To Trade Or Not To Trade: Defenseman Matt Grzelcyk

It’s that time of year again, folks! The NHL trade floodgates have officially opened, and with that, rumors and movement will be abound.

And the case is no different for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Since the team is looking to compete and rebuild its prospect pool simultaneously, it’s probably safe to assume that they will be looking to move out some of their pending unrestricted free agent contracts.

So, The Hockey News – Pittsburgh Penguins site will take a look at each Penguins’ unrestricted free agent, the pros and cons to trading them, and the likelihood that they’re moved prior to the Mar. 7 trade deadline – as well as some potential landing spots.

Next up: defenseman Matt Grzelcyk.

The case for a trade

Even though fellow left defenseman Marcus Pettersson figures to be the Penguins’ most valuable asset on the trade block, Grzelcyk may bring back some unexpected value.

The way the season started for Grzelcyk, it didn’t look like the Penguins were going to be able to cash out on a player – fallen out of favor with the Boston Bruins – who they signed to a one-year, $2.75 million deal last summer. But after settling into Pittsburgh’s system, he turned things around in a pretty big way.

Grzelcyk’s defense leaves a lot to be desired. That much is clear. But offensively, he is just one point shy of his career-high of 26 that he set with Boston in 2022-23 – and there are still 31 games left in the Penguins’ season.

He has also helped transform a Penguins’ power play unit that was near the basement of the league last season, as they are now consistently hovering around the league’s top-five. It is Grzelcyk and his 10 power play points – not generational offensive defensemen Erik Karlsson and Kris Letang – who is quarterbacking Pittsburgh’s first unit with his decisiveness, simplicity, short passes, and ability to distribute the puck.

Because Grzelcyk is a pending-UFA on a cheap contract – and has played top-four minutes this season – he could be a bargain option for a contending team in need of some offense from their blue line or some help on their power play.

A third-round pick certainly seems possible, and with some retention (although unlikely), the Penguins could potentially fetch a little bit more.

The case against a trade

Well, the reasons above.

Even though the Penguins are currently seven points out of a wild card spot, they’re a hot streak away from getting themselves right back in the playoff race. And losing Grzelcyk may be pretty detrimental to their power play, which is one of the only things giving the season any hope at this point.

Also – if Pettersson is dealt – the Penguins’ left side looks to be severely hampered as it is, and it would be even more depleted if Grzelcyk is out of the picture. Pittsburgh would have to rely on Ryan Graves, Ryan Shea, P.O Joseph, and Owen Pickering – a rookie – to carry the load, assuming they don’t acquire anyone else.

Although Grzelcyk may actually bring back a better return than initially anticipated, his importance to the Penguins’ power play and offensive attack can’t be overlooked. It would leave less of a mark for Grzelcyk to walk for nothing than it would if someone like Pettersson stuck around – and he would help them in a stretch run.

The verdict: Trade… but not until deadline day.

With other teams in the East picking up some steam, it’s going to be difficult for the Penguins to gain much ground in the standings – especially before the break for the 4 Nations Face-off, which takes place Feb. 12-20. Since the Penguins and many other teams will have less than two weeks between return-to-play after 4 Nations and the Mar. 7 trade deadline, the cutoff before the 4 Nations break is likely to act as a barometer of sorts.

Pettersson is someone who may be dealt before 4 Nations. However, it may be wise for the Penguins to keep Grzelcyk around until deadline day… just in case they do happen to squeak their way back in the race.

Again – in all likelihood – the playoffs will be a tall ask for the Penguins at this point. They should be given an opportunity to get themselves back into it, but if they don’t, GM Kyle Dubas won’t want to miss out on the value Grzelcyk could bring for a career-best season offensively.

A team like the Florida Panthers could be looking to bolster their left side and their second power play unit, so they may be an intriguing option. In addition, if teams like the Vancouver Canucks, Winnipeg Jets, and Edmonton Oilers miss out on one of the bigger defensemen on the market, Grzelcyk could make for a decent fallback option.