McKenzie: Pens "kicked tires" on Stafford, Stewart; trade search will "intensify"

Bob McKenzie was on NBCSN on Wednesday evening.

On possible trade options for the Pittsburgh Penguins:

“The Pittsburgh Penguins, even before the absence of Pascal Dupuis - arguably for the rest of this season and who knows how long after that – they were looking for a top-six winger to begin with. That search is going to intensify here, there’s no question about that.

“Now what do the Pittsburgh Penguins have that they could give up to get one? They have a lot of young defensemen in their own system. On their own defense right now, they’ve got Olli Maatta, they’ve got Robert Bortuzzo, Simon Despres. Playing in the minors, a lot of attractive commodities that could be had as part of a trade. Scott Harrington, Brian Dumoulin. Phil Samuelsson. These guys, these young players – Derrick Pouliot, a first round pick – one or more of these guys could be on the move before the trade deadline to try and secure the goal-scoring, veteran winger they’re looking for.

Related: LeBrun: Pens' Rutherford in great position to trade

“I know the Pittsburgh Penguins earlier this season kicked tires on Drew Stafford and Chris Stewart of the Buffalo Sabres. They didn’t go down that road, and I’m not sure they’re prepared to at this time, but if somebody should come up that fits their needs, then one or two of those young defensemen could be the price they have to pay to get them.”

Source: NBCSN/ Transcript: Nichols on Hockey