Maple Leafs Forward Reportedly Linked to Penguins

The Toronto Maple Leafs are at a crossroads with forward Calle Jarnkrok. He has been out of their lineup recently recovering from a broken knuckle. During this time they have been able to assess their play without him in the lineup. Based on what they have seen, he looks more expendable than ever.

With players like Bobby McMann and Pontus Holmberg settling in in their NHL roles, this gives Toronto the flexibility to possible make a move with Jarnkrok.

In addition to the Buffalo Sabres, and the Vancouver Canucks, one destination that Jarnkrok can land would be in Pittsburgh.

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The Toronto Maple Leafs may consider trading Calle Jarnkrok to improve their lineup. Potential trade destinations for him include the Pittsburgh Penguins, Buffalo Sabres, and Vancouver Canucks. https://t.co/paw24jzetx— NHL Digest (@nhl_digest) February 20, 2024

Dubas and His Familiarity with Jarnkrok Could Make Pittsburgh a Good Destination for the Foward

It is known that Kyle Dubas and Calle Jarnkrok are familiar with each other from Dubas GM stint in Toronto. Dubas acquired him from the Calgary Flames, and then signed him to a 4-year contract extension. If Toronto's GM Brad Treliving does make Jarnkrok available, the Penguins and Dubas could seek him out.

The Penguins are struggling, and that puts them into a tough situation. They could be selling off pieces before the trade deadline, like Jake Guentzel. But with Sidney Crosby still on the team and performing at the top of his game, they are not looking to go full rebuild.

With a Guentzel Trade Before the Deadline Not Out of the Question, Jarnkrok Could Help the Team in a Soft Rebuild

This is where Jarnkrok can step in. He can be a 20 goal scorer at the NHL level, as he has shown last year. He can also dig for the puck and dish it to Crosby and Malkin. He would be a good alternative in the middle between a full rebuild and doing nothing.

The one sticking point would be his cap hit. But if the Penguins really do move Guentzel, then that could resolve that issue and they would be able to take on his $2.1 million cap hit.

So, would Calle Jarnkrok be a good addition to the struggling Penguins?

As Read On: The Hockey Writers - 3 Trade Destinations for Maple Leafs' Calle Jarnkrok