Barring something unforeseen, Matt Hunwick was likely to be a healthy scratch for the 10th straight game when the Penguins hosted the Maple Leafs, his former team, at PPG Paints Arena on Saturday night.
Well, something unforeseen happened.
Justin Schultz, who was practicing on the No. 1 power play on Friday, was out of the lineup with an illness and Hunwick was back in.
Obviously, this season has not gone the way the 32-year-old envisioned when he signed a three-year, $6.75 million contract last July in free agency. The re-emergence of Ian Cole over the last few weeks -- which has coincided with the Penguins going 8-1-1 over that span and Cole adding a goal and four assists -- had relegated Hunwick to a depth piece and a seat in the press box.
"Anytime you're out you want to get back in there, whether you're injured, healthy, whatever the circumstance," Hunwick said after being just one of a handful of players to take the ice for Saturday's morning skate. "You always want to be part of the team and help the group win."
In 33 games this season -- he missed 15 straight games in the fall with a concussion -- Hunwick has recorded three goals and two assists. He scored the overtime winner against the Islanders on Dec. 7:
Though his skill set, most notably his skating ability, would seem to mesh well with what the Penguins ask of their defensemen, he's proven an awkward fit in Pittsburgh. The left-handed shot is a minus-3 and his 48.3 Corsi For Percentage ranks third-worst among players on the current roster.
But having lasted a decade in the league with five organizations, he's well aware that it's a business. His name has surfaced in recent trade rumors with the deadline coming up Feb. 26.
Looking more like Matt Hunwick is on the trade block with Ian Cole playing 17-18 mins per game. Pens need cap space to acquire a forward.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) February 16, 2018
"We're playing really good hockey right now," Hunwick said. "Every team wants to be in the position to force a general manger to add, that means you're in the playoffs or at least have a chance. You definitely don't want to be selling."
Physically, he says he is fine and is more than ready to play at a moment's notice. It's not the situation he would like, but it is what it is. Throughout, he has maintained his professionalism.
"You kind of learn that negativity doesn't serve you that well," he said. "It's better to be positive, get your work in and be ready for the next opportunity. That's kind of how you survive and be a good teammate. That's what I learned early on, and that's what I've done throughout the years and it's part of the reason I'm still here."
To continue reading, log into your account:
