Just three games into the 2026-27 season, the Pittsburgh Penguins are already making moves on the trade market, snagging defenseman Spencer Stastney from the Edmonton Oilers. Talk about wasting no time, right?
A Forward for a Defender, What’s the Play?
So here’s the breakdown: Pittsburgh sent forward Filip Hallander to Edmonton. And get this: Hallander was on a tear, totaling three points, one goal and two assists, in just two games this year with the Penguins. That’s some serious early season production to give up! In return, Pittsburgh gets Stastney, and the immediate word is he’s there to boost their defensive depth. Stastney is 26 years old, and he’s locked in through the 2026-27 season with an average annual value of $1.525 million. It’s a clear signal from the Penguins: they want to shore up the D.
Stastney’s Winding Road and Growing Game
Stastney’s been around a bit already. He played for both the Nashville Predators and the Oilers just last season. Nashville actually traded him to Edmonton in the middle of the 2025-26 season for a 2027 third-round pick, after picking him in the fifth round of the 2018 NHL Draft. What’s he bringing to Pittsburgh? Last season, he truly stepped up, setting new career highs in games played, goals, assists, and points. He skated in 66 games total, 30 for the Preds and 36 for the Oilers, racking up 2 goals, 8 assists, and 10 points. That’s a real jump in his game, even if his plus/minus was -11 for the year. His career numbers sit at 117 games played, 4 goals, 15 assists, and 19 points with a -4 overall.
This early-season deal shows the Penguins aren’t messing around, looking to immediately solidify their blue line. Stastney’s growth last year suggests he’s ready for this chance to step up and make a difference for Pittsburgh.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
Leave a Reply