Veteran Penguins forward linked to Tampa Bay Lightning in new trade suggestion

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Graham Montgomery
November 16, 2024 (1:27)

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The Pittsburgh Penguins are reportedly selling off players this season leading to many clubs, including the Tampa Bay Lightning to inquire about possible trades.

Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas recently revealed that everyone outside of Sidney Crosby is on the table when it comes to trades this season. Yes, that means even players like Kris Letang and Evgeni Malkin could see their time in Pittsburgh end soon.

We have already seen pieces start to move as the club traded veteran forward Lars Eller to the Washington Capitals on Tuesday. We can now expect more depth players to be moved soon. This includes guys like Marcus Pettersson and Noel Acciari, who have already been in rumors.

The Hockey News writer Michael Derosa believes Acciari is a perfect candidate for the Lightning's bottom six. He highlights his positional flexibility and defensive prowess as reasons why he would be a good fit.

"Acciari, 32, would be a solid addition to the Lightning's bottom six. He could fit in nicely as their fourth-line center but could also play at right wing because of his versatility. In addition, he would be a clear choice for their penalty kill because of his solid defensive play."

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman has mentioned Acciari as a player to keep an eye on as Dubas and the Penguins begin to build a new path for the team. They could get a little more for the 32-year-old as he has one year left on his contract after this one as well.

As a result of these rumors and hints, fans have already begun to create mock trades for these Penguins players. One fan even included Acciari in a mock deal that would send him to Toronto.

Acciari does seem to fit the mold of the kind of player the Lightning have gone after in years past. Furthermore, he is more proven and reliable than past trade targets such as Tanner Jeannot. We already know Julien Brisbois is cooking something up, we're just going to have to wait and see if Acciari is part of his recipe.