In the first deal on NHL trade deadline day, the Pittsburgh Penguins have shipped 25-year-old Russian forward Sergei Plotnikov to the Arizona Coyotes for a conditional pick and a minor league player.
Coyotes have made a deal for Plotnikov.
— Craig Custance (@CraigCustance) February 29, 2016
Penguins’ return for Plotnikov is a seventh-round draft choice in 2017 and minor-leaguer Matthias Piachta.
— Dave Molinari (@MolinariPG) February 29, 2016
Coyotes Acquire Sergei Plotnikov
Plotnikov was in his first NHL season since coming over from Lokomotiv Yaroslavl in the KHL, recording just two assists in 32 games for the Penguins. Plotnikov has been described as a hard working winger with a strong physical game and a good shot. The big winger hasn’t suited up for Pittsburgh since a game on Jan. 6.
Plotnikov is on a one-year entry level contract paying him $925,000. He is set to become a restricted free agent on July 1st.
Plotnikov put up 15 goals and 36 points in 51 games with Lokomotiv in 2014-15.
Plachta has two goals and seven points in 46 games with the AHL’s Springfield Falcons this year. He will report to the Penguins AHL affiliate, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. The 24-year-old has represented Germany internationally.
More on this trade as it develops. Stay tuned to @lastwordonpuck and @lastwordonsport all day for your NHL Trade Deadline coverage.
Main Photo:
Main Photo Caption: DENVER, CO – DECEMBER 09: Sergei Plotnikov #61 of the Pittsburgh Penguins controls the puck against the Colorado Avalanche at Pepsi Center on December 9, 2015 in Denver, Colorado. The Penguins defeated the Avalanche 4-2. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
