Pittsburgh Penguins GM Jim Rutherford said he would continue to do everything in his power to upgrade his roster for the latter portion of the season and the NHL playoff push and he again did just that Wednesday, acquiring forward Daniel Winnik from the Toronto Maple Leafs, in exchange for Zach Sill, a 2015 fourth-round draft pick and a 2016 second-round draft pick.
The deal was first reported by ESPN's Pierre LeBrun, with the full compensation reported by TSN's Bob McKenzie.
LeBrun also reports that the Leafs will retain 50 percent of Winnik's cap hit - an important addition to the deal considering how close the Pens are to the cap ceiling.
The addition of Winnik - a quality player and strong veteran presence who immediately upgrades the depth for the Pens - further solidifies Pittsburgh's status as Stanley Cup contenders.
Winnik isn't a flashy guy, but he does all the little things necessary to win in the playoffs. He's got seven goals and 18 assists this season for the moribund Maple Leafs.
With the deal, the Leafs have taken another step toward turning the page on the current construction of the roster and add ammo in their efforts to return the franchise to its former glory and the Penguins take another big step toward a serious Cup run.
