Report: Nearly 10 teams scout Penguins as trade talks intensify

Just four weeks into the season and things are still chaotic across the NHL.

Despite an inconsistent start to the season, the Penguins have managed to put together a respectable 6-3-1 record in their past 10 games. Still, general manager Jim Rutherford isn’t satisfied and NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reports that Rutherford is looking to make a move.

Earlier this month Friedman reported that Rutherford is making calls and is willing to deal, but he’s not willing to trade his team’s 2020 first round draft pick.

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One thing the GM made clear: He is not interested in trading Pittsburgh’s 2020 first-rounder.

Additionally, Friedman reports that the Montreal Canadiens have been sniffing around and are interested in defenseman Juuso Riikola.

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I do think Montreal — which has kept an eye on left-shot defenders — took a look at Juuso Riikola. (Rutherford was not the source on this one.)

Interestingly enough, nine scouts are in attendance for tonights Penguins game against the Boston Bruins and insider David Pagnotta believes it’s because Rutherford is looking for some scoring up front.

The scouts in the building represent the Los Angeles Kings, Anaheim Ducks, San Jose Sharks, New Jersey Devils, Winnipeg Jets, New York Rangers, Tampa Bay Lightning, Calgary Flames and New York Islanders.

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There are literally DOZENS of players on these teams who could be of interest to the Penguins, but there have been rumblings that the Penguins are interested in the Kings’ Tyler Toffoli. May be worth keeping an eye on. Stay tuned, Pens fans.