Three Players Kyle Dubas and the Pittsburgh Penguins Should Not Trade

As the NHL trade deadline looms, Penguins GM Kyle Dubas has some difficult roster decisions to make. But three players have to stay off-limits and remain for Pittsburgh's future.

Cody Glass was acquired by the Pittsburgh Penguins in a trade with the Nashville Predators, which is Dubas' idea of building a team full of youth. Following a year of playing through multiple injuries, he has three goals and 10 assists in 45 games.

With his concussion problems, those aren't bad statistics in the grand scheme of things. Glass, as an RFA, can sign a two-year deal for about $1.7 million per year, which is what other players similar to his skill level are getting.

If he closes strong in the final weeks of the season, that deal will be a bargain for Pittsburgh.

Another Predators' pickup, Philip Tomasino, came to Pittsburgh in exchange for a fourth-round 2027 pick as compensation. He has just 15 points (seven goals, eight assists), and he is not flashy, but his hockey IQ and high-flying game are priceless.

On the second line alongside Michael Bunting, who is another player the Penguins need to keep, and Evgeni Malkin, he's added speed and hockey IQ, something the old Penguins sorely lack.

Should he sign, similar comparisons see a two-year, $1.5 million AAV deal, which would be yet another bargain.

Bunting, as mentioned above, is an in-your-face, power-play skilled player, and is also a key to the puzzle. His size and ability to score are something Dubas will have to keep intact.

In 56 games played this season, Bunting has scored 14 goals and added 14 assists, for 28 points. If the Penguins take the right procedures, they can make a competitive future out of this group of players.