Penguins Might Use Cap Space for Trades, Dubas Rules Out Big UFAs (+)

CRANBERRY — The Pittsburgh Penguins find themselves in a rare position. They have over $20 million in salary cap space one week before free agency, while much of the NHL is pressed against the salary cap looking to clear superfluous veterans or those on unwanted contracts. Just a few weeks on the job, it seems Penguins president of hockey operations Kyle Dubas may chart a unique course for the Penguins.

And a Penguins trade may soon follow.

Dubas closed one door Friday and flung another wide open. The leader of the Penguins hockey ops is going down a unique path. Don’t expect high-priced free agents to get long-term deals in Pittsburgh. Dubas didn’t necessarily wave the white flag on such moves as much as accepting the realities of the Penguins’ future.

The Penguins need help and support now before they begin the next phase.