The Pittsburgh Penguins are comfortably in possession of an NHL playoff spot with 28 regular season games remaining.
The recent return to health of superstar Evgeni Malkin, combined with the addition of scoring winger David Perron, has strengthened a roster that already looked Stanley Cup-worthy.
Penguins GM Jim Rutherford is, no doubt, a pretty happy man at the moment, but it doesn't mean he's ready to rest on his laurels and let the rest of the season play out with the lineup as is.
Rutherford, according to the latest NHL trade rumors, is scouring the market for a second-pairing defenseman and a depth winger as additions ahead of the March deadline.
NHL Insider Bob McKenzie, appearing on NBCSN's Intermission Report Wednesday, revealed that Toronto Maple Leafs forward Daniel Winnik is a player Rutherford and head coach Mike Johnston have already attempted to acquire.
"I mean, some people would say the Pittsburgh Penguins' primary need is that they need to continue to bolster their depth up front," McKenzie said, per NicholsOnHockey.com. "They need some bigger, stronger wingers. Daniel Winnik from the Toronto Maple Leafs is a guy the Pittsburgh Penguins have looked at on a number of occasions and thought about maybe trying to close a deal on him."
Winnik is a big pending unrestricted free agent that can play on both the center and the wing. In 53 games for the Leafs this season, the 29-year-old has five goals and 17 assists.
He's the perfect type of versatile rental piece that can help a team like the Penguins seeking strong depth for a playoff run.
With the recent concussion issue for Christian Ehrhoff, Rutherford has also turned his attention to the blueline and is seeking a second-pair player, per McKenzie.
"If Ehrhoff can't go, they may need to go out and make an emergency call to get a defenseman in trade, as opposed to going up front."
Though, as McKenzie notes, Rutherford may hold off until more is known about Ehrhoff' status.
