First Call: Vancouver reportedly building plan to land Jake Guentzel; Steelers may try to keep Allen Robinson II | Only Sports And Health

Wednesday’s “First Call” looks to provide some clues as to what may happen with Penguins forward Jake Guentzel before Friday’s trade deadline.

We also advance some discussion about the Steelers potentially holding onto a wide receiver and perhaps missing out on a free-agent tight end.

There were some NFL franchise tag moves noteworthy to Steelers fans as well.

How, when and where

Some details are emerging about when the Penguins may trade Jake Guentzel, where he could go, and how that team may make a trade happen.

Darren Dreger of TSN is reporting that the Pens want to have a deal in place by Wednesday night, even though the trade deadline isn’t until Friday afternoon.

Presumably, that is because general manager Kyle Dubas wants to know what else he needs to have in place for the current roster — and who else he can trade over the next two days. Dreger also outlined what Dubas is targeting in return.

Sources say the Penguins are hoping to have a trade in place for Jake Guentzel by tomorrow evening. Pittsburgh is open to quality over quantity in return, but would like a 1st, young NHL player, plus prospects. Flexibility comes in the calibre of prospect or roster player.

— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) March 5, 2024

As for a potential landing spot, Vancouver remains a frequently discussed destination. With former Penguins Jim Rutherford, Patrik Allvin and Rick Tocchet in charge out there, that makes sense.

NHL Insider Chris Johnston posted that the Canucks may trade Elias Lindholm to Boston as a way to create space.

With the #canucks believed to be among those pursuing Jake Guentzel, word is they’ve had discussions about potentially flipping Elias Lindholm to the #bruins as part of the machinations to make it happen.

Nothing concrete in place at this time. Still lots of moving parts.

— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) March 5, 2024

Lindholm was just acquired by Vancouver from Calgary on Jan. 31. He has four goals and two assists (minus-5) since the trade.

Retaining Robinson?

The Pittsburgh Steelers didn’t get much from offseason acquisition Allen Robinson II in the passing game. He caught just 34 passes for 280 yards and no touchdowns.

However, Robinson was a valuable blocker and made run-game formations more versatile. According to a report by Ari Meirov of the “33rd Team,” the franchise “would prefer to retain him at a reduced salary.”

Meirov went on to state that Steelers officials met with Robinson’s representation at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis last week. The 30-year-old Penn State product was there doing media work for Sirius XM Radio.

Robinson is currently slated to cost $11.9 million against the salary cap. The Steelers are thin at wide receiver, and keeping Robinson as a specialized sub at a significantly reduced rate wouldn’t be a bad idea, especially if they do end up trading Diontae Johnson.

So much for that?

There were some attempts to play matchmaker between the Steelers and Jonnu Smith. Quickly, though, it appears that is unlikely to transpire.

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com, the free-agent tight end is talking to the Dolphins about going to Miami.

Free-agent tight end Jonnu Smith visited the Miami Dolphins today, per source. The two sides are said to be in contract negotiations.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 6, 2024

Some thought that the Steelers might be a landing spot for Smith since he played under new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith in Tennessee and Atlanta. But with Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington and Connor Heyward already in place, that was always a long shot.

The Falcons released Smith on Feb. 27 after one season in Atlanta. He accounted for 50 receptions, 582 yards and three touchdowns in 2023.

Smith’s salary-cap number was going to be $6.5 million in 2024 before being released.

Related

• Penguins defeat Blue Jackets with roster uncertainty looming as trade deadline nears
• Pitt hits 20-win mark with victory over Florida State
• Pirates tell top pitching prospect Paul Skenes he won’t make the Opening Day roster

Tag! You’re it!

A few NFL franchise tag notes should be of interest to Steelers fans.

Cornerback Jaylon Johnson got the franchise tag from the Chicago Bears in advance of Tuesday’s deadline. General manager Ryan Poles is on record as saying they’d like to sign him to a long-term deal. Johnson was apparently a potential trade target of the Steelers last fall. But at least for now, he won’t be hitting free agency. That tag is worth $19.8 million against the cap.

Also, the Steelers’ top rival in the AFC North is using the franchise tag on a star defensive player as well. It’s Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Justin Madubuike. He was a second-team All-Pro and a Pro Bowler this past season, posting 13 sacks and two forced fumbles.

If the Ravens and Madubuike can’t work out a new contract, he can sign the franchise tag for $22,102,000 in 2024 via OverTheCap.

First thing’s first

The Pitt women’s basketball team (8-23, 2-16 ACC) is looking to make a run in the ACC Tournament. Game 1 for them is Wednesday afternoon.

The 15th-seeded Panthers will square off against 10th-seeded Georgia Tech (16-14, 7-11) at the Greensboro (N.C.) Coliseum.

Tipoff is at 3:30 p.m. The winner will then match up with No. 7 Duke at 5 p.m. Thursday.

The Panthers lost to the Yellow Jackets 68-58 earlier this season at the Petersen Events Center. Georgia Tech’s Kara Dunn led all scorers with 26 points. Pitt was led by Aislin Malcolm, who totaled 19 points. Liatu King added 15 points, 14 rebounds, six blocks and two steals.