The Pittsburgh Penguins are fifth in the Metropolitan Division and are looking to add key players to their roster to help them challenge for the 2023 Stanley Cup.

General manager Ron Hextall is looking to add a top-four defenseman, veteran goaltender and third-line center to the current roster. According to Shane Seney of NHL Trade Rumors, here are the three players the Penguins could add to their roster:

#1 Jacob Chychruun, Arizona Coyotes

Chychrun is an excellent defenseman for the Coyotes and would be an instant pick for the Penguins alongside fellow defenseman Kris Letang.

He is very effective on the power play, with three goals and as many assists on the power play this season. He signed a six-year, $27.6 million contract with the Coyotes in 2018 that will see him through the end of the 2024-25 season. His contract has a cap of 4.6 million for the next two seasons.

#2 Thatcher Demko, Vancouver Canucks

Demko was the Canucks’ primary goalie before suffering a lower-body injury in a 5-1 loss to the Florida Panthers in December. He was sidelined for six weeks, but the deadline was extended.

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman said he didn’t expect to hear Demko’s name as a potential trade coin, but Demko seems like a very attractive option for teams.

Demko’s contract is capped at $5 million and will keep him in Vancouver through the 2025-26 season. He’s a potential No. 1 goaltender for the Penguins, who don’t have a primary goaltender next season.

#3 Sam Bennett, Florida Panthers

Bennett is a versatile player, capable of playing on the wing or in the middle and in a more defensive role in the third row.

He has 31 points for the Panthers this season, with 12 goals and 19 assists. He could help the Pittsburgh Penguins’ offense for centers Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. Bennett’s contract is capped at $3,425,000 and he will become a free agent at the end of the 2024-25 season.

Pittsburgh Penguins 2022-23 season so far

The Pittsburgh Penguins have had a lackluster 24-16-9 record this season. They had streaks of games where they looked really commendable but couldn’t keep their form. Sidney Crosby leads the team with 60 points (24 goals and 36 assists).

The Pittsburgh Penguins start their second half of the season against the Colorado Avalanche on February 8. They will look to improve on their current form with a few signings before the NHL closes on March 3.

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