The Pittsburgh Penguins still have nine NHL defensemen and enough money to keep only seven at the NHL level. Ty Smith and Mark Friedman are with the WBS Penguins, while P.O Joseph plies his craft in the big league after three years in the AHL. Following a summer of NHL trade speculation and at least one rejected deal, the Penguins trade chatter has died down despite a seven-game winless streak and no change in the surplus stock. The Penguins turned down the chance to trade winger Jason Zucker to a Metro Division team because the other team also wanted a first-round pick to be included. The quieted trade chatter could change quickly. Center Teddy Bleuger appears to be ready to come off LTIR, which would fiscally shove the Penguins back to only 12 forwards on the roster. Salary cap limitations and injuries already forced the Penguins to play with seven defensemen and only 11 forwards once this season. GM Ron Hextall indicated there was a chance Blueger could be ready last weekend, but thus far, Blueger remains on the long-term injury list retroactive to the first game of the season