Penguins Wrap: Another Honor for Jagr; Ex-Coach Back in NHL

The NHL Draft is less than four weeks away and free agency starts a month from today.

Sure, the Stanley Cup playoffs are still in progress, but most of the league is getting ready to prepare for 2024-25 and the seasons beyond.

That certainly is true of the Pittsburgh Penguins, who will be trying to assemble a roster that can get them into the playoffs for the first time since 2022.

Here’s how things unfolded for them over the past week:

Saturday

The three Penguins players who made it through the quarterfinals of the IIHF world championships in Czechia — Canadian forward Michael Bunting and Swedish defensemen Erik Karlsson and Marcus Pettersson — lose their shot at a gold medal when their teams are beaten in the semis.

Sunday

The Penguins didn’t get anywhere near a conference final this spring, but there still are some things they can learn from those two series.

Erik Karlsson and Marcus Pettersson earn bronze medals as Sweden defeats Canada, 4-2, in the third-place game at the world championships.

Former Penguins winger Jaromir Jagr is inducted to the International Ice Hockey Federation Hall of Fame.

Monday

Former Penguins coach Dan Bylsma is returning to the NHL as head coach in Seattle.

The NHL fines New York Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba $5,000 for a high hit on Florida forward Evan Rodrigues.

Tuesday

Making the case that the Penguins should sign free-agent goaltender Matt Murray.

The Penguins have gotten some valuable contributors in Round 3 of the NHL Draft, but barring a trade, they won’t have a third-rounder this year.

Wednesday

An analysis of Brayden Yager’s game shows that there is a lot to like — but also some flaws that must be exorcised for him to reach his potential as a pro. (+)

Thursday

Although the Penguins’ season ended more than a month ago, they still have not made any major personnel changes.

The Pittsburgh Penguins need to add a top-six goal-scoring winger, among other things, but might still be able to do it even if they don’t sign one as a free agent on July 1.