The Pittsburgh Penguins and New Jersey Devils have made a trade. John Marino goes to the Devils in exchange for Ty Smith and a third-round draft pick in 2023. Smith, 22, is signed through the 2022-23 season and carries an average annual value of $863,333. Marino is locked into a deal for five more seasons at a rate of $4.4 million per season.
The big piece here is Marino who posted one goal and 24 assists for the Penguins last season. He is a top-four, right-handed, defensive defenseman. He skates well, moves the puck, and takes very few penalties. That said, he struggled after being signed to a big deal by the Penguins, but he’s capable of playing top-four minutes and if Damon Severson leaves in free agency next summer, the Devils have their replacement.
Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald said of the trade, “John is a competitive, highly mobile defenseman who strengthens our back end. He adds, “He takes pride in his game away from the puck and his puck management and ability to transition play will fit in nicely with our style and the strengths of our forward group. This is another move focused on improving our club today, while also providing certainty and stability for roster flexibility as we continue to build.”
As for the Penguins, Smith could have a rebound season, but the deal opens up some cap space for Pittsburgh who might choose to make some additional moves in free agency.
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