Since 2010, the Pittsburgh Penguins have been driven by a "win-now" mentality, fueled by the exceptional talents of Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. This approach led to numerous trades, some of which significantly contributed to the team's success, while others proved detrimental. Examining these deals reveals the strategic risks and rewards that come with striving for championship contention.

The Best Deals

One of the most impactful trades in Penguins history was the acquisition of Phil Kessel in July 2015. In exchange for a package of players and draft picks, including Kasperi Kapanen, the Penguins landed a dynamic offensive force. Kessel's contributions were instrumental in the Penguins' back-to-back Stanley Cup victories in 2016 and 2017, where he amassed 45 points in 49 playoff games. He also tallied 110 goals and 303 points over four seasons with Pittsburgh. The acquisition of Kessel signified the Penguins' all-in commitment to winning, and it paid off handsomely.

The trade for Patric Hornqvist in June 2014 also stands out as a shrewd move. In exchange for James Neal, the Penguins received Hornqvist and Nick Spaling. While Neal was a consistent scorer, Hornqvist brought a unique blend of skill and grit that changed the team's identity. He quickly established chemistry with Crosby and became a nightmare for opposing goalies in the net.

Another noteworthy deal was the acquisition of Chris Kunitz in 2009. Although predating the specified timeframe slightly, its continued impact throughout the early 2010s makes it relevant. Sending Ryan Whitney to the Anaheim Ducks brought in a versatile winger who became a perfect complement to Crosby. Kunitz played a crucial role in the Penguins' success, contributing to their Stanley Cup wins.

The Worst Deals

Not all trades were successful, and some proved to be significant setbacks. The acquisition of Ryan Reaves in 2017 is widely regarded as a misstep. To add toughness, the Penguins sent Oskar Sundqvist and a first-round pick to the St. Louis Blues for Reaves and a second-round pick. Reaves provided physicality but played limited minutes and was eventually traded after just 58 games. Meanwhile, Sundqvist blossomed into a key player for the Blues, winning a Stanley Cup in 2019.

The trade that sent Jared McCann to Toronto Maple Leafs for Filip Hallander and a seventh-round pick is considered one of the worst transactions under GM Ron Hextall. This move was made to protect other players in the Seattle Kraken expansion draft. McCann has since thrived in Seattle, while Carter, who Hextall protected instead of McCann, experienced a decline.

Another questionable move was the trade for Derick Brassard in 2018. Intended to bolster the Penguins' chances for a three-peat, the trade saw them send Ian Cole, Filip Gustavsson, and a first-round pick to Ottawa for Brassard. Brassard struggled to find his role in Pittsburgh, and the team's momentum faltered after the trade.

The Penguins' acquisition of Douglas Murray in 2013, while intended to add physicality for a playoff run, is also viewed as an overpayment. The team sent two draft picks to San Jose for Murray, who provided limited impact.

Clearing cap space by trading Conor Sheary and Matt Hunwick to Buffalo Sabres for a fourth-round pick seemed reasonable initially. However, the subsequent signing of Jack Johnson to a costly contract negated any potential benefit.

These trades highlight the delicate balance between risk and reward in NHL team management. While some bold moves brought championships to Pittsburgh, others serve as cautionary tales of the potential pitfalls of aggressive trading.