. Max Domi and Matias Maccelli’s names are out there. The Leafs could look at Seattle Kraken winger Mason Marchment. They had interest in the offseason before he was dealt to Seattle.

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