Lightning Should Swing Trade For Interesting Penguins Forward

The Tampa Bay Lightning will likely add to their roster before the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline passes. When looking at their group, it is apparent that they could use a boost in their bottom six.

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When looking at potential targets around the NHL, the Pittsburgh Penguins offer an interesting option in Drew O'Connor.

O'Connor, 26, has created plenty of chatter in the rumor mill this season. The Chatham, New Jersey native is a pending UFA with an easily affordable $925,000 cap hit on a struggling Penguins team. With this, he is expected to be a hot commodity.

If the Lightning acquired O'Connor, he could be a solid addition to either their third line or fourth line. In addition, due to his solid defensive play, he would offer the Bolts another clear option for their penalty kill if acquired.

O'Connor has appeared in 30 games this season with the Pens, where he has three goals and nine points. While his numbers are down right now, he showed just last season that he can provide solid secondary scoring when playing at his best. In 79 games with the Penguins in 2023-24, he set career highs with 16 goals, 17 assists, and 33 points.

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