3 Key Moves the Penguins Must Make This Offseason
One, three key moves the Penguins must make this off season. Two, Penguins analysis. Too many veterans or a trade bonanza. Three, Penguins defensive overhaul. Trades spark new questions in Pittsburgh. One, three key moves the Penguins must make this off season. The Pittsburgh Penguins are at a pivotal moment this off season, having made a commendable start with their entry draft and free agency acquisitions. However, despite this encouraging beginning, there are still several pressing issues that require attention. Here are three crucial actions that the Penguins under the guidance of general manager Kyle Dubis must undertake before the off season concludes. One, address Ryan Graves contract asterisk asterisk. In 2023, the Penguins secured free agent defenseman Ryan Graves with a six-year contract valued at an average annual salary of $4.5 million. Unfortunately, in the first two years of this deal, Graves has not justified this hefty price tag. To make matters worse, he is set to earn $4.5 million annually for the next four seasons. Over the course of 131 games, he has managed to score only 18 points, primarily playing on the third defensive pairing. This situation is concerning. The Penguins must find a way to eliminate this burdensome contract and free up $4.5 million in salary cap space. The Penguins essentially have two avenues to consider for moving Graves contract, trading him or buying him out. If they opt for a trade, they should not expect much in return and may need to include additional assets to persuade another team to take on his contract. Recently on July 10th, they acquired Matt Dumba from the Dallas Stars in exchange for a second round pick in 2028 and defenseman Vladislav Kyaken. To move Graves, I anticipate they would need to attach at least a second round pick, if not more. This seems like a straightforward decision, especially since the Penguins have 17 draft picks in the next three drafts, including several in the second round, allowing them to afford to part with a couple of those. Alternatively, the Penguins could consider buying out Graves contract. A buyout entails paying twothirds of the remaining salary over double the remaining length of the contract. With four years left on his deal, a buyout would cost the Penguins approximately 5,166,667 spread over 8 years. Noting that Graves has $7.75 million in base salary left with much of his contract value tied to bonuses that do not factor into a buyout. This option would save the Penguins around $5 million over the next four seasons, but it would also incur a cost of $645,833 per season from 2029 to 2033. The advantage of a buyout is that the Penguins would retain valuable draft capital. Personally, I would lean towards this option, but it would also be beneficial for the Penguins to completely sever ties with Graves by trading him. Two, trade Eric Carlson asterisk asterisk. Penguins fans might be weary of the ongoing discussion surrounding Eric Carlson’s potential trade, but it is crucial that the Penguins make this move before the season kicks off. Why the urgency? With the recent addition of Dumba, the Penguins now have four right-handed defensemen. Connor Clifton, Chris Leang, Carlson, and Dumba. One of these players must be traded, and Carlson should be the one to go. It is also vital to trade him now while he is healthy as teams are actively seeking right-handed defensemen. If Carlson starts the season poorly, similar to last year, his trade value will diminish. While analysts and fans often highlight Carlson’s defensive weaknesses, it’s important to remember that he has never been known for his defensive prowess. Instead, he is an exceptional offensive defenseman skilled at moving the puck and possessing a powerful shot. Qualities that teams find valuable. Additionally, last season, Carlson played alongside Ryan Sheay, Matt Grisels, Kakeno, and Graves, which was not an ideal situation. Sportsnet’s Elliot Freriedman often emphasizes, “Do not judge a defenseman on a bad team.” And this perspective should be applied to Carlson. For instance, Seth Jones was once viewed as overpaid and underperforming in Chicago. But has his reputation changed now that he’s in Florida? The point is, on a stronger team like the Stars or the Carolina Hurricanes, Carlson would have less responsibility and would likely perform much better. Three, resign Matt Grisels asterisk asterisk. As previously mentioned, the Penguins left side on defense is lacking, and that was with Grisels in the lineup. To be fair, Grisels had an impressive season with the Penguins last year, stepping up as the power play quarterback and achieving the best statistical performance of his career. Currently, Grisels remains unsigned, and I believe he is a player the Penguins should prioritize bringing back. He would be a cost-effective option. And if he continues to play at the same level as last season, the Penguins could trade him at the deadline for draft picks or players. At the very least, he would provide veteran leadership on the blue line, log significant minutes, and alleviate some pressure from younger players like Owen Pickering. For Penguins fans, the upcoming season may feel lengthy. However, a clear strategy has emerged over the past few months, positioning the Penguins well to make trades at the deadline and maintain substantial cap space for the 2026 free agency period. Two, Penguins analysis. Too many veterans or a trade bonanza, overcrowded Penguins roster, springboard for bold trades or brewing trouble. Let’s not sugarcoat it. Right now, the Pittsburgh Penguins bench is overflowing, and the future is anything but clear. Is this an ambitious rebuild or the start of a messy roster crisis? How the team navigates this moment could shape the franchise for years. And here’s why Dieard fans should pay attention. When NHL free agency kicked off on July 1st, general manager Kyle Dubis wasted no time shoring up the defense, bringing in left shot bliner Parker Witherspoon. But instead of stopping there, Dubis went on to accumulate forwards with the mindset of someone preparing for a worst-case scenario, call it NHL doomsday prepping. The Penguins under Dubis’ direction signed or resigned a cluster of forwards. Connor Der, Philip Thomasino, Justin Briso, and Rafael Harvey Pinard. All are 27 or younger. And while talented, none are guaranteed regular NHL contributors. each will need to show they truly belong in the big league this season. In addition, 30-year-old Anthony Mantha joined the lineup on a $2.5 million contract with up to $2 million more available in bonuses. That’s a significant investment for a player whose best hockey may be behind him. Here’s where it gets controversial. Every one of these recent acquisitions must compete with a log jam of seasoned veterans who don’t seem to factor into the team’s long-term blueprint and whose short-term security is on shaky ground. On top of that, a wave of rising prospects is hungry for their shot. To paint a picture, the Penguin’s depth chart now feels as crowded and chaotic as Pittsburgh’s Parkway West on a Friday rush hour. There are simply too many bodies for not enough available spots. Among the veterans most at risk, Kevin Hayes, whose lackluster first half last season raised eyebrows and whose second half was only marginally better. Noel Achiari, a hard-nosed forward nearing 34, who has clearly felt the grind of years of tough play. Danton Heinan, who reliably scores around 15 goals a season, but rarely shifts the needle. That’s already eight forwards for just six bottom six roles. And the traffic jam only gets Messier from there. Digging deeper, Pupedia lists 13 established NHL forwards on the Penguins, not including promising youngsters Ruter McCordi and Vil Kovvenan, who many consider virtual locks to make the main roster. Add in the prospect pool and the lineup gets even more competitive. Tristan Braz, for example, is the hot name among prospects ready to break out from the AHL. He’s drawn praise from Wils Bar/Scranton coach Kirk Macdonald and GM and Penguins AGM Jason Spza for his readiness. But BRZ isn’t alone. Other hungry young hopefuls are also knocking on the NHL door. Avery Hayes, now 22, exemplifies this trend. Once considered a fringe player, he fought his way to a full-time AHL role last season, tallying 23 goals and 42 points in 62 games. Even without a contract at first, his performance convinced management he deserved an NHL deal. That kind of upward momentum can’t be ignored. And this is the part most people miss. Philip Howlander, once shuffled back and forth between North America and Sweden, is now 25 and ready to stake his claim in Pittsburgh after years of development overseas. It doesn’t end there. Booama has been resigned, pushing the count to 18 forwards with NHL aspirations. The Penguins also boast two recent firstrounders, Ben Kindle and Bill Zanin, who will be under the spotlight when training camp rolls around. Kindle’s game still needs some polish, especially in strength and skating, according to development director Tom Costaos. Meanwhile, Zan has the makings of a breakout rookie, impressing coaches as a true standout during development camp. Now, here’s a hot button issue. Dubis has made it clear he’s not afraid to use waivers, even if it means losing a player. But unless the Penguins pull off some trades, nothing is imminent, by the way. Tough decisions loom. Should they risk stalling the growth of their young prospects for the sake of holding on to veterans or clear the way for new blood by cutting ties with familiar faces? Names like Jenna Capan, Sam Pulin, and Volteri Pinanin are also in the conversation, each eager for another NHL chance. The elephant in the room. Hayes Heinen and Achiari stand directly in the path of a youth movement. Yet, American Hockey League rules restrict teams from loading minor league rosters with too many veterans. Only five skaters with over 321 games of major pro experience can dress per AHL game with a few exceptions. Sending surplus veterans to Wilksbar/scranton means benching them for stretches, essentially exiling season players to hockey limbo. On the defensive end, similar roster congestion exists, a bottleneck explored in detail in our recent trade analysis. Bottom line, the Penguins have more NHL caliber players than they do available roster spots. There’s a fine line between making young players earn their keep and creating a roadblock that stifles development. For years, Pittsburgh has leaned heavily on veteran leadership. This season, however, that experience may be outpaced by declining impact. A recipe for unrest if results don’t follow. Dubis’ summer spree certainly hints at upcoming trades, but so far the only moves made have been to add, not subtract players. Now it’s your turn. Is this roster jam up a smart preparation for future deals? Or is it already a problem brewing beneath the surface? Should the Penguins prioritize developing prospects over loyalty to veterans? Or is there a hidden value in keeping experienced hands around even if it frustrates young talent? Fire away in the comments. Let’s debate what you’d do if you were calling the shots in Pittsburgh. Three. Penguins defensive overhaul. Trades spark new questions in Pittsburgh. What happens when a hockey team overhauls its defense mid rebuild? The Pittsburgh Penguins are about to find out, and the stakes are higher than most realize. After a dismal 2024 to 25 season that saw them finish 24th overall, and surrender the third most goals, 293, in the league, GM Kyle Dubis has thrown caution to the wind. With Gavin McKenna, the consensus first overall draft pick, set to join the mix in 2026. The Penguins are building a defense that’s as much about asset accumulation as it is about immediate results. But here’s where it gets controversial. Dubis isn’t just adding bodies. He’s reshaping the entire blueprint of the team’s blue line. And this is the part most people miss. The Penguins now have at least 10 defensemen competing for NHL minutes, creating a log jam that’s as much of a problem as it is a strength. Determined to stockpile draft capital, Pittsburgh made aggressive moves at the 2025 trade deadline. They acquired veterans like Connor Clifton and Matt Dumba, both 30-year-old right-handed defensemen on expiring contracts. While these deals were framed as cap clearing exercises, they’re far from one-sided. Clifton came with a 2025 second round pick from the Sabres, while Dumba brought a 2028 second rounder from the Stars. Dubis is clearly banking on these players. NHL caliber potential to fetch more value at the next deadline. But is this a smart long-term strategy? Or are the Penguins sacrificing short-term stability for draft picks? The debate is already heating up. The existing defensive core is a mix of aging stars and underwhelming options. Eric Carlson and Chris Leang, both right-handed and in their mid-30s, remain top four staples despite declining production. Ryan Graves, the team’s best left-handed defender, is still under contract for $4.5 million of over four years, a deal that’s becoming a millstone. Meanwhile, lower tier options like Alexander Alexv and Parker Weatherspoon are expected to fill bottom pair minutes. But here’s the twist. The Penguins are also developing young talent. Jack St. Ivan, Owen Pickering, a 6’5 in former firstrounder, and 2024 second rounder Harrison Bernick are all pushing for NHL roles. Could one of them break through this season, or will the veterans dominate the ice time? The summer ahead promises chaos. Carlson, a trade rumor magnet since the deadline, could be on the move if the Penguins retain$ 1.5 to $2.5 million of his $10 million contract. Clifton and Dumba, both on expiring deals, might follow suit. And what about Brunick? The Cam Loops Blazers product impressed in camp last year. Could he force his way into the lineup if key defensemen are traded? Dubis’ strategy is clear. Flexibility over stability, but should a team in a rebuild prioritize draft picks over a cohesive defensive structure? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments. Is this a master stroke or is Pittsburgh setting itself up for another season of mediocrity?
00:00 – Intro
00:14 – 3 Key Moves the Penguins Must Make This Offseason
05:41 – Penguins Analysis: Too Many Veterans or a Trade Bonanza?
11:55 – Penguins Defensive Overhaul: Trades Spark New Questions in Pittsburgh
1. 3 Key Moves the Penguins Must Make This Offseason
The Pittsburgh Penguins have made a strong start to the offseason, but there are still critical moves to be made. In this video, we discuss the three key actions that general manager Kyle Dubas needs to take to improve the team. From moving Ryan Graves’ contract to trading Erik Karlsson and re-signing Matt Grzelcyk, we break down the strategies that could shape the Penguins’ future. Join us as we analyze the Penguins’ offseason strategy and what it means for the upcoming season!
2. Penguins Analysis: Too Many Veterans or a Trade Bonanza?
The Pittsburgh Penguins have made significant moves in NHL free agency, adding numerous veterans to their roster, including Anthony Mantha, and re-signing others. However, this glut of players is creating a logjam that could stifle the team’s promising young talent. With an excess of forwards, including veterans like Kevin Hayes and Noel Acciari, the Penguins may need to consider trades to make room for their rising prospects. The team’s depth chart is becoming crowded, and GM Kyle Dubas might need to streamline his roster to avoid benching valuable veterans and blocking promising youth. This analysis delves into the Penguins’ roster situation and explores potential trade scenarios.
3. Penguins Defensive Overhaul: Trades Spark New Questions in Pittsburgh
The Pittsburgh Penguins are shaking up their blue line ahead of a major rebuild. After finishing 24th in the 2024-25 NHL season and allowing the third-most goals in the league, GM Kyle Dubas has made aggressive moves to reshape the defense.
This video breaks down:
– Key trades bringing in veterans Connor Clifton and Matt Dumba
– The strategy of acquiring expiring contracts for future draft assets
– How young prospects like Owen Pickering and Harrison Brunicke are fighting for NHL roster spots
– The abundance of right-handed defensemen—and the lack of reliable left-side options
– Ongoing trade rumors surrounding Erik Karlsson and what his future could mean for cap space
– What head coach Dan Muse faces when deciding between youth development and showcasing veterans for more trades
Discover how these moves impact the Penguins’ defensive structure, what fans should expect from the team’s blue line in 2025-26, and what it all means for Pittsburgh’s long-term rebuild.
Keywords: Pittsburgh Penguins defense, NHL trades 2025, Penguins roster breakdown, Penguins rebuild, Erik Karlsson trade rumors, Connor Clifton, Matt Dumba, Owen Pickering, Harrison Brunicke, NHL prospects, NHL trade deadline, Kyle Dubas strategy.
