Categories: PenguinPoop

Penguins Land Winnik

Determined to get a jump on the March 2 trade deadline, GM Jim Rutherford moved boldly yesterday to reinforce the Penguins’ bottom six for a postseason run. JR dealt a fourth-round pick in 2015, a second-round pick in 2016, and rugged forward Zach Sill to Toronto for forward Daniel Winnik.

The swap capped off prolonged negotiations between Rutherford and his counterpart, Dave Nonis, which began in earnest last month.

Standing 6’2” and weighing 213 pounds, Winnik adds some much-needed brawn, along with a reputation for responsible play and exceptional penalty killing. In 58 games with Toronto, the eight-year NHL vet tallied seven goals and 25 points, along with 99 hits. Perhaps his most impressive stat—a sterling plus-15—far and away topped the moribund Leafs.

Winnik’s versatility is a big plus, too.

“Wherever they want me to play, I’ll play,” he said. “If they want me to play right wing, left wing or center, I can play all three positions.”

A feisty role player, Sill provided speed and toughness for the black and gold, but little in the way of offense. While popular with his teammates, the Nova Scotia native was a frequent scratch in recent weeks.

Both Winnik, 29, and Sill, 26, are slated to become UFAs this summer.

Along with the exchange of players and draft picks, Toronto agreed to pick up half of Winnik’s $1.3 million salary.

Rick Buker

Recent Posts

Penguins an Easy Mark(strom), No Match for the Devils

In keeping with last night’s low-event Metro clash with the Devils at the Prudential Center,…

18 hours ago

Penguins Update: Is This What Kyle Dubas Intended?

In Mel Brooks’ comedy, The Producers, Max Bialystock (brilliantly played by Zero Mostel) and his…

2 days ago

The Pen(guin) is Mightier, Prevails over Preds in OT

On Tuesday night, I thought our Penguins played perhaps their best game of the season,…

3 days ago

Penguins Update: Is Mike Sullivan Reinventing Himself?

Anyone who’s read PenguinPoop for any length of time knows black-and-gold coach Mike Sullivan doesn’t…

4 days ago

Penguins Acquire Joseph from the Blues

The Penguins added a new/old face to their roster today, acquiring defenseman Pierre-Olivier Joseph from…

4 days ago

Penguins Crown Kings, 3-2, in OT

I’ll be honest. I wasn’t too enthused about the Penguins’ chances for victory ahead of…

5 days ago