Report: Pittsburgh Penguins Latest Trade Adds to the Youth Movement
Earlier this week, the Pittsburgh Penguins traded with the Nashville Predators, acquiring a 2025 third-round pick, a 2026 sixth-round pick, and forward Cody Glass. In exchange, the Predators received prospect Jordan Frasca. While this trade may seem minor, Glass could provide valuable contributions to the Penguins this season.
Frasca, who hasn’t made an impact in the NHL, spent 11 games with the AHL’s Wilkes-Barre/Scranton without recording a point and has mostly played with the ECHL’s Wheeling Nailers and in the OHL.
Glass, who will earn $2.5 million this season, is set to become a restricted free agent at the end of the year. This will be his sixth NHL season and third team, following stints with the Vegas Golden Knights and the Predators. His best NHL season came in 2022-2023, where he recorded 14 goals and 21 assists in 72 games, along with a +9 rating. However, his performance dipped last season, with just six goals and seven assists and a -9 rating.
What Does Cody Glass Bring to the Penguins?
Cody Glass, selected sixth overall by the Vegas Golden Knights in 2017, is a former top-10 draft pick with notable skills. He’s a strong skater with excellent hockey IQ, passing ability, and puck-handling skills. His key asset is his proficiency in controlling the puck and minimizing turnovers, which is especially beneficial for the Penguins, who had three players among the top 25 in giveaways last season—Evgeni Malkin (2nd with 105), Kris Letang (11th with 84), and Sidney Crosby (24th with 67).
Glass is also known for his solid defensive play, using his 6’3”, 206-pound frame to block shots and his active stick to create turnovers. However, he could improve by being more physical—using his size and strength to be more assertive, press opponents against the boards, and defend his teammates. If he can enhance this aspect of his game, he could become a key player in the Penguins’ lineup.
Looking Ahead in Pittsburgh
Kyle Dubas and the front office have significantly retooled the Penguins’ bottom six this offseason by adding Blake Lizotte, Anthony Beauvillier, and veteran Kevin Hayes, while also re-signing Emil Bemstrom and Jesse Puljujarvi. This overhaul has transformed the team from having little depth to possessing considerable strength at the forward position. Additionally, the Penguins have promising prospects who could be ready for call-ups next season.
Currently, Daily Faceoff projects Cody Glass as the fourth-line center. However, his role could vary from being a third-line player to a healthy scratch or even being assigned to the AHL. Glass will need to have a strong showing in training camp and preseason to secure his place in the bottom six.