Penguins' Rutherford on Brassard deal: 'Most complex trade I've made'

Jim Rutherford has orchestrated many moves over the years, but the deal he made Friday for center Derick Brassard was certainly the most complicated.

"This is the most complex trade I've made," the Pittsburgh Penguins general manager said. "We thought we had the deal made earlier in the day - we had to make a couple changes. There were cap issues and how it was made with the three teams."

Initial reports indicated a deal was reached between the Penguins and Ottawa Senators, however, the transaction was deemed unacceptable by the league.

Enter the Vegas Golden Knights, who, as part of the three-way trade, first acquired Brassard in order to retain 40 percent of his contract. The Golden Knights then dealt Brassard to the Penguins for forward Ryan Reaves and a fourth-round draft pick in 2018.

For the Penguins, the addition of Brassard ends Rutherford's season-long search for a third-line center.

"He's got 18 goals, 38 points. He plays center. We've tried to get more depth at center and more insurance there," Rutherford added. "What we're trying to do now is win."

Brassard also makes the Penguins one of the league's deepest down the middle, as he'll line up behind Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.

The addition wasn't lost in the locker room, as the Penguins aim to be the first team to capture three straight Stanley Cups since 1983.

"Management stepped up," said Penguins winger Patric Hornqvist.

A 6-1 win over the Carolina Hurricanes on Friday moved the Penguins to 76 points on the season and into first place in the Metropolitan Division.