The NHL off-season is often filled with swirling rumors and dramatic roster moves, but this week, a single decision may have set the stage for one of the most intriguing developments yet.

On Thursday, the Anaheim Ducks made headlines with a massive contract extension for Jackson Lacombe, instantly shifting the landscape of their defensive lineup—and possibly sparking a chain reaction that could reach all the way to Pittsburgh.

For months, the Pittsburgh Penguins have been the center of trade speculation, yet the franchise has remained quiet, holding back from any blockbuster moves.

Now, with the Ducks suddenly boasting a surplus of talent on the left side of their defense and the Penguins desperately searching for elite blue-line reinforcements, the hockey world is buzzing with anticipation. Could these two teams, each with their own ambitions and roster needs, be on the verge of a deal that shakes up the league?

With veteran wingers in Pittsburgh potentially on the move and Anaheim’s young defensive assets drawing attention, the pieces seem to be falling into place for a partnership that could benefit both sides. But what exactly is brewing behind the scenes? Dive deeper to discover the details, the rumors, and the possible blockbuster trade that no one saw coming.

The Anaheim Ducks and Pittsburgh Penguins.

Photo credit: ESPN

On Thursday, the Anaheim Ducks gave Jackson Lacombe a monster extension, and with a surplus at LHD, a trade could be brewing with the Penguins.

All off-season long, the Pittsburgh Penguins have been involved in trade speculation, but to this point in time, they’re yet to pull the trigger on a significant deal that allows them to either get younger or acquire significant future assets.

However, early on Thursday, Jackson Lacombe inked a massive new deal with the Anaheim Ducks, and now, according to an NHL analyst, it could lead to plenty of interest in their roster.

Could the Ducks and Penguins be trade partners?

After the trade, the Ducks have now locked Lacombe in, and with the veteran duo of Radko Gudas and Jacob Trouba on the right side of their defense, this is now a squad that could potentially make a surprise push in the West.

However, they’ve now got a surplus on the left side of their defense, and according to Cam Robinson, if a team is looking to get younger there, the Ducks are a team that could be open to making some moves.

Whether it’s Pavel Mintyukov, Olen Zellweger or the unproven Stian Solberg, there’s immense amounts of talent on the left side for the Ducks, and with the Penguins needing elite level talent on the blue line, they may look to make a move that gets younger.

Given that Pittsburgh is potentially set to move Bryan Rust or Rickard Rakell, the Ducks would be a perfect fit for the veteran wingers, and while there’s been no speculation between the two parties as trade partners yet, looking at their rosters and their immediate outlook, it’s a combination that makes perfect sense.