4 Teams That Should Trade for Julius Honka

Dallas Stars defenseman Julius Honka has reportedly requested a trade after three seasons with the team.

In those three seasons, Honka played 87 games, scored 13 points, and played to a total -7. With Honka leaving, there are teams who need a defenseman right now. Here are the top four who should make their move.

4. Florida Panthers

Aaron Ekblad and Keith Yandle continue to carry the defensive load for a team near the bottom of the league in goals allowed last season. The Panthers made an underrated move in signing solid stay-at-home defenseman Anton Stralman, but could use more depth and youth.

3. Ottawa Senators

The Senators are in total rebuild move, particularly since they had to trade away Erik Karlsson. Last season, they allowed more goals than any other team in hockey. Thomas Chabot is a bright young star and Mark Borowiecki is good, too, but every team has at least two good defensemen. Nikita Zaitsev is still young, but Ron Hainsey likely doesn't have much time left in his skates at age 37.

2. Los Angeles Kings

Drew Doughty and Alec Martinez are not too far past their respective primes to help the Kings contend this year, and the team expects great things from 22nd-overall pick Tobias Bjornfot, especially on the back end. However, quality over quantity doesn't necessarily apply when you need six good defensemen, especially when one of your three best is only 18 years old.

1. Pittsburgh Penguins

The Pens hope to still contend for a Stanley Cup even after trading Phil Kessel and inking Jack Johnson to a ludicrous contract. They've played at their best when they've had depth (there's that word again!), most notably when they can have a good young defenseman who can pinch along the boards and extend time in the offensive end.