Talk heated up Friday morning linking the Penguins to Ottawa Senators center Derick Brassard, who would immediately slot in as a premium option at third-line center.
But figuring out a way to get this done will be incredibly difficult. It could turn out to be a gulf too far to cross for the Penguins, who’ve gone 16-4-1 since Jan. 1 with Riley Sheahan as their third-line center.
The cost to acquire Brassard is extremely high — believed to be a first-round pick, a top prospect and another piece.
The Penguins, meanwhile, have roughly $1.65 million of salary-cap space, according to capfriendly.