General Manager Kyle Dubas is poised to continue reshaping the Pittsburgh Penguins’ roster. While the dream of acquiring superstars like Connor McDavid or Auston Matthews is highly improbable, Dubas might explore opportunities if they become available, perhaps leveraging the appeal of playing alongside Sidney Crosby. The Penguins are not expected to undergo a complete overhaul but will see several changes. Prospects like goaltender Sergei Murashov and forwards Avery Hayes and Rutger McGroarty could contend for roster spots. Additionally, the team is likely to pursue one or two free agents and acquire at least one player via trade.
Dubas will be actively seeking to add a significant player, though such acquisitions are challenging, especially with other teams also in the market. The Penguins are reportedly interested in Dallas Stars pending restricted free agent Jason Robertson, should he become available.
There’s a sentiment that Dubas might consider moving on from Evgeni Malkin as part of an effort to make the lineup younger. The team may also look to re-sign Yegor Chinakhov to a two or three-year bridge contract.
Regarding free agency, Mason Marchment could attract considerable interest if he reaches unrestricted free agency. The Columbus Blue Jackets, where he posted 15 goals and 17 assists in 39 games after a trade, are expected to try and re-sign him. However, at 30 years old, his age might not align with the Penguins’ current long-term vision.
Despite some dissatisfaction with Kris Letang’s performance, he remains the team’s second-best right-handed defenseman, making a move to the third pairing or seventh defenseman role unlikely. If the Penguins make defensive additions, Letang could be utilized in a reduced role, with more rest opportunities. The team might see how the next year plays out before exploring trade options or considering his retirement. A buyout would be financially equivalent to him retiring.
The Vegas Golden Knights’ salary cap constraints could potentially make Pavel Dorofeyev a target, though it’s highly unlikely he’ll be made available, as Vegas will likely prioritize moving other players or contracts to accommodate their needs.
Acquiring defenseman Darnell Nurse, with four years remaining on a $9.25 million contract, seems illogical for the Penguins, even if they were to move Ryan Graves’ contract. While Nurse is a strong skater, he has defensive deficiencies and is 31 years old.
English Translation:
General Manager Kyle Dubas will continue to reshape the Pittsburgh Penguins’ roster. While the acquisition of stars like Connor McDavid or Auston Matthews is highly unlikely, the Penguins might be given a chance if they were to become available, as playing with Crosby to finish his career could hold some appeal. However, it’s not anticipated that such a move would ever materialize.
The Penguins are not expected to completely overhaul their roster, but changes are certain. AHL goaltender Sergei Murashov and forwards Avery Hayes and Rutger McGroarty could potentially make the opening day roster. The team will likely add one or two free agents and at least one player through a trade.
GM Kyle Dubas will be looking to see if he can land a significant player, but these players are not easy to find, and other teams will also be in pursuit. They will have an interest in Dallas Stars pending RFA Jason Robertson if he becomes available.
There’s a feeling that Dubas wouldn’t mind moving on from Evgeni Malkin as he aims to make the lineup younger.
The Penguins could be looking to re-sign Yegor Chinakhov to a two or three-year bridge deal.
If Mason Marchment reaches free agency, there will be considerable interest in the 6-foot-5 forward. The Columbus Blue Jackets will likely be looking to re-sign the winger, who scored 15 goals and 17 assists in 39 games after being acquired from the Kraken. At 30 years old, he may not align with where the Penguins currently stand.
Many are unhappy with Kris Letang’s play, but he is essentially their second-best right-handed defenseman, so he is unlikely to be moved to the third pairing or become a seventh defenseman. If they make some additions, Letang could drop in the lineup, and they could look to rest him more. They might go one more year and then see if they can find a trade partner or if he wishes to retire. A buyout would incur the same cost for the Penguins as if he were to retire.
Teams might be intrigued by the idea of acquiring Pavel Dorofeyev given the Vegas Golden Knights’ salary cap constraints. It is highly unlikely he will be made available, as Vegas will likely move out other players or salaries to make something work.
The Penguins trading for Darnell Nurse, with four more years at $9.25 million, doesn’t make much sense, even if they were to move out Ryan Graves’ contract. Nurse skates well, but he has defensive issues and is 31 years old.
