Penguins Wrap: Offseason Goes from Slow-Walk to Sprint

Remember when the Pittsburgh Penguins were sputtering through a pretty uneventful offseason?

You know, like about a week ago?

Well, forget it, because they seemed to cram practically an entire summer’s worth of news into a span of seven days. They made a trade, drafted a half-dozen prospects and signed a virtual busload of free agents.

Here’s a look back at a week that figures to have a profound impact on the short- and long-term futures of the franchise:

Sunday

A National Hockey Now mock draft yields a pretty promising result for the Penguins.

Monday

Masterton Trophy winner Kris Letang credits his family with helping him to get through a difficult season.

Kyle Dubas’ plan for reviving the Penguins has some risks, but also some potential rewards.

The Penguins add a salary-cap specialist to the front office.

Tuesday

The Penguins’ 2023-24 schedule it out. And their opener could be something special.

Wednesday

Kyle Dubas picks up forward Reilly Smith from Vegas in his initial trade since overseeing the Penguins’ front office.

Mike Sullivan says that acquiring Reilly Smith doesn’t necessarily mean the Penguins will part ways with Jason Zucker.

Brayden Yager, the Pittsburgh Penguins’ first-round draft choice, patterns his game after that of a guy who is pretty good. And familiar.

The relationship between Mike Sullivan and Kyle Dubas was evident in the first trade of Dubas’ tenure.

Some bold pre-draft predictions.

Thursday

Mike Sullivan explains why the Penguins don’t feel it’s critical to have a big team that plays a heavy game.

Scouts have wildly conflicting opinions about the Penguins’ third-round draft choice, Finnish defenseman Emil Pieniniemi.

The Penguins’ late-round picks at the NHL Draft have a decidedly European flavor.

Friday

Kyle Dubas has given some hints about his approach to overhauling the Pittsburgh Penguins’ lineup this summer.

Drew O’Connor receives a qualifying offer, but Ryan Poehling doesn’t.

Assessing precisely what the Penguins got out of the NHL Draft. (+)

The Penguins round out their development camp roster by inviting some draft picks and free agents.

Saturday

The Penguins made a serious run at acquiring San Jose defenseman Erik Karlsson, and Kyle Dubas said it won’t be the last time they inquire about adding a high-caliber talent.

Ryan Graves has shutdown potential and projects to be the top-four defenseman the Penguins need to replace Brian Dumoulin.

The Penguins’ search for their No. 1 goalie for the next several seasons ends right where it started — with Tristan Jarry.

Noel Acciari will add some physicality to the Penguins’ bottom-six.

Free agency was just a few minutes old when the Penguins reached an agreement with blue-collar winger Matt Nieto, late of San Jose.

Jason Zucker, a 27-goal scorer and fan favorite because of his ultra-competitive style, is leaving town.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have been searching for a third-line center for a while. They think they’ve found one in Lars Eller.

Joona Koppanen is big, but slow. Even so, the Penguins decided he is worth a two-year contract.

An assessment of the Pittsburgh Penguins’ free-agency needs before the contract signings begin.

Looking to find all of the day’s free-agent news in one place? This blog is the place to go.