Hey all. I just have a moment to put up a placeholder. Penguins GM Ron Hextall engineered two stunning trades today involving our defense.
In his first deal, he sent John Marino, 25, to New Jersey for Ty Smith, a 22-year-old puck moving defenseman. Hours later he shipped 28-year-old rearguard Mike Matheson and a fourth-round pick in 2023 to Montreal for veteran defenseman Jeff Petry, 34, and forward Ryan Poehling, 23.
Both Smith and Poehling are former first-round picks.
My gut reaction, aside from total shock?