Seeking toughness, Pens trade for Reaves from Blues

The Pittsburgh Penguins added some toughness on their quest to a third straight Stanley Cup title.

The Penguins acquired forward Ryan Reaves and the 51st overall pick from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for forward Oskar Sundqvist and the 31st pick, the Blues announced.

St. Louis selected Russian forward Klim Kostin at No. 31.

Related: Blues nab Klim Kostin with final pick in 1st round

The Penguins were reportedly eager to add some toughness to protect the likes of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Phil Kessel. Reaves has racked up 695 penalty minutes and 1,324 hits across 419 career NHL games.

In doing so, they passed up a chance to acquire some high-end skill.

By all reports, Kostin has elite offensive upside. He was the No. 1-ranked European skater by NHL Central Scouting heading into the draft, but was limited to just eight games for Moscow Dynamo in the KHL this season due to a shoulder injury.

He stands 6-foot-3 and is considered a mobile power forward who plays a physical game. In addition to his size, he's a strong skater with good speed and possesses a high hockey IQ.