Penguins swing MASSIVE trade with Florida: Brassard, Sheahan sent for Nick Bjugstad, Jared McCann

Jim Rutherford swings for the fences again

The Pittsburgh Penguins have made a monster trade today with the Florida Panthers.

Elliotte Friedman has also updated it, Florida also picks up a second 4th round pick from Pittsburgh. So the complete trade looks to be:

Pittsburgh receives: Nick Bjugstad, Jared McCann

Florida receivers: Derick Brassard, Riley Sheahan, 2nd round pick 2019, two 4th round picks 2019 (PIT and MIN)

It’s been long rumored that Derick Brassard was on the way out, and here he goes. Along with Riley Sheahan who hasn’t had the best of seasons and a couple of draft picks over to the Panthers.

The Penguins bring back Nick Bjugstad - a player they’ve wanted since he was picked in the 2010 draft just before their selection (they settled for their next choice, Beau Bennett). Bjugstad is a hulking player but one who has found a home on the right wing as of late, which makes his addition questionable as to what the Pens think about his future. Bjugstad is signed for this year and two more at $4.1 million cap hit.

Jared McCann may be the key to the whole deal. He’s young and has upside and will be under team control for years to come, he’s signed for this year and next at a very friendly $1.2 million cap hit.

Much more to come on this deal as it unfolds, but for now, wow, the Pens have struck again and are swinging for the fences on a deal that makes them younger, faster, bigger and more dynamic of a team. It may or may not pay off, but they’re not going to go into the playoffs without trying it out.

For a more in-depth scouting report on Bjugstad and McCann, we broke it down here.