The Pittsburgh Penguins are navigating a fascinating offseason in 2025, balancing a desire to remain competitive during the twilight years of Sidney Crosby, Kris Letang, and Evgeni Malkin, with the necessity of a rebuild. General Manager Kyle Dubas is orchestrating this transition, aiming to infuse youth into the roster while strategically managing the team's cap space.
Offseason Moves and Free Agency
The Penguins have been active in free agency, making several signings with an eye towards adding depth and bolstering specific areas of need. Kyle Dubas said the team wasn't planning to make any big splashes, as those types of deals don't fit with what they're going to do. The team has been actively stockpiling draft capital.
Key acquisitions include:
- Justin Brazeau (RW): Signed to a two-year contract with an AAV of $1.5 million, Brazeau brings size (6'6") and scoring potential. He spent the 2024-25 season with the Minnesota Wild and Boston Bruins.
- Parker Wotherspoon (LD): A two-year deal with a $1 million AAV secures Wotherspoon, addressing the need for left-handed defensemen.
- Caleb Jones (LD): Another addition to the defensive corps, Jones signed for two years at $900,000 AAV.
- Anthony Mantha (W): Signed to a one-year deal for $2.5 million.
- Connor Dewar (LW): Returning on a one-year contract worth $1.1 million.
- Philip Tomasino (RW): Signed a one-year deal for $1.75 million.
The Penguins also traded goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic to the San Jose Sharks for a 2028 third-round pick. They acquired defenseman Connor Clifton and the 39th overall pick in a trade with Buffalo, sending Conor Timmins and Isaac Belliveau to the Sabres.
2025 NHL Draft
The Penguins made a whopping 13 selections in the 2025 NHL Draft, their most since 1994. The team welcomed all 13 selections from the 2025 NHL Draft to Pittsburgh on Monday.
Here's a look at their top picks:
- Ben Kindel (F): With their first of three first-round picks, the Penguins selected forward Benjamin Kindel with their first of three first-round picks. The 18-year-old has filled the stat sheet for the Calgary Hitmen of the Western Hockey League over the last two seasons.
- Bill Zonnon (F): Selected in the first round.
- Will Horcoff (F): Also a first-round selection.
- Peyton Kettles (D): Drafted in the second round, Kettles is a towering defenseman with the potential to add size and physicality to the Penguins' blue line.
- Charlton Trethewey (D): Selected in the third round.
Projected Roster and Line Combinations
Predicting the exact roster this far out is challenging, but here's a possible projection based on current signings, draft picks, and existing contracts:
- Forwards: Rutger McGroarty, Sidney Crosby, Bryan Rust, Philip Tomasino, Evgeni Malkin, Rickard Rakell, Ville Koivunen, Tommy Novak, Anthony Mantha, Blake Lizotte, Kevin Hayes, Justin Brazeau.
- Defense: Kris Letang, Erik Karlsson, Owen Pickering, Ryan Graves, Connor Clifton, P.O. Joseph, and either Parker Wotherspoon or Caleb Jones.
- Goalies: Joel Blomqvist and Sergei Murashov.
Forward Line Projection
One possible forward lines projection is:
- LW: Rutger McGroarty, C: Sidney Crosby, RW: Bryan Rust
- LW: Philip Tomasino, C: Evgeni Malkin, RW: Rickard Rakell
- LW: Ville Koivunen, C: Tommy Novak, RW: Anthony Mantha
- LW: Blake Lizotte, C: Kevin Hayes, RW: Justin Brazeau
Areas to Watch
- Youth Integration: The development and integration of prospects like Kindel, McGroarty, and Koivunen will be crucial.
- Defensive Depth: The Penguins have added depth on defense, but the performance of players like Graves and the emergence of prospects like Pickering will be key.
- Trade Deadline: With several players on short-term contracts, the Penguins could be active at the trade deadline, potentially acquiring future assets.
The Penguins' 2025-26 season appears to be one of transition, with a focus on blending veteran leadership with emerging young talent. The success of this approach will depend on the development of their prospects, strategic use of cap space, and the continued performance of their core players.
