Earlier this week, the Pittsburgh Penguins made a trade with the Nashville Predators. The Penguins acquired a 2025 third-round pick, a 2026 sixth-rounder, and forward Cody Glass. Meanwhile, the Predators acquired prospect Jordan Frasca. While this is somewhat of a minor trade, Glass could bring some helpful contributions to the Penguins this season.
Frasca is not even a loss for the Penguins as he has not done anything to prove he belongs in the NHL so far in his career. He spent 11 games in the AHL in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and has not recorded a point. He has spent most of his time recently with the Wheeling Nailers an ECHL affiliate of the Penguins and in the OHL.
Glass is currently making $2.5 million dollars this upcoming season. However, he only has one year left on his contract and will be a free agent at the end of the season. Fortunately for the Penguins, Glass is a restricted free agent. Cody Glass is entering his sixth season in the NHL and his now third NHL team with the Penguins.
He spent two seasons with the Vegas Golden Knights where he combined for 22 points in his first two seasons. He then joined the Predators for the next three seasons. His best season in the NHL came in 2022-2023 where he played in 72 games, logging 14 goals and 21 assists. That season was also his best +/- as he was a +9. However, he did not follow up that season strong as he had just six goals and seven assists. He also had his worst +/- of his career as he was a -9.
What Does Cody Glass Bring to the Penguins?
Cody Glass is a former top-10 pick draft pick as he was the inaugural pick in Golden Knights history when Vegas selected him sixth overall in 2017. Glass is a decent skater who possesses a great hockey IQ, a solid passer, and has great hands. However, his biggest strength might be his ability to control the puck and not give it away.
That is an incredible plus and need for the Penguins as they had three players in the top 25 in giveaways this past season. Evgeni Malkin was second with 105, Kris Letang was 11th with 84, and Sidney Crosby was 24th with 67.
Glass is also a very solid defensive forward who is willing to put his 6’3, 206-pound frame on the line to block shots, and also has a strong and active stick frequently causing turnovers. However, one area he needs to work on which could definitely be helpful for the Penguins is being more physical. He does not necessarily need to be an enforcer, but using his sheer strength and size to throw the body around, press someone against the boards, and defend his teammates. If he can do that, he will certainly be a mainstay in the Penguins lineup.
Looking Ahead in Pittsburgh
Kyle Dubas and the front office spent the offseason retooling the bottom six as well as getting younger bringing in Blake Lizotte, Anthony Beauvillier, and even trading for veteran Kevin Hayes. The Penguins also re-signed Emil Bemstrom and Jesse Puljujarvi.
In one offseason, the Penguins went from having no depth, to now tons of it at the forward position. Not to mention, the Penguins also have some prospects that could be ready to be called up next season.
Currently, according to Daily Faceoff, Glass is projected to be the fourth-line center. However, he could range anywhere from third line to healthy scratch or even sent down to the AHL. Glass will need a strong training camp and preseason to solidify himself in the bottom six.
Main Photo Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
