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Penguins Free Agent Primer: Cap Space, Needs & Projections

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Kyle Dubas, Pittsburgh Penguins trade

The frenzy is about to begin, but will largely proceed without the Pittsburgh Penguins. The biggest names are already off the market as the Vegas Golden Knights executed the sign and trade for Mitch Marner, the Florida Panthers signed Brad Marchand to a controversial six-year contract that will carry him to 43 years old, and in late-night deals, the Detroit Red Wings locked down Patrik Kane. At the same time, the Columbus Blue Jackets settled on re-signing Ivan Provorov.

The Penguins said goodbye to all of their RFAs who were interested in a contract. Philip Tomasino, Connor Dewar, and P.O Joseph are free agents, and general manager Kyle Dubas offered little hope that any would re-sign.

Read More: More Dubas: ‘Market is Nuts,’ When to Expect Trades; Malkin Timeline

This is the last year before the Penguins’ great roster turnover. According to PuckPedia.com, the Penguins currently have $19,616,904 in free cap space with a full roster, including 12 forwards, seven defensemen, and two goalies.

Add Ville Koivunen to the mix, and the Penguins have $18,811,071.

Since Dubas is setting up for a rebuild, next year’s cap and roster situation is also relevant. Next year, the Penguins have only five forwards under contract, four defensemen, and one goalie at a cost of about $50 million. Amongst those signed and still on their entry-level deals are Rutger McGroarty and Owen Pickering.

And just for fun, trigger warning: Jack Johnson’s buyout ends after 2025-26.

The Penguins have about $54 million in salary cap space when the cap goes up to $104 million in 2026-27. Only four players are under contract for 2027-28: Kris Letang, Ryan Graves, Bryan Rust, and Rickard Rakell.

2025-26 Penguins Roster

Sidney Crosby is still the anchor with Evgeni Malkin possibly on a farewell tour, though neither side wants to have that conversation yet. Young winger will highlight the lineup beside the old lions for an interesting mix. However, Dubas has little incentive to add more forwards unless the player fits the future.

Of course, at any moment, another GM could pick up the phone and greatly change the situation by paying the price for Rakell or Rust. And Dubas will probably look for a more cohesive third line with internal and external options.

(Updated to include Noel Acciari):

Rickard Rakell-Sidney Crosby-Ville Koivunen

Rutger McGroarty-Evgeni Malkin-Bryan Rust

Kevin Hayes-Tommy Novak-Danton Heinen

Joona Koppanen-Blake Lizotte-Noel Acciari

Boko Imama

Defense

Owen Pickering-Kris Letang

Ryan Graves-Erik Karlsson

Ryan Shea-Connor Clifton

Vladislav Kolyachonok

Goalie

Tristan Jarry

Alex Nedeljkovic

Prospects to Make the Lineup

Tristan Broz was ready for a call-up at the end of last season, but Dubas said he didn’t want to put Broz in the situation of a team playing out the last string of games and then rush back for the AHL playoffs. He figures to make a strong case for an NHL sweater in the fall.

Filip Hallander is back with the organization after a breakout season in the Swedish Elite League. His breakout season was as a left wing, not center, so he could easily replace Joona Koppanen or Kevin Hayes on our lines above.

Potential Positional Targets

Once the lines are laid out, there seems to be a space for Tristan Broz on the third line, perhaps moving Novak to the wing. However, with any young player, Dubas again asserted Monday that any young player will have to grab the spot, and none will be given merely a spot because of their prospect status.

Left Defense:

Dubas would do well to add another left defenseman unless he’s willing to saddle new head coach Dan Muse with Graves, and to a lesser extent Kolyachonok, as regulars. Jack St. Ivany and Harrison Brunicke will battle for space on the right side in training camp and could have a greater opportunity if a Karlsson trade finally manifests.

Right Wing:

The team could use a couple of right wings, both on the third and fourth lines, as well as insurance for the top six. Heinen is a nice depth player, but does little to help the cause. Imama knows his role, and it isn’t to play 82 games.

RFAs with Potential:

Any player who could help the team win in the future. Look for Dubas to troll the depths as he’s done to acquire out-of-favor players like Novak and Kolyachonok. Left-wing/center Jacob Pelletier, who was squeezed out in Philadelphia, is a name to watch. Left defenseman Zac Jones was not qualified by the New York Rangers, either.

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dean
dean
12 days ago

Finally, we will see what Dubas is going to do. At times he appears clear and at others not so much. It is time to be aggressive and add 3 to 5 22–25-year-olds with upside.  He brings in a coaching staff focused on young developing players and yet he has Hayes, Accari, Heinen, Lizotte, Clifton, and Nedeljkovic taking the spots of younger players.  Accari and Clifton with salaries that make them hard to move, could have been bought out for less than what the Pens will pay them with no real impact on next year’s cap table. I would rather… Read more »

George Kilantonis
George Kilantonis
12 days ago
Reply to  dean

I certainly hope they don’t trade 30 goal scorers for busts like Kirby Dach. Dach was on pace to score almost 20 goals once in his best year.

Dean
Dean
12 days ago

That is what you got out of what I wrote. It isn’t about individual names as much as replacing players that not only can’t help us rebuild, they won’t be there in 3 years when we need them the most, plus they will hurt us like they did this year in the draft lottery. Dubas needs to develop 2 pools of players at the same time. Young NHLers, which we do not have enough of, and draft picks. Those 2 things need to be done at the same time if we want one more shot for Sid. Dach has dealt… Read more »

Cal
Cal
12 days ago
Reply to  dean

Interesting post. i like it, don’t agree with some of it , but good read. Thanks Dean

Mel Reichenbaugh
Mel Reichenbaugh
12 days ago

Acciari???

Dean
Dean
12 days ago

What about Acciari? How does he help this team in 2 years? Why is he worth taking a spot from a younger player? This year is about getting young players and developing them not catering to a 33/34 years old. Are you thinking he has value to another team that will take on his $2M cap hit?

AnthonyB
AnthonyB
12 days ago
Reply to  Dean

Plenty of space to retain salary, so yes he’s attractive to someone.

Dean
Dean
12 days ago
Reply to  AnthonyB

The chances a team takes on Acciari is close to zero., plus you will get nothing for him. Why waste the chance of clearing the spot?

Mel Reichenbaugh
Mel Reichenbaugh
12 days ago
Reply to  Dean

He was not on Dan’s original lines list is why I was asking, it is now updated to include him. Same could be said for Hayes, Heinen, Graves and Shea.

Jon87
Jon87
12 days ago

Dan, did you just look at the Athletic’s ranking of secondary players and decide to pick the first two names? There is no way Dubas is targeting a 5’9 winger that only plays well in the AHL. They’ve had a monopoly on these players in years past. As for Jones, given his lack of size, he doesn’t offer the pens anything they don’t already have.

Rich81
Rich81
12 days ago

Outside the top 6, this team is mud. Every player in the bottom 6, 4 of the 6 defenseman, and most likely both goalies are toast. Without a Rust/Rackell trade, there will be no influx of “younger” talent as KD stated. Because no one on this roster in that 12 player mix, will bring that back in trade. So, what RFA’s will they go fishing for – If I had to guess perhaps Nick Robertson is a buy low candidate—-uggghh.

Robert Shoemaker
Robert Shoemaker
12 days ago
Reply to  Rich81

Nick Robertson has been a change of scenery candidate for at least a couple of seasons now. Toronto keeps holding him hostage apparently.

Espo33
Espo33
12 days ago

This team looks good like this…good to go…

But Halla is making the pens and not WB. Had to. He didn’t come back to be in WB.

It is what it is next year.

Robert Shoemaker
Robert Shoemaker
12 days ago

I wouldn’t be surprised if nothing happens. Everyone, prepare to be underwhelmed. I am sure delusional people will still be complaining, as usual, just like with the draft.

The armchair GMs know all of the right moves. “Dubas should have traded for this guy or that guy” “that player signed for only that much, why didn’t Dubas sign him?” 🙄

BrianX
BrianX
12 days ago

Correct.

Jstripsky
Jstripsky
12 days ago

It will be interesting to see if the NHL allows a 6 year contract to a 37 year old player. Marchand has shows to still be an effective player, so maybe they’ll say we expect him to play until the end of the contract. When NJ tried a 17 year deal with Kovalchuk who was 27 way back when and it got squashed. Granted 95% of the money was the first 10 years and there wasn’t a salary cap penalty if he retired. The rumors on the deal would make it a 35+ contract so they’ll be saddled with it… Read more »

Espo33
Espo33
12 days ago

This also means WB is going to be pretty young also. There is not a lot out there.

Karls better be in the phone saying yes get me out of here I will waive my right to any team. I have a feeling we might be one of the worst teams next years just because we aren’t going to be much to improve for next year, which is ok

BrianX
BrianX
12 days ago
Reply to  Espo33

Some vets need to be demoted.

KJNJ
KJNJ
12 days ago

Dan, can you give more on your thinking about Zac Jones? I’m in the NY market area and as a small player who did not impress either of his last few coaches what do you see besides his youth?

ed nelson
ed nelson
12 days ago

Jarry’s contract doesn’t look so bad now when you compare it to what Vancouver gave Thatcher Demko. Demko is getting 8.5 AVV compared to Jarry’s 5.375. Both have been in the league for 5 years. Jarry has played 51 more games, has 12 more shutouts, a better goals against average of 2.75 to Demko’s 2.80 and slightly less save % of .909 to Demko’s .91.

Robert Shoemaker
Robert Shoemaker
12 days ago
Reply to  ed nelson

Yep, they both have had a similar career so far. I wonder if Vancouver fans are shredding that move like penguins fans have with Jarry’s contract. Goaltending is historically a volatile position. Good luck finding a goaltender who is good/great consistently. I guess the Canucks think Demko is their guy…good luck with that.

Cal
Cal
12 days ago

Tanner Jeannott 2yrs or bust

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