PENGUINS GET DEPTH WINGER KLINKHAMMER
The Pittsburgh Penguins acquired winger Rob Klinkhammer and a conditional fifth-round draft pick in 2016 from the Arizona Coyotes for defenseman Philip Samuelsson.
What does it give the Pittsburgh Penguins
The Penguins have been hit with the injury bug lately, especially up front, so adding Klinkhammer now makes some sense. He also gives the team more size on the wings, which was another need. He's been a healthy scratch often in Arizona this season, but perhaps a change of scenery will serve Klinkhammer well. The conditional pick was largely included because both Klinkhammer and Samuelsson have expiring contracts (the former is a potential UFA, while Samuelsson is a pending restricted free agent).
What does it give the Arizona Coyotes
For the Coyotes, this is more about dumping Klinkhammer than it is about Samuelsson--though the latter is now in the same organization as his brother, {P Henrik Samuelsson}. By adding Philip Samuelsson now, Arizona might be planning another move (involving one of their current defensemen, possibly {P Keith Yandle}) to land some scoring help up front. On the same day the Coyotes dealt away Klinkhammer, they also waived {P Kyle Chipchura}. Therefore, this looks like a precursor to something bigger.
Fantasy impact
Klinkhammer was going nowhere in Arizona this season, so he'll at least play more often in Pittsburgh (who are beset with injuries on the wings at present time). If he moves up from the fourth line, he might become a fantasy factor. Therefore, consider the inconsistent Klinkhammer a dark horse at this point. Samuelsson doesn't have much fantasy value as he's more of a stay-at-home defender.
