MINNESOTA MOVES ZUCKER TO PITTSBURGH
The Pittsburgh Penguins acquired winger Jason Zucker from the Minnesota Wild for defenseman Calen Addison, forward Alex Galchenyuk and a conditional first-round draft pick in 2020.
What does it give the Pittsburgh Penguins
In Zucker, the Penguins land a solid scoring winger that the franchise was missing since trading away Phil Kessel last summer. He also helps curb the loss this season of top scoring winger Jake Guentzel (shoulder surgery). Signed through 2022-23, Zucker is expected to play an important, top-six winger role with the Pens (who look like a true Stanley Cup contender once again this season).
What does it give the Minnesota Wild
This is an excellent trade for former Penguins assistant GM Bill Guerin, the man now in charge of the Wild. Addison is a quality blueline prospect who likely becomes Minnesota's best at the position. The Wild also land the Pens' first-round pick in '20 (in what is expected to be a very strong draft) and Galchenyuk (who has struggled badly the last two seasons and who joins his fourth team at age 25).
Fantasy impact
Zucker has a chance to blossom in Pittsburgh, as he should be given an outstanding opportunity to shine next to either Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin. That said, a word of caution here: Galchenyuk, Tanner Pearson, Derick Brassard et al all struggled after being acquired by Pittsburgh, so Zucker will need to make adjustments with his new team. Addison remains a prized prospect and a decent option for very deep keeper leagues, while Galchenyuk remains a roll of the dice. Handle with care.
