Exactly what the Pens need to do... move a F for a D.

The Pens already have at least 2 too many D. They have Riikola playing wing.

I understand that, but they are paying Bjugstad $4M and when the team is healthy there are younger, cheaper options that have played better for the Pens than Bjugstad. Eventually JR will have to do something about the D and I would rather have a "D" making $2.3M than have JJ ($3.25M) and EG ($4M). Not to mention that if the Canes are making a trade to help their team, they are going to be looking for a forward and would be moving a "D". This way the Pens save some money and they can still waive Ruh, JJ, EG or Riikola and not likely lose any of them.

its only a cheaper option when the canes aren't sending money back.
This could work for the penguins, but only if they can move defense and not take money back.
Especially since that's an expiring contract and if they resign him, it costs them cap.