The Pittsburgh Penguins have approached the opening of free agency with a clear strategy, focusing on adding depth and potential rather than chasing high-profile, long-term contracts. President of Hockey Operations, Kyle Dubas, has been transparent about this approach, emphasizing the team's intention to avoid big-money deals for players in their 30s, aligning with the timeline of their developing prospects.
Several signings have bolstered the Penguins' roster. Forward Anthony Mantha was signed to a one-year deal worth $2.5 million, with the potential for an additional $2 million in performance-based bonuses. Mantha, a three-time 30-goal scorer, is aiming to bounce back from a recent ACL injury and provide secondary scoring. His addition is viewed as a low-risk, high-reward move, with the possibility of Mantha becoming a valuable trade chip closer to the 2026 deadline if he performs well.
The Penguins have also re-signed some familiar faces. Forwards Philip Tomasino and Connor Dewar, who were acquired during the 2024-25 season, have been brought back on one-year contracts. Tomasino's deal is worth $1.75 million, while Dewar's is $1.1 million. These signings indicate the Penguins' desire to maintain some continuity and provide these younger players with further opportunities to develop within the system.
In addition to Mantha, Tomasino, and Dewar, the Penguins have added Justin Brazeau, Parker Wotherspoon, Rafael Harvey-Pinard , Caleb Jones and Phil Kemp. Brazeau, a sizable forward at 6-foot-6, signed a two-year contract with an average annual value of $1.5 million. Wotherspoon and Jones, both left-handed defensemen, inked two-year deals as well, with Wotherspoon's contract at $1 million per year and Jones' at $900,000. Harvey-Pinard signed a one-year deal, while Kemp signed for two years. These acquisitions address the Penguins' need for depth on the blue line and add size and physicality to the forward group.
The Penguins have been active in managing their restricted free agents (RFAs). They extended a qualifying offer to forward Vasily Ponomarev. However, they did not extend qualifying offers to Raivis Ansons, Emil Bemstrom, Taylor Gauthier, and P.O. Joseph, allowing them to become unrestricted free agents. Ponomarev, though qualified, has signed a three-year contract to play in the KHL.
The Penguins also traded goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for a 2028 third-round pick. This move further emphasizes the team's focus on accumulating draft capital for the future.
Overall, the Penguins' free agency moves reflect a deliberate and measured approach. They are prioritizing short-term contracts for players who can provide depth, versatility, and potential trade value, while also focusing on building a strong prospect pool for the future. While some fans may have hoped for more splashy signings, the Penguins' strategy appears to be grounded in a long-term vision for sustained success.
