The Pittsburgh Penguins and Vancouver Canucks made a late day trade before the 3 pm NHL Trade Deadline. The Pens sent Tanner Pearson to the Canucks for Erik Gudbranson. The trade was one for one, as well, no salary was retained.
The trade is one for one. No salary retained. https://t.co/fLWujgr2G8
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) February 25, 2019
Erik Gudbranson for Tanner Pearson
Key Players
Erik Gudbranson is a polarizing player. He is a big body who plays as a depth role. However, from an analytical point of view, he struggles to control play. Pittsburgh clearly feels like they needed to be tougher. Gudbranson has 2 goals and 6 assists for 8 points in 57 games this year. He has 16 goals and 46 assists for 62 points in 448 career games. He was originally drafted by the Florida Panthers 3rd overall in 2010. However, was traded to Vancouver in 2016.
Tanner Pearson, on the other hand, is known as more of a speedy forward. He has 9 goals and 5 assist for 14 points. However, this is clearly a down year for him. In total, he has 78 goals and 80 assists in 369 games. He was drafted by the LA Kings 30th overall in 2012. Also, he helped LA win a cup in 2014.
Moving Forward
Pearson will help the Canucks as they look to help push for the playoffs. Vancouver was known to not want to trade draft picks heading into this year’s deadline. They said that player for player trades are the only ones they wanted to do and that’s what this was. The Canucks added more skill but lost some toughness.
As for the Pens, they felt getting bigger was the right call. From an analytical point of view, this move is questionable. However, Erik Gudbranson has been known for his size and intangibles. That may be what the Pens were looking for in this deal.
Both teams are on the cusp of playoff spots and will be looking to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
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