Taking Stock: A look at the Pittsburgh Penguins' prospect trade chips for the deadline

The Pittsburgh Penguins have a way of surpassing everyone's expectations.

Despite having their two best centers — who just happen to be two future hall-of-famers — out of the lineup for the start of the season, the team still managed to firmly establish itself in the Metropolitan Division and are assured a playoff spot. 

Now with close to their full lineup, they look like one of the best teams in the NHL. This turn of events probably places the team's management in a bit of a conundrum. 

On one hand, it could be time for Pittsburgh to look toward the future, to prepare for a new generation of players to come in and take the helm. Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang are closer to the end of their careers than the beginning. The contract of the latter two also ends after this season. The Penguins could look quite different next year.

On the other hand, they are Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang, an elite core group that is impossible to discard in any playoff matchup. If they get the necessary help at the trade deadline, they could manufacture another dream-like playoff run and maybe even another Stanley Cup. 

The team has the trade chips to go all-in, the picks, and also some interesting prospects to exchange for veterans that could bolster this core. Here's an inventory of what their farm system has to offer to sellers ahead of the trade deadline.