The NHL trade market is heating up as teams rush to finalize deals before the holiday roster freeze. Notable trades include the New York Rangers sending Kaapo Kakko to the Seattle Kraken and the Pittsburgh Penguins acquiring defenseman Pierre-Olivier Joseph from the St. Louis Blues.

The Penguins, currently on a roll with a 7-2-1 record in their last ten games, are looking to bolster their depth as they face injuries on defense. Players like Drew O'Connor, Jesse Puljujarvi, and Matt Grzelcyk could be on the move as the Penguins explore trade options.

The Pittsburgh Penguins are in a seller's market as they approach the NHL Trade Deadline, aiming to acquire young assets. Key players like Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin are deemed untouchable, while others like Tristan Jarry and Ryan Graves fall into the 'please take' category. Several players are categorized as available, including Alex Nedeljkovic and Anthony Beauvillier.

Meanwhile, the New York Rangers have indicated that Chris Kreider and Jacob Trouba could be on the trading block. Adam Fox and Alexis Lafreniere are considered non-movable, while young talents like Filip Chytil are seen as long-term investments. The potential for trades remains high as teams assess their rosters.

The Pittsburgh Penguins showcased their dominance with a convincing 6-2 victory over the Calgary Flames, building on recent momentum. Key contributions came from Michael Bunting, Philip Tomasino, and Kris Letang on the power play, while Anthony Beauvillier, Rickard Rakell, and Blake Lizotte also found the net.

Head coach Mike Sullivan praised the team's improved decision-making and discipline. Beauvillier's standout performance has raised questions about his future with the team, while Lizotte's role as a gritty third-line center has proven effective. The Penguins' power play is now among the league's best, and the recent acquisition of Tomasino is paying dividends.

Goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic delivered a stellar performance, further solidifying the team's defensive play. As they prepare for a challenging schedule ahead, the Penguins are optimistic about their chances against top teams, feeling confident in their recent form.

The Pittsburgh Penguins faced a disappointing defeat against the Carolina Hurricanes, losing 4-1 in a game dominated by the Canes. Despite a strong performance from goaltender Joel Blomqvist, who stopped 35 shots, the Penguins struggled to generate offense and were outplayed throughout the match.

Head coach Mike Sullivan highlighted the team's inability to dictate play, resulting in a lack of scoring opportunities. The Penguins' power play continued to falter, going 0-5, and the team needs to make adjustments moving forward.

As they prepare for a challenging road trip, the Penguins must find ways to improve their performance, especially in the top-six forward positions. Ryan Graves stood out defensively, but the overall effort was lacking. The Penguins hope to bounce back against the Winnipeg Jets in their next game.

The New York Rangers are set to begin their Stanley Cup pursuit against the Pittsburgh Penguins. While the core remains largely unchanged, the addition of players like Reilly Smith and the return of Filip Chytil aim to enhance the team's scoring depth.

Zac Jones is expected to contribute as a puck mover on defense, complemented by Victor Mancini’s steady play. However, lineup changes are anticipated as the season progresses, with the ultimate goal of securing the Cup.