3 reasons why Pittsburgh Penguins should not have traded Lars Eller to Washington Capitals

The Pittsburgh Penguins traded forward Lars Eller to the Washington Capitals in exchange for draft picks, the Penguins announced on Tuesday.

The two draft picks heading to Pittsburgh are a 2025 fifth-round pick and a 2027 third-rounder. The fifth-rounder originally belonged to the Chicago Blackhawks.

While the deal seems like a minor transaction, here's a look at three reasons why the Penguins should not have traded Lars Eller to the Capitals.

3 reasons why Pittsburgh Penguins should not have traded Lars Eller to Washington Capitals

#3. The Penguins don’t have much center depth

The Pittsburgh Penguins lack center depth beyond their two top stars, Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. Eller provided the Pens with a solid third-line option, potentially moving up to the top six if need be.

However, moving Eller on means losing depth and bringing up younger players who lack the 1,000-plus games of experience he has to offer. With the Penguins seemingly wanting to contend in the Metro Division; dealing Eller away, especially to a division rival, does not help the Penguins compete this season.

#2. The Penguins lose valuable experience

Eller’s 1,000 games of NHL experience are crucial in the locker room, particularly as the Pens introduce younger players into the team like Drew O’Connor. Also, Eller is a positive influence on other players such as Jesse Puljujarvi, who has seemingly turned his career around after arriving in Pittsburgh.

The Pens don’t have other players with Eller’s experience who could fill that void. While they have numerous veterans, Eller provides leadership that stabilizes the clubhouse and supports Crosby and Malkin.

Pittsburgh will need to get other veteran players to pick up his leadership role. Players like Bryan Rust and Noel Acciari could become key leaders for a Penguins’ team that looks to turn things around this season.

#1. The Pens lose depth production

Lars Eller has registered four goals and seven points in 17 games last season. That’s not bad depth production, and the club could miss Eller as a crucial depth player, given the fact that the internal candidates for his spot will need to step up fast.

Perhaps the Pittsburgh Penguins are working on other deals to replace Eller’s spot in the lineup. In the meantime, the Pens will have to look at internal options to round out the roster. Players like Blake Lizotte and Samuel Poulin will need to pick up the slack.

Ultimately, Eller played in 99 games for the Penguins, totaling 38 points through 19 goals and 19 assists.