Penguins Acquire Zucker

As the old adage goes, if at first you don’t succeed try, try again.

Months after Phil Kessel invoked his partial no-trade clause to quash a deal for Jason Zucker, Pens GM Jim Rutherford finally got his man, prying the talented left wing loose from Minnesota. In a weird twist of fate, the player Kessel eventually was traded for, Alex Galchenyuk, was part of the package sent to the Wild. Minnesota also received defense prospect Calen Addison and a 2020 first-round pick.

What We Got

A 28-year-old left wing, Zucker’s topped the 20-goal mark four times, including a career-high 33 in 2017-18. This season he has 14 goals in 45 games, roughly a 25-goal pace over an 82-game slate. A good two-way performer, he topped the NHL with a plus-34 in ’16-17.

Here’s how The Hockey News describes him:

“Plays with a great combination of skill and energy when on top of his game. Skates very well can put constant pressure on opponents. Is also responsible in his own zone. Boasts plenty of goal-scoring ability. Needs to become a more consistent performer, game in and game out. Also lacks ideal size (5-11, 187 pounds) for the National Hockey League game, so injuries can be a problem for him. Lacks optimum passing skills.”

Most experts agree Zucker will be a good fit for the Pens’ speed-oriented, puck possession style. Hopefully he’ll at least partially fill the production void created by Jake Guentzel’s season-ending shoulder injury and, more recently, Dominik Kahun’s concussion.

The speedy winger is signed through 2022-23 at an annual cap hit of $5.5 million.

What We Gave Up

Although by all accounts not for a lack of effort, the talented but enigmatic Galchenyuk never fit in with the Pens after arriving in a trade for Kessel last summer. Recently demoted to the fourth line he played sparingly, hitting the ice for only 3:02 in his final game wearing the black and gold.

If ever a man needed a change of scenery, Alex did. I personally wish him well.

Taken in the second round by the Pens in 2018, Addison is a talented puck-moving defenseman currently playing for Lethbridge of the Western Hockey League, where he’s averaging more than a point per game. He also shone for Canada during the recent World Junior Championships.

Dobber Prospects raves about his potential, describing him as quick, crafty, poised and skilled. His lone drawback…a smallish 5’10” 181-pound frame.

Given the Pens’ strong performance to date, the first-round pick figures to fall late in the round.

My Take

Although the Pens have held up remarkably well (10-4-1) sans Guentzel, they’ve looked a little frayed around the edges recently, especially since Kahun went down.

Look for Zucker to dovetail nicely with Mike Sullivan’s attacking style and provide a spark, along with some welcome production.

Yes, Addison may one day quarterback the Wild power play. And you never know how the first-round pick will pan out.

Still, a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

I call it a win.

Marino Has Surgery

Rookie defenseman John Marino underwent successful surgery to repair three broken bones in his left cheek. He’s expected to miss three-to-six weeks.

According to reports, Rutherford is rumored to be shopping out west for defensive help.