"We tanking tanking", "Dubas kinda fleeced em": Pens fans react as Pittsburgh Penguins trade Lars Eller to Capitals for draft picks

The Pittsburgh Penguins made a surprising trade on Tuesday, sending veteran forward Lars Eller to the Washington Capitals in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round draft pick and a 2027 third-rounder.

The move comes after a disastrous 7-1 loss to the Dallas Stars on Monday night and signals that the struggling Penguins may be looking to retool.

Penguins fans reacted to the trade news, with many expressing disappointment that the team seems to be giving up on this season.

One fan tweeted:

"Oh, we tanking tanking."

Another fan wrote:

"I’m ngl. Dubas kinda fleeced em here wow. Eller is a great player, was a great guy to have on the team! Let the rebuild begin!”,

Here are some fan reactions:

"One of the few guys that we were supposed to keep that actually brought fight and heart to the team." one fan wrote on X.

"For Pittsburgh trading Eller helps in managing the salary cap, especially if they are looking to make other moves or need flexibility. The draft picks they acquire, while not high, add to their future assets, potentially useful trading or selecting young talent." another fan wrote.

"Will Lars Eller's departure significantly impact the Washington Capitals' playoff chances" a user commented.

"Need to make some kind of moves with that 7-1" another user wrote.

Eller played 17 games this season for the Penguins scoring four goals and three assists.

Capitals GM Chris Patrick on acquiring Lars Eller from Penguins

Capitals general manager Chris Patrick believes this trade will provide much-needed depth for his team.

"We are excited to welcome Lars back to our organization. This move enhances our depth at the critical center position. Lars is a versatile player,that we are confident will strengthen our team's depth and competitiveness," Patrick said in a statement.

Lars Eller previously played for the Washington Capitals from 2016-2023, winning a Stanley Cup with the team in 2018 before being traded to the Colorado Avalanche in March 2023.

The veteran forward signed a two-year, $4.9 million deal with the Penguins as a free agent in July 2023. Lars Eller has 182 goals and 227 assists over 1053 career games.