The cost for Ron Hainsey is fairly cheap for a serviceable elder statement in the league with experience and, in Hainsey's case, a strong set of skills on the penalty kill. Which is an area where the Penguins have struggled. In full the trade reads that the Penguins gave up a 2nd round pick this year and American Hockey League defenceman Danny Kristo for Hainsey at 50%.
To me that is a fair price and a good deal for both sides. If Hainsey was at full cost then I reckon you would have seen a 3rd instead of a 2nd but even then, the 2nd will likely be pick number 46 and beyond. That is a late pick to give up and not one that you will regret giving up if it gives you a player who can really improve your team. This will be Hainsey's first play off game in his career at the age of the 35 but he has worked with Rutherford before, whilst in Carolina.
It is highly likely that the Penguins will put Maatta and/or Daley on LTIR to give them maximum space at the trade deadline and allow them the possibility of adding a top forward for the play off run. It also means there is less of a rush to trade Fleury due to him potentially taking up cap that is needed elsewhere in the team.
The deadline is on Wednesday the 1st March and I expect the Penguins will be involved but I don't expect Rutherford to absolutely deal. He will want the right deal and he has been in this game long enough to know that he can always say no.
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