Penguins Complete Buzzer Beater Trade Before Deadline

In return, the Ducks will receive wingers Zach Aston-Reese and Dominik Simon, prospect goaltender Calle Clang, and a 2022 2nd round pick. 

Simon, who was drafted 137th overall by the Penguins in the 2015 draft, was welcomed back at the beginning of the season after playing with the Calgary Flames last season. The 27-year-old has a total of 19 goals and 45 assists in 184 NHL games. 

Aston-Reese, also 27-years-old, joined the Penguins organization undrafted during the 2016-17 season. He has a career high of 27 goals and 24 assists in 161 NHL games. 

Clang was drafted by the Penguins 77th overall in the 2020 NHL draft. The 19-year-old has spent his time playing with the SHL team, Rögle BK. 

I've gotta say - I this is a kick-ass trade. While I was hoping to see defenseman Marcus Pettersson and winger Kasperi Kapanen on the trade block, I’m not disappointed that they were ultimately retained. I’ll admit that I was really hoping the Pens could acquire winger Brock Boeser from the Vancouver Canucks, now in the hands of former Penguins GM, Jim Rutherford. Knowing how much of a fan he is of Kapanen, I thought for sure it would be a match made in heaven. However, I will take this over the 3 PM disappointment I was feeling of no trade at all. Thanks for keeping us on our toes, Ron Hextall. 

Overall, I’m excited to see what Rakell will do. I think he’s going to be a perfect addition to the second line with Evgeni Malkin. Hopefully shaking up the lines like this will increase scoring chances. The 28-year-old, who was drafted by Anaheim 30th overall in the 2011 draft, has a career high of 138 goals and 173 assists in 499 games. 

*insert round of applause for Ron Hextall and Brian Burke*

As for Brock Boeser, hey, I guess there’s always next year.