Ranking the Players the Pittsburgh Penguins Should Covet at Trade Deadline

The Pittsburgh Penguins have stumbled as of late in the Metropolitan Division, and they could stand to make some upgrades at the trade deadline. The 2014-15 Penguins lack depth and defense, and they are relying too much on top stars like Sidney Crosby.

Jim Rutherford is in his first season as general manager of the Pens, and he's an executive that is always looking to get ahead of the competition—that was certainly the case when Pittsburgh swooped up David Perron.

There are a number of players who will be available at the March 2 deadline—here are the top targets Pittsburgh should covet as that date grows near.

No. 5: Jaromir Jagr, New Jersey Devils

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Age: 43

Cap Hit: $3.5 million

Why He Should Be Targeted: Jaromir Jagr has played for seven NHL teams since entering the league in 1990, and 25 years later he can still be an effective player. The Penguins need depth, and at this stage of his career, Jagr could be a good third-line winger.

He's still a bull on the puck, has a quick release and is a smart player with tons of experience. Jagr isn't as dynamic as he used to be, but he's still got some magic left in his skates.

No. 4: Jiri Tlusty, Carolina Hurricanes

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Age: 26

Cap Hit: $2.95 million

Why He Should Be Targeted: Jiri Tlusty is a solid depth forward whom Jim Rutherford—Carolina's former general manager—is very familiar with, and he would be a great fit for the Penguins' third line. He is a serviceable forward who is solid in all three zones, and he has 23 points this season.

Tlusty is also an adept penalty-killer, and that's something that the Penguins would like to add to their roster for a playoff push.

No. 3: Curtis Glencross, Calgary Flames

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Age: 32

Cap Hit: $2.55 million

Why He Should Be Targeted: According to The Fourth Period, the Penguins are interested in veteran forward Curtis Glencross.

Glencross wants to win a Stanley Cup, and the Penguins are a team that should contend this spring. The Pens need some depth for their bottom six, and Glencross would be a good fit because he can play both wing and center.

In terms of offensive production, Glencross has averaged 45 points a season throughout his career, and that is a better mark than any of the players currently in Pittsburgh's bottom six.

No. 2: Daniel Winnik, Toronto Maple Leafs

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Age: 29

Cap Hit: $1.3 million

Why He Should Be Targeted: Daniel Winnik is a versatile hockey player who is averaging second-line minutes for the Toronto Maple Leafs but would fill a third-line role for the Penguins. Winnik has 25 points this season, solid advanced stats and a very affordable contract.

The Penguins could use a player who could be plugged in up and down the lineup, and Winnik is essentially a poor man's Pascal Dupuis.

No. 1: Andrej Sekera, Carolina Hurricanes

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Age: 28

Cap Hit: $2.75 million

Why He Should Be Targeted: Andrej Sekera is a defender who will be a popular man between now and the deadline, and one Jim Rutherford should look to acquire.

The Fourth Period listed the Penguins as a potential landing spot for Sekera, and there's a good reason for it. 

Sekera can log big minutes (he's currently playing over 20:00 a game), and he's solid in his own zone. His SAT percentage (or Corsi percentage) is currently 52.8 percent, and that number would be solid for the Penguins' second pairing.

He is another player whom Rutherford is very familiar with, and the relationship of Rutherford and Hurricanes' general manager Ron Francis could help get a deal done.

Rumors via NHL.com and The Fourth Period. Stats via Hockey-Reference.com, NHL.com and Own The Puck.