In Plotnikov, the Coyotes are taking a low-risk chance on a seldom-used player in Pittsburgh. He has size and hitting ability, but might not ever become a big scorer in the NHL. Plotnikov could spend a lot of time on a line with fellow Russian Viktor Tikhonov for the rest of 2015-16

The Penguins basically wanted to get rid of Plotnikov, who quickly fell out of favor with new head coach Mike Sullivan and was a frequent healthy scratch. Therefore, they got an AHL body in Plachta and a potential last-round draft pick. Both of these teams got what they wanted here

Plotnikov should be taken with a wait-and-see approach, since he has not shown yet an ability to be an offensive producer. Plachta is a big body without much of an offensive game. He'll probably remain in the AHL for the foreseeable future