Dec 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Matt Grzelcyk (24) reacts after scoring a goal against the Los Angeles Kings during the third period at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

A Pittsburgh Penguins' blueliner has reached a new career high. And the crazy part is that there are still 30 games to go on the season. Penguins' defenseman Matt Grzelcyk - signed to a one-year, $2.75 million contract this past summer - reached a new career-high of 27 points with his assist on a Marcus Pettersson goal during the second period of a tilt against the Utah Hockey Club.

Marcus Pettersson landing on injured reserve forced the Pittsburgh Penguins to do some tinkering on the blue line. Pettersson had been Erik Karlsson’s defensive partner since Karlsson debuted with the Penguins last season.

The Pittsburgh Penguins’ decision to weld Kris Letang with Marcus Pettersson on a defensive pairing in recent weeks wasn’t necessarily rooted in a sense of familiarity between the two long-time teammates.

The Colorado Avalanche shook the hockey world on Friday when they dealt pending unrestricted free agent superstar Mikko Rantanen to the Carolina Hurricanes in one of the biggest blockbuster trades of the cap era. With the trade floodgates being opened, it might be the time to start keeping an eye on the Pittsburgh Penguins.

It's that time of year again, folks! The NHL trade floodgates have officially opened, and with that, rumors and movement will be abound. And the case is no different for the Pittsburgh Penguins.