For Penguins fans expecting a blockbuster, it must’ve been a disappointing day. Quiet, too. Aside from a pair of minor deals with Arizona, Pens GM Jim Rutherford was content to play the role of bystander. A far cry from last season, when he orchestrated two of the more shocking and controversial deals at the trade deadline.
As anticipated, the Penguins parted ways with left wing Sergei Plotnikov. Rutherford peddled the 25-year-old Russian to the Coyotes for left wing Matthias Plachta and a conditional seventh-round pick in the 2017 Entry Draft.
Despite his best efforts, Plotnikov failed to emerge as the potential top-six power forward JR envisioned when he signed the KHL star to a deal last summer. Although “Plots” impressed at times with his determined work in the corners, the 6’2” 205-pounder had difficulty finding the net (two assists in 32 games).
His fortunes took a decided downturn under Mike Sullivan. Struggling to keep pace with Sully’s up-tempo style, the heavy-footed youngster quickly fell from favor. A healthy scratch for 20-straight games, he last played for the Pens on January 6.
Like Plotnikov, the German-born Plachta languished in his first season on North American ice. Described by Coyotes GM Don Maloney as a “big, skilled winger,” the 6’2” 218-pounder tallied two goals and seven points in 46 games for Springfield, the Coyotes’ AHL affiliate.
He earns $743,000 at the NHL level.
Penguins Reacquire Jeffrey
In a separate deal with Arizona the Penguins acquired forward Dustin Jeffrey—along with defenseman James Melindy and forward Dan O’Donoghue—for minor-league forward Matia Marcantuoni.
The Pens’ sixth-round pick in 2007, Jeffrey tallied 15 goals and 28 points in 100 games over six seasons with the black and gold. Since departing the Steel City in 2013, the 28 year old has spent the majority of his time skating in the AHL.
Blessed with blazing speed, Marcantuoni was selected by the Pens in the fourth round of the 2012 Entry Draft. However, the Toronto native’s hands failed to keep pace with his feet at the pro level.
Jeffrey was assigned to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Melindy and O’Donoghue will join the Pens’ Wheeling affiliate.
Warsofsky Claimed by Devils
The Penguins lost the services of defenseman David Warsofsky, who was claimed by New Jersey. In a dozen games with the black and gold, Warsofsky scored one goal. The 5’9″ 170-pounder was signed as a free agent last summer.
Sheary Returned to Baby Pens
Forward Conor Sheary was returned to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, the team announced Monday. In 27 games with the Pens, the Melrose, Massachusetts native scored three goals and five points. He was a minus-6.
About time the Pens traded for a good Newfoundland boy in James Melindy!
Go Pens!
Hi Rick,
I am a little disappointed that we did not get another player or two who could make a difference for us in a cup run.However,sometimes things do not work as planned.Vancouver and our national media reported yesterday that both the Cap’s and the Pen’s were trying to get defense man Dan Hamuis and Vancouver wanted to do the trade,but he had a no movement clause and would only go to Chicago or Dallas. That is no fault of JR or the Pen’s organization.
My point is JR did the best he could given the situation he found himself in.
So moving forward, we now know what pieces we have to try to win a cup.
If we do not make the playoffs,or get eliminated in the first round,this could be a good result in that we still have Sprong,Murray,Pouliot,Jarry,Maatta and even Bennett on our roster.
Now the real hockey starts! Let’s go Pen’s.
Well said, Jim.
I was hoping Rutherford might somehow pry Jamie McGinn out of Buffalo (he went to Anaheim instead). But overall, I’m not unhappy. Sometimes it’s the moves you don’t make that turn out to be the best ones.
I, too, was pleased that JR was able to upgrade us (Schultz) without giving away the farm. Cole’s been a different player since returning from the press box (plus-5 with three assists in four games). The kids are finding their way. While I wish we had a physical presence on ‘d’, I love our speed.
I don’t know how we’ll stack up against the big boys (Washington and the Rangers). Teams with size that play a structured game give us problems. But if we can stay reasonably healthy, I think we’ll at least be competitive.
Game on! Let’s go Pens!
Hi Rick,
I like what you said .”Sometimes its the moves you do not make that turn out to be the best ones”. Look what Detroit did. Nothing ! In the past 20+ years since Mike ILitch bought the team, they have become the envy of the league.They compete every year for the Cup and do remarkably well given that they never get a Top 10 draft pick because of their continued success.They out draft almost any other team in the league using 3rd, 4th, 5th round picks that become NHL gems.They certainly do not over pay players as well.They let the best Coach on the planet walk last year and Babcock still talks glowingly about Ken Holland and the ILitch family.The Red Wings are sure disciplined !
Stevie Y. of Tampa Bay,another Detroit alumni, also did nothing yesterday.That really surprised me. But as you say Rick, doing nothing sometimes may be the best move in the end.
The Cap’s,Panther’s,Ranger’s,Tampa,Bruin’s,Islander’s…..There are some really good hockey clubs in the East now. Pen’s too!
Cheers