The NHL trade deadline has passed and one of the biggest sellers of the day was the Pittsburgh Penguins. Right around midnight, the Penguins made a trade with their Metro divisional opponent, the Carolina Hurricanes.

The Canes received Jake Guentzel and American Hockey League defenseman Ty Smith. Smith has not played much in the NHL and was received when former General Manager Ron Hextall got him from the New Jersey Devils for Jon Marino. Pittsburgh received a first-round pick that will turn into a Flyers second-round pick if Carolina doesn’t reach the Stanley Cup Finals and a fifth-round pick. Forwards Michael Bunting, prospects Vasili Ponomaryov, Ville Koivunen, and the rights to Cruz Lucius.

I’ll get the easy one of the way. Michael Bunting is 28 years old. He goes way back with team president Kyle Dubas. When he played Junior Hockey on his team the Sue-St Marie Greyhound. He’s got 37 points and just scored his 14th goal of the year. He skates fast, hits hard, and will fight anyone. I like the pickup up he’s got another year on his deal as well.

Now the prospects. Ponomaryov is 22 years old and from Moscow Russia. He was drafted 53rd overall in the 2020 draft. Before going more in-depth, 2020 picks are hard to look at because most of their development has been stalled due to COVID-19. He’s spent time in a ton of leagues, last year was in the A with two teams due to Hurricanes not having a farm team. The Tucson Roadrunners and Chicago Wolves. He had 24 goals and 22 assists for 46 points. He has already reported to Wilkes-Barre-Scranton to play for the Penguins and should be up soon. As one scout for Elite prospects put it, “The motor on this kid is unrelenting. He backtracks well through the neutral zone, consistently applies back pressure, and is dogged in 50-50 puck battles. He’s a legitimate two-way center, the type that makes his presence felt at every corner of the ice”

Koivunen is next up, he is from Finland and is 20 years old. He was taken with the 51st pick in the 2021 draft. He is still in the Finish league and I won’t lie there is fear he won’t ever make the jump to the US for the NHL. But here is the latest full year on the ice. This year on loan to Oulun Kärpät in 59 games, he has 22 points, 34 assists, and 56 points. A scout for Elite Prospects spoke about him during his draft year. “His game is one of pure, unrelenting skill, and an attacking mindset to match. Koivunen wants the puck on his stick, wants to be a game-breaker, and wants to make something happen every shift. Koivunen keeps his top hand pushed out, handles the puck at his hip, and doesn’t mind engaging numbers.” A player full of skill hopefully he does make the jump he has played games for the Chicago Wolves, so here’s hoping he does the same.

Finally the winner of best name in hockey Cruz Lucius. The 19-year-old, yes 19 years old! Still plays NCAA hockey for the Wisconsin Badgers. He was a 4th round pick by the Canes in 2022. First before breaking Lucius down he cannot join the Penguins minor league team until the Badgers season is done and he still has eligibility it might be a while before we see this kid. He’s played for the US World Juniors teams as well so this kid is battle-tested. In 35 games he has 13 goals and 21 assists. For 34 points, I love this kid’s shot and think there is something there. A prospect scout puts it. “With his combination of deception and passing skills, Lucius managed to send a staggering amount of pucks to open teammates in the slot. When he gets the space to prepare his plays, he can manipulate defenders and connect highly difficult plays”

I’ve seen a lot of fans on social media saying the Penguins did badly with the trade but I believe that there is something here to me. Lucius seems to be the best prospect but time will tell. As the Pens continue to fall behind in the standings, trading off players for prospects will happen more. Just a reminder if the Penguins land in the top 10 this draft they will keep their pick. If it is 11 on it goes to the Sharks.