The Pittsburgh Penguins have brought in some help for their injury-ravaged blue line, acquiring defenseman Erik Gudbranson from Vancouver in exchange for forward Tanner Pearson.
Gudbranson gives Pittsburgh needed depth at defense with three of its top six currently sidelined. Olli Maatta is out indefinitely with an upper body injury. Kris Letang and Brian Dumoulin will both miss Tuesday's game in Columbus after getting hurt during an overtime loss to Philadelphia on Saturday. Letang is considered day to day with an upper body injury and Dumoulin is dealing with a concussion.
Gudbranson, 27, had two goals and six assists this season for the Canucks. He is signed through the 2020-21 season.
Pittsburgh acquired Pearson in a trade with the Los Angeles Kings in November but he struggled to gain traction. Pearson had nine goals and five assists in 44 games with the Penguins.