The Pittsburgh Penguins are heading into a critical offseason in 2025. After missing the playoffs for the third straight season, and with a new head coach Dan Muse at the helm, General Manager Kyle Dubas is under pressure to reshape the roster and build a more competitive team. A key area of focus will be the defense, which struggled mightily throughout the 2024-25 campaign. With Kris Letang's age becoming a factor and Erik Karlsson's performance not meeting expectations, Dubas needs to find impactful additions to bolster the blue line. One avenue to explore is pursuing restricted free agents (RFAs) who could provide a blend of skill, youth, and potential.

Here are two RFA defensemen the Penguins should consider targeting:

1. Nicolas Hague (Vegas Golden Knights)

Hague, 26, presents a compelling option for the Penguins due to his reliable two-way game and shutdown abilities. Standing at 6'6" and weighing around 230 pounds, Hague brings size and physicality to the Penguins' defense, an element they desperately need. While his offensive numbers aren't eye-popping (5 goals and 12 points in 68 games this season), his strength lies in his defensive prowess. Hague is a true shutdown defender, effective in his own zone, and capable of blocking shots (74 blocked shots this season). Given the Golden Knights' potential need to create cap space to pursue high-profile acquisitions like Mitch Marner, Hague might be available at a reasonable cost. Acquiring his RFA rights wouldn't require a significant trade package, making him an attractive target for Dubas. Hague projects as a solid top-four defenseman who can provide stability and defensive reliability, complementing the Penguins' more offensive-minded defensemen.

2. K'Andre Miller (New York Rangers)

Miller, 25, is a big-bodied, left-shot defenseman with a long reach who has already accumulated considerable NHL experience (368 games). While he might be considered a reclamation project, his upside is undeniable. Reports suggest the Rangers are evaluating Miller's value on the trade market due to their cap constraints and need to re-tool. Miller's consistency has been an issue, but he possesses the raw tools to be a top-four defenseman. He is a strong skater with good puck-moving skills and can contribute offensively. A change of scenery and a fresh opportunity in Pittsburgh could unlock his full potential. The Penguins might be an appealing trade partner for the Rangers, potentially offering young assets or even the Rangers' own first-round pick back to them in a deal. While there are risks associated with acquiring Miller, his potential reward makes him a worthwhile target for the Penguins.

These two players address different needs for the Penguins. Hague is a steady, defensive-minded player who would bring stability, while Miller offers more offensive upside but comes with some risk. Both could be valuable additions as the Penguins look to retool their defense and return to playoff contention. Other potential RFA targets include Bowen Byram, and Mason Lohrei but Hague and Miller present the best combination of need and realistic acquisition.