Penguins acquire Mikael Granlund from Predators: How center would fit in Pittsburgh

The two teams announced Wednesday that the Pittsburgh Penguins acquire center Mikael Granlund from the Nashville Predators in the second round of the second round. Here’s what you need to know:

• Granlund was signed during the 2024-25 season and carries an average annual worth of $5 million.
• Granlund has scored nine goals and 27 assists in 58 games played this season.
• Granlund was in his fifth season with the Predators.
• The Penguins (30-21-9) rank fifth in the DC region.

background story

Granlund #9 went to the Minnesota Wild during the 2010 NHL Draft. He spent seven seasons with the Wild before being dealt to the Predators at the trade deadline during the 2018-19 season.

In his career, Granlund played in 729 games, recording 144 goals and 335 assists.

the athleteInstant Analysis:

How does Granlund fit in with Pittsburgh?

The Penguins’ last six were among the worst in the NHL all season. For the past several days, General Manager Ron Heckstall has remade it – Whether it is for the better remains to be seen.

By waiving Kasperi Kapanen and Brock McGinn and trading Teddy Blueger, the Penguins have created enough salary pro rata space to land Granlund, a 31-year-old forward who could play either center or wing, but would likely be on Pittsburgh’s third line.

Was the addition of Granlund worth the breakup with Kapanen, McGinn, and Blueger? He’s scored nine goals this season, compared to 19 from this trio when they were Penguins.

Where Granlund’s whereabouts remains a mystery. Will he replace Jeff Carter as center? It’s hard to see that happening, unless Carter moved to the wing. – Russian

Hit Granlund’s hat

What’s curious about Granlund’s addition is that it hits its $5 million cap for each of the next two seasons. The Penguins somehow got rid of Kapanen’s remaining year of $3.2 million, but they added money to their cap going forward.

It’s a baffling move, especially considering that the Penguins have been so restricted this season that they haven’t been able to promote several of their top prospects due to cap restrictions. – Russian

what are they saying

“Mikael is a versatile striker, capable of playing on the wing or in the middle, and making an offensive contribution,” Hextall said. “He has experience in both power play and penalty kicks and can add options to our squad.”

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(Photo: Stan Szeto/USA Today)