Let’s Make a Deal: A Possible Answer to the Penguins’ Depth Issues on Defense

I’ve heard it said if you’re going to dream, dream big. In keeping with that old adage, they don’t come any bigger than the target of the trade I’m about to propose.

But first, humor me for a moment if you will.

I think newly minted black-and-gold exec Kyle Dubas has done a fabulous job to date overhauling a shop-worn Penguins team. His deal for Norris Trophy winner Erik Karlsson? A stroke of genius.

To my eye, there are a couple of needs Dubas has yet to address. The first is scoring depth among the forwards. Hence, the Tomáš Tatar rumors. The second? Defensive depth, or perhaps more accurately, composition. And while we’re at it, good old-fashioned muscle.

When healthy, Karlsson and incumbent workhorse Kris Letang should chew up about 50 minutes a game. However, having veteran/journeyman Chad Ruhwedel penciled in as our third right d-man makes me more than a little nervous. Especially given the likelihood that Karlsson or Letang (or both) are liable to miss some time due to health woes, which would require Chad to step into an elevated role he’s not suited for.

As for physicality? We shed our three top hitters, Jason Zucker (197), Josh Archibald (195) and Jeff Petry (190) this summer from a squad that wasn’t overly physical to begin with. While we did add Noel Acciari (244 hits), IMHO we could still use a bona fide physical presence.

I know a way to address those needs in one fell swoop. In effect, killing two birds with one stone.

Trade Marcus Pettersson to Calgary for Nikita Zadorov.

Mind you, I’ve got absolutely nothing against Pettersson. In fact, I like him. As his overall 96 percent WAR attests, the Dragon’s about as steady and reliable as they come. I believe the Skelleftea, Sweden native would be a solid partner for either of our high-profile guys. About the only thing he can’t do is shoot the puck. But as the old saying goes, nobody’s perfect.

There’s another old saying. You have to give up something to get something. Or, you have to break a few eggs to make an omelet, if you prefer.

So why Zadorov?

First off, he’s a monster. At 6’6” and 248 pounds, only slightly smaller than Godzilla. Yes, we already added some heft to our back line by signing Ryan Graves (a former teammate of Zadorov’s), but they’re different animals entirely. Despite his considerable bulk (6’5” 220), Graves isn’t overly aggressive.

Zadorov loves to hit, 174 of them last season with as many as 278 in a season (back in 2017-18). And we’re not talkin’ love taps. I mean, this man can HIT.

In other words, foes would need to keep their heads up in a way they haven’t since the days when designated hitter Brooks Orpik patrolled our blue line.

As for fighting? Ryan Reaves he ain’t. But Zadorov will come to the aid of a teammate and he won’t get embarrassed due to his sheer bulk and strength.

There’s a lot more to the player than just his physical nature. The Moscovite moves well for such a big man. He’s developed a knack for jumping into the play, as his 14 goals in ’22-23 will attest. He’s also a valuable and somewhat rare commodity…a left-handed shot who can play both sides with equal ability. Which means he could shift to the right side without a significant drop-off in his play should Karlsson and/or Letang go down. Leaving Pierre-Olivier Joseph to bump up to the second pairing in his stead with Ty Smith, Will Butcher or Mark Friedman filling the third left d-slot.

A hidden bonus? Zadorov would provide Evgeni Malkin with a countryman to pal around with.

If there’s a hole in the big guy’s game, it’s moving the puck, which happens to be a Pettersson strength. But he’s sound defensively and excellent at possession entry prevention.

Although Zadorov’s generally been used in a third-pairing role, he’s averaged over 19 minutes of ice time in three different seasons and 18:10 for his career. Not exactly sheltered minutes.

So if the hulking Russian’s such an attractive commodity, why would the Flames trade him?

An extra year of control, for one. While Zadorov is slated to become a UFA following the season, Pettersson is under contract through ’24-25. With the Flames staring down the gunwales at a potential mass exodus next summer that includes cornerstones Elias Lindholm and Noah Hanifin, the extra control might be attractive to Flames GM Craig Conroy. Again, it’s not like they’d be getting a stiff in return. Pettersson’s a fine defenseman.

As for age and cap hits? Zadorov’s a year older (28 to 27). Pettersson’s slightly more expensive ($4.075 M vs. $3.75 M). Which might require a small degree of salary retention to balance the Flames’ books.

Would trading for Zadorov make us a Cup contender? Probably not. But I do think he’d fill a few needs and make us a tougher out come playoff time.