The Pittsburgh Penguins might look very different after this year’s NHL trade deadline. A new report suggests general manager Kyle Dubas is planning a major shake-up, sparing only a handful of players as the team languishes near the bottom of the standings.
This potential overhaul, including the recent waiving of goaltender Tristan Jarry, signals a pivotal moment for the organization. For fans, it raises a pressing question: What does the future hold for one of the NHL’s most storied franchises?
Key Players Safe, But the Door’s Open for Many Others
According to NHL insider Marco D’Amico, only five Penguins players are considered untouchable: captain Sidney Crosby, alternate captain Evgeni Malkin, veteran Bryan Rust, and younger talents Philip Tomasino and Owen Pickering. Everyone else? They’re on the table for the right deal.
“Sid, Malkin, Rust, and the two kids, Tomasino and Pickering, they’re off limits for now, but everything else can be had for the right price,” an NHL source told D’Amico.
This includes notable names like Erik Karlsson, acquired by Dubas just last year. Despite high expectations, Karlsson has struggled to deliver his Norris Trophy-winning form. With 32 points in 45 games this season and a hefty $10 million average annual value (AAV) contract, the Penguins are reportedly open to retaining salary to facilitate a trade.
Erik Karlsson: A Key Trade Piece?
Karlsson’s situation encapsulates Pittsburgh’s current dilemma. After a stellar 101-point campaign in San Jose, his first year in Pittsburgh has been underwhelming. His production dropped to 56 points last season, and his current minus-14 rating highlights struggles on both ends of the ice.
“That’s someone they want and need to move,” said the source. “He can help the right team, and maybe with the cap going up, you never know.”
Pittsburgh’s willingness to retain salary and the San Jose Sharks already covering 13.04% of Karlsson’s cap hit make him an intriguing target for playoff-bound teams.
Dubas’ Vision: Balancing the Present and the Future
Dubas seems to be walking a fine line between staying competitive for aging stars like Crosby and Malkin while positioning the Penguins for long-term success. Shedding players with significant term left on their contracts and acquiring manageable deals is reportedly a top priority.
“You’re going to see him move and take back term,” the source explained. “He still wants to try and win for Sid and Geno, but he thinks he can build for the future, too.”
This approach suggests a focus on trading players like Matt Grzelcyk, Marcus Pettersson, and Rickard Rakell, who have expiring or shorter-term deals, for assets or players who can contribute to both timelines.
Cap Space and Draft Picks Offer Room to Maneuver
The Penguins currently have $5.2 million in cap space, along with a collection of draft picks that could play a pivotal role in reshaping the roster. Dubas is expected to leverage these resources as he evaluates offers for movable players.
This strategy comes amid mounting pressure to reverse the team’s fortunes. The Penguins have missed the playoffs for two consecutive seasons for the first time in Crosby’s career and currently sit in second-to-last place in the Metropolitan Division.
A Franchise at a Crossroads
For Penguins fans, these developments may feel bittersweet. On one hand, the possibility of a roster overhaul signals a proactive effort to address the team’s struggles. On the other, it could mark the beginning of the end of an era defined by Crosby, Malkin, and their sustained dominance.
The trade deadline on March 7 is shaping up to be a defining moment—not just for Pittsburgh, but for the NHL. All eyes will be on Dubas as he navigates one of the most critical periods in his tenure with the team.
