4 Players Penguins Can Trade to Clear Cap Space Other Than Phil Kessel

The Pittsburgh Penguins are up against the cap this offseason, and hoped to move Phil Kessel in order to alleviate some of those issues. Now, GM Jim Rutherford has said that he expects Kessel to be donning the black and gold again next season after the player denied a trade to Minnesota. So, which players can the Penguins move now? They can start by looking at these four.

4. Bryan Rust

Bryan Rust has been a productive role-player for the Penguins over the last four seasons, showing his versatility by contributing on all four lines. At 27 years old, the right winger is owed $3.5 million over the next three years, a contract which could be moved to free up spending flexibility.

3. Nick Bjugstad

Nick Bjugstad was acquired at the trade deadline last season, but the 26-year-old has yet to find real consistency with his game in the Steel City. With the Penguins owing him $4.1 million for the next two years, he could end up surplus to requirements.

2. Jack Johnson

Jack Johnson is a seasoned defenseman who could provide teams with depth on the back end. At age 32, the veteran is under contract for the next four seasons, and at an AAV of $3.25 million -- a hefty price for a player who is aging and not bound to learn any new tricks -- Pittsburgh should consider sending him out the door.

1. Olli Maatta

Olli Maatta is a young defenseman that the Penguins believed could be in their top four for the foreseeable future. But after struggling last year and being scratched late in the campaign, the team may want to move on from him before eating much more of the $4 million he is owed for the next three seasons. They won't find themselves regretting it too much.