Penguins trade Brassard, Sheahan to Panthers for Bjugstad, McCann

The Pittsburgh Penguins traded forwards Derick Brassard and Riley Sheahan to the Florida Panthers on Friday in exchange for forwards Nick Bjugstad and Jared McCann, the teams announced.

Additionally, the Penguins are sending a second-round pick and two fourth-rounders - all in the 2019 draft - to the Panthers.

Both Brassard, 31, and Sheahan, 27, are set to become unrestricted free agents at season's end. Neither center is having a particularly strong season, as Brassard has collected just 15 points, while Sheahan has only nine. Sheahan is not known for his offensive abilities, but Brassard has been a consistent 40-to-50 point player over his 12-year career.

Pittsburgh may look to its new additions to fill the roles left by Brassard and Sheahan. Bjugstad, 26, is a natural center but has spent most of the season playing right wing, yielding just 12 points. He does have an offensive touch, though, scoring 19 goals last season and a career-high 24 in 2014-15. The towering 6-foot-6 forward is signed through the 2020-21 campaign at a $4.1-million cap hit.

McCann, 22, has collected 18 points in 46 games. Originally a first-round pick of the Vancouver Canucks in 2014, he was dealt to Florida in exchange for Erik Gudbranson. McCann will become a restricted free agent after next season.

The Panthers have won three straight games but still sit 11 points out of a playoff spot, meaning they could be inclined to flip Brassard and Sheahan if they don't plan to re-sign them.

Pittsburgh has had an up-and-down season but currently sits tied with the Washington Capitals for second place in the Metropolitan Division with 60 points.

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