Penguins Quiet at Trade Deadline

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.