Hey all. I just have a moment to put up a placeholder. Penguins GM Ron Hextall engineered two stunning trades today involving our defense.
In his first deal, he sent John Marino, 25, to New Jersey for Ty Smith, a 22-year-old puck moving defenseman, and a third-round pick in 2023. Hours later he shipped 28-year-old rearguard Mike Matheson and a fourth-round pick in 2023 to Montreal for veteran defenseman Jeff Petry, 34, and forward Ryan Poehling, 23.
Both Smith and Poehling are former first-round picks.
My gut reaction, aside from total shock? Thumbs down, although I need to take some time to wrap my brain around these moves so I can evaluate them properly.
Obviously, more to follow.
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