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Penguins’ Goalie Prospect Sergei Murashov Making Waves

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Pittsburgh Penguins’ goalie prospect Sergei Murashov is making the most of his first season playing in North America, as he recently set a franchise record for the AHL-affiliate Wilkes-Barre/Scranton by winning his 10th game in a row, per a team release.

Pittsburgh’s fourth round selection in the 2022 draft, Murashov spent 26 games in the ECHL to begin the season before getting called up to the AHL. In 11 games for the Baby Pens, he has a 10-0-0 record to pair with his .916 save percentage. The 20-year-old from Yaroslavl, Russia also posted a 13-game win streak with the ECHL’s Wheeling Nailers from Nov. 6 to Jan. 8, which set the longest streak in their history as well.

While Murashov still has room to grow, his statistics and results this season show that he’s at least knocking on the door of the NHL. His development adds an extra element to Pittsburgh’s goaltending situation moving forward, which includes the shaky play of former all-star Tristan Jarry, the up-and-down contributions of backup Alex Nedeljkovic, and the continued development of fellow prospect Joel Blomqvist.

The most polarizing of these names is of course Jarry, who has struggled mightily since signing a five-year, $26,875,000 contract in July 2023. The 29-year-old, two-time all-star, has recorded a .894 save percentage this season, and found himself demoted to the AHL in an effort to rediscover his once promising game. His play of late has significantly improved – corresponding with the team’s surge in play – and has recorded a .928 save percentage over his last five games.

Due to Jarry’s mid-season demotion, Nedeljkovic has played the most games in Pittsburgh this season (33 starts) but has also struggled compared to previous success. Just last season, “Ned” played in 33 games for the Pens and recorded an 18-7-7 record to go along with a .902 save percentage. That was good enough to secure a two-year, $5MM contract to stay in Pittsburgh. But despite his usual standing as a trustworthy NHL-level backup, Nedeljkovic has recorded just a .893 save percentage on the season.

Blomqvist, Pittsburgh’s second round selection in the 2020 draft, has struggled in 15 games in the NHL this season, recording an .885 save percentage and a 4-9-1 record. However, in 15 games at the AHL-level, the 23-year-old has registered a strong .915 save percentage.

While there appears to be a bit of a log jam between the pipes in Pittsburgh, none of the goalies ahead of Murashov on the organization’s depth chart has done themselves any favors – even when factoring in the poor defensive play of Pittsburgh’s blueliners this season. General manager Kyle Dubas will have key decisions to make if he intends to clear a path for Murashov moving forward.

Injury Notes: Martinez, Dickinson, Demko, Greenway

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Chicago Blackhawks’ forward Jason Dickinson and defenseman Alec Martinez were both out of the lineup in today’s 7-4 win against the Flyers after leaving yesterday’s game early with injury, per WGN Radio reporter Charlie Roumeliotis. Both players sustained undisclosed injuries in Saturday’s 4-1 loss against the Blues and both only registered six shifts before being removed. In 59 games, Dickinson has recorded 7 goals and 16 points this season, a disappointing showing after setting a career high 22 goals and 35 points last season in Chicago. The veteran Martinez has recorded 12 points, 80 blocked shots, and a minus-15 rating in his first season with the Blackhawks. Martinez, who has appeared in 861 career games, signed a one-year, $4MM contract with Chicago this past summer and will be a free agent at the end of the season.

In other injury news:

  • Thatcher Demko was a full participant in practice for the first time since being injured six weeks ago, according to Sportsnet’s Iain MacIntyre. Demko suffered a lower-body injury during Vancouver’s 2-1 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs on February 8th and has been on injured reserve since. With the Canucks just three points out of the final wild card spot in the west, the potential return of Demko would serve as a key reinforcement down the stretch. However, with just 12 games remaining in their season, it will be interesting to see how long it will take Demko to get the official greenlight to return to play.
  • Buffalo Sabres’ forward Jordan Greenway exited today’s matchup against the Winnipeg Jets with a lower-body injury and did not return, per Michael Derosa of Yahoo Sports. Greenway logged just 4:44 of ice time before exiting after blocking a shot. After setting a career high with 10 goals and 28 points last season, Greenway has struggled to stay healthy this year and has suited up in just 33 games for the Sabres. The 6’6, 230-pound winger has still showcased his physical presence, registering 100 hits in 33 games, all while averaging 15:23 of ice time per game.

Vancouver’s Hoglander And Pettersson Out Day-To-Day

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Vancouver Canucks coach Rick Tocchet stated that forwards Nils Hoglander and Elias Pettersson are each day-to-day, per NHL.com reporter Mike Morreale. Tocchet also added that Aatu Raty will likely join the team ahead of their matchup in New Jersey on Monday.

The status of Hoglander and Pettersson for tomorrow’s tilt against the Devils are not known, nor are the exact injuries they sustained. Both were unable to play in the third period of a 5-3 loss at the New York Rangers on Saturday, per an NHL release. Tocchet noted that both were, “pretty sore and banged up, so we’ll see what 24 hours does.” He added that he wasn’t sure if they’d be available against the Devils.

In 66 games, Hoglander has put up 21 points and a plus-6 rating in a bottom-six role. The 24-year-old was Vancouver’s second round choice in the 2019 draft and is coming off of a breakout season where he posted 24 goals and a plus-23 rating. While he hasn’t found that type of offensive success this year, he has established himself as a reliable depth piece for the Canucks moving forward.

Petterson, on the other hand, is clearly a staple to Vancouver’s success. The four-time all-star has posted five seasons with 30-plus goals with the Canucks and has registered 457 points in 471 career games. However, Petterson has struggled this season to the tune of 45 points in 64 games. He has recorded a minus-10 rating and has seen his career-high faceoff percentage of 50.8 last season dip down to 47.5 this year.

Despite Petterson and Hoglander’s dip in offense this season, the Canucks find themselves just three points out of the final wild card spot in the west. The team’s -17 goal differential speaks to their offensive struggles, but a return to health for both players will be key during the stretch run. The Canucks, who have 12 games remaining on the season, are already without center Filip Chytil (upper body).

The Canucks recalled Raty on Sunday in the event Hoglander or Petterson can’t go on Monday. He has appeared in 21 games with Vancouver this season, recording four points. He’s added an impressive 39 points in 41 games in the AHL.

Wild Recall Liam Öhgren And Cameron Crotty

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Minnesota Wild President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Bill Guerin announced today the team has recalled forward Liam Öhgren and defender Cameron Crotty from Iowa on an emergency basis, per a team announcement. The Wild will face-off against the Dallas Stars on Monday, and forward Marcus Foligno (who has missed three straight contests) remains day-to-day as he works his way back from an upper-body injury.

Öhgren was just reassigned to the AHL yesterday after being recalled by the Wild under an emergency loan to fill in for a sick Marcus Johansson who couldn’t suit up in a recent game against the Seattle Kraken. Öhgren has played in 35 games for the Wild this season, recording five points (including a goal in the game against the Kraken). The 20-year-old was Minnesota’s first round selection in the 2022 draft. While he’s struggled to make an offensive impact with the Wild in limited action this season, he has posted 28 points in 29 games in the AHL on the year.

Crotty has spent the entire year in Iowa, where he has registered zero goals and eight assists in 56 games. Originally a third-round selection by the Arizona Coyotes, Crotty has laced up in 275 career AHL games but has only skated in one NHL contest – a cup of coffee with the Coyotes during the 2023-24 season. Crotty, 25, also played three years at Boston University.

The Wild did receive good news with the return of defender Jonas Brodin, who played Saturday after being out of the lineup since Feb. 28 with a lower-body injury. Brodin has struggled with injuries throughout the season, suiting up in just 39 games. But when healthy, the 31-year-old has recorded 19 points and a plus-11 rating. And in addition to Brodin’s return, the Wild are expecting superstar Kirill Kaprizov to start skating as soon as this upcoming week, per The Athletic’s Michael Russo. The goal, according to Russo, would be to get Kaprizov a few regular season games to knock some rust off ahead of the playoffs. The return of Kaprizov would no doubt spark Minnesota’s sputtering offensive. Despite currently finding themselves in the top wild card position in the west, the Wild have only scored 195 goals on the season and are the only Western Conference team currently in playoff position with a negative goal differential on the year.

 

St. Louis Blues Recall Dalibor Dvorský For NHL Debut

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March 23: Dvorský will indeed be making his NHL debut tonight against the Predators, head coach Jim Montgomery confirmed (via Jeremy Rutherford of The Athletic). He replaces Oskar Sundqvist in the lineup after he played through an undisclosed injury yesterday against the Blackhawks.

March 22: As expected, the St. Louis Blues are bringing their top prospect to the NHL ranks. The Blues announced they recalled Dalibor Dvorský from their AHL affiliate, the Springfield Thunderbirds, for his NHL debut.

St. Louis selected Dvorský with the 10th overall pick of the 2023 NHL Draft. The physical forward from Zvolen, Slovakia, had a season where he scored six goals and accumulated 14 points in 38 games for AIK in HockeyAllsvenskan. Additionally, he earned three points in five games while representing Slovakia’s U20 team at the 2022-23 World Junior Championship.

Dvorský began the 2023-24 season on loan with the SHL’s IK Oskarshamn. Unfortunately, after going scoreless in 10 contests and seeing his ice time cut dramatically, Dvorský moved to North America to join the OHL’s Sudbury Wolves.

Dvorský had a productive year, finishing with 45 goals and 88 points in 52 games. He ranked 13th in scoring in the OHL alongside teammates David Goyette and Quentin Musty. He registered three goals and 10 points in nine playoff contests but couldn’t help Sudbury move beyond the second round of the OHL playoffs. 

Given his impressive performance in the OHL and subsequent play during preseason play, there was an outside chance of Dvorský cracking the Blues’ roster out of training camp. However, the team delayed his NHL start, playing Dvorský in the AHL for the year. 

It’s another move that’s worked out well for the young forward. Dvorský has scored 20 goals and 43 points in 57 games in AHL Springfield, good for third on the team in scoring and tied for fifth among rookies. 

Dvorský’s debut won’t be in meaningless hockey either. The Blues are holding on to the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference thanks to a five-game winning streak. St. Louis has a relatively easy schedule coming up with two out of their next three games against the Nashville Predators. Still, they will be important games for the team to win should they hold onto their playoff spot down the stretch. 

List Of NHL Prospects In The 2025 NCAA Championship Tournament

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Today, the NCAA confirmed the 16 schools set to participate in the 2025 Division I men’s ice hockey championship tournament. With the regionals confirmed, we know the NHL prospects to watch over the next couple of weeks as they pursue the national collegiate crown. Prospects are listed along with their drafted team along with their point of selection.

Manchester, NH Regional

#1: Boston College

Jr.-F Andre Gasseau (Bruins, 2021, 7-213)
Jr.-F Oscar Jellvik (Bruins, 2021, 5-149)
So.-F Ryan Leonard (Capitals, 2023, 1-8)
Fr.-F Dean Letourneau (Bruins, 2024, 1-25)
So.-F Gabe Perreault (Rangers, 2023, 1-23)
Fr.-F Teddy Stiga (Predators, 2024, 2-55)

So.-D Drew Fortescue (Rangers, 2023, 3-90)
Sr.-D Aidan Hreschuk (Blue Jackets, 2021, 3-94) Selected by Hurricanes, acquired in 2022’s Max Domi trade
So.-D Aram Minnetian (Stars, 2023, 4-125)
Gr.-D Eamon Powell (Lightning, 2020, 4-116)
Fr.-D Will Skahan (Utah, 2024, 2-65)

So.-G Jacob Fowler (Canadiens, 2023, 3-69)

#2: Providence College

Fr.-F Trevor Connelly (Golden Knights, 2024, 1-19)
So.-F Hudson Malinoski (Maple Leafs, 2023, 5-153)
Fr.-F John Mustard (Blackhawks, 2024, 3-67)
Fr.-F Logan Sawyer (Canadiens, 2024, 3-78)
Gr.-F Chase Yoder (Penguins, 2020, 6-170)

Sr.-D Taige Harding (Blackhawks, 2021, 3-91)
Gr.-D Connor Kelley (Blackhawks, 2021, 7-204)
Fr.-D Tomas Machu (Islanders, 2021, 7-221)
Sr.-D Guillaume Richard (Blue Jackets, 2021, 4-101)

Jr.-G Philip Svedebäck (Bruins, 2021, 4-117)

#3: University of Denver

Fr.-F Hagen Burrows (Lightning, 2024, 4-128)
Sr.-F Jack Devine (Panthers, 2022, 7-221)
Fr.-F Jake Fisher (Avalanche, 2024, 4-121)
So.-F Sam Harris (Canadiens, 2023, 5-133)
Jr.-F Rieger Lorenz (Wild, 2022, 2-56)
Fr.-F James Reeder (Kings, 2024, 7-198)
Jr.-F Samu Salminen (Devils, 2021, 3-68)
Jr.-F Aidan Thompson (Blackhawks, 2022, 3-90)
Jr.-F Jared Wright (Kings, 2022, 6-169)

So.-D Garrett Brown (Jets, 2022, 4-99)
So.-D Zeev Buium (Wild, 2024, 1-12)
Fr.-D Tory Pitner (Avalanche, 2024, 6-185)
So.-D Eric Pohlkamp (Sharks, 2023, 5-132)

#4: Bentley University

none

Fargo, ND Regional

#1: Western Michigan University

So.-F Alex Bump (Flyers, 2022, 5-133)
Sr.-F Matteo Constantini (Sabres, 2020, 5-131)
Fr.-F Ty Henricks (Rangers, 2023, 6-183)
Fr.-F Zachary Nehring (Jets, 2023, 3-82)
Sr.-F Wyatt Schingoethe (Maple Leafs, 2020, 7-195)

Fr.-D Joona Väisänen (Penguins, 2024, 6-175)

Fr.-G Hampton Slukynsky (Kings, 2023, 4-118)

#2: University of Minnesota

So.-F Jimmy Clark (Wild, 2023, 7-213)
Fr.-F Beckett Hendrickson (Bruins, 2023, 4-124)
Sr.-F Aaron Huglen (Sabres, 2019, 4-102) *injured, won’t play
Jr.-F Connor Kurth (Lightning, 2022, 6-192)
Jr.-F Brody Lamb (Rangers, 2021, 4-104)
So.-F Oliver Moore (Blackhawks, 2023, 1-19)
Fr.-F Erik Påhlsson (Predators, 2024, 7-213)
Jr.-F Jimmy Snuggerud (Blues, 2022, 1-23)
Jr.-F Matthew Wood (Predators, 2023, 1-15)
Fr.-F Brodie Ziemer (Sabres, 2024, 3-71)

Jr.-D Ryan Chesley (Capitals, 2022, 2-37)
Gr.-D Mike Koster (Maple Leafs, 2019, 5-146)
Jr.-D Luke Mittelstadt (Canadiens, 2023, 7-197)
So.-D Sam Rinzel (Blackhawks, 2022, 1-25)
Jr.-D Cal Thomas (Utah, 2021, 6-171)
Fr.-D John Whipple (Red Wings, 2024, 5-144)

#3: University of Massachusetts

Jr.-F Kenny Connors (Kings, 2022, 4-103)
So.-F Dans Locmelis (Bruins, 2022, 4-119)
Sr.-F Lucas Mercuri (Hurricanes, 2020, 6-159)
Jr.-F Cole O’Hara (Predators, 2022, 4-114)
So.-F Cameron O’Neill (Senators, 2022, 5-143)
So.-F Aydar Suniev (Flames, 2023, 3-80)
So.-F Nicholas Van Tassell (Senators, 2023, 7-215)

Fr.-D Larry Keenan (Red Wings, 2023, 4-117)

So.-G Michael Hrabal (Utah, 2023, 2-38)

#4: Minnesota State University (Mankato)

Fr.-D Luke Ashton (Blue Jackets, 2024, 6-165)

Allentown, PA Regional

#1: University of Maine

Sr.-F Taylor Makar (Avalanche, 2021, 7-220)

#2: University of Connecticut

So.-F Joey Muldowney (Sharks, 2022, 6-172)
So.-F Jake Richard (Sabres, 2022, 6-170)

Jr.-G Tyler Muszelik (Panthers, 2022, 6-189)

#3: Quinnipiac University

Fr.-F Christopher Pelosi (Bruins, 2023, 3-92)

So.-D Nate Benoit (Wild, 2021, 6-182)
Fr.-D Elliott Groenewold (Bruins, 2024, 4-110)
Jr.-D Charlie Leddy (Devils, 2022, 4-126)

#4: Penn State University

So.-F Aiden Fink (Predators, 2023, 7-218)
So.-F Reese Laubach (Sharks, 2022, 7-217)

Jr.-G Arsenii Sergeev (Flames, 2021, 7-205)

Toledo, OH Regional

#1: Michigan State University

Jr.-F Isaac Howard (Lightning, 2022, 1-31)
Sr.-F Red Savage (Red Wings, 2021, 4-114)
Jr.-F Charlie Stramel (Wild, 2023, 1-21)

So.-D Patrick Geary (Sabres, 2024, 6-172)
Sr.-D David Gucciardi (Capitals, 2022, 7-213)
Fr.-D Vladislav Lukashevich (Panthers, 2021, 4-120)
So.-D Maxim Strbak (Sabres, 2023, 2-45)

So.-G Trey Augustine (Red Wings, 2023, 2-41)

#2: Boston University

Fr.-F Kamil Bednarik (Islanders, 2024, 2-61)
Sr.-F Matt Copponi (Oilers, 2023, 7-216)
Fr.-F Cole Eiserman (Islanders, 2024, 1-20)
Jr.-F Ryan Greene (Blackhawks, 2022, 2-57)
So.-F Jack Harvey (Lightning, 2023, 7-193)
Sr.-F Jack Hughes (Kings, 2022, 2-51)
Jr.-F Devin Kaplan (Flyers, 2022, 3-69)
So.-F Shane Lachance (Devils, 2021, 6-186) Selected by Oilers, acquired in 2025’s Trent Frederic trade
Fr.-F Brandon Svoboda (Sharks, 2023, 3-71)

So.-D Aiden Celebrini (Canucks, 2023, 6-171)
Fr.-D Cole Hutson (Capitals, 2024, 2-43)
So.-D Gavin McCarthy (Sabres, 2023, 3-86)
So.-D Tom Willander (Canucks, 2023, 1-11)

Fr.-G Mikhail Yegorov (Devils, 2024, 2-49)

#3: Ohio State University

Gr.-F Gunnarwolfe Fontaine (Predators, 2020, 7-202)

Sr.-D Brent Johnson (Capitals, 2021, 3-80)
Fr.-D Chris Romaine (Avalanche, 2022, 6-193)
So.-D Theo Wallberg (Senators, 2022, 6-168)

#4: Cornell University

So.-F Jonathan Castagna (Utah, 2023, 3-70)
So.-F Luke Devlin (Penguins, 2022, 6-182) *injured, won’t play
So.-F Ryan Walsh (Bruins, 2023, 6-188)

So.-D George Fegaras (Stars, 2022, 3-83)
Sr.-D Hank Kempf (Avalanche, 2021, 7-208) Selected by Rangers, acquired in 2025’s Ryan Lindgren trade
So.-D Hoyt Stanley (Senators, 2023, 4-108)

Vancouver Canucks Recall Aatu Räty

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As expected, the Vancouver Canucks have had to make a recall for the injured Elias Pettersson and Nils Höglander. Vancouver announced they’ve recalled center Aatu Räty from their AHL affiliate, the Abbotsford Canucks.

Räty’s pathway to the NHL is a well-known story. The Oulu, Finland native was projected to be one of the top players available in the 2021 NHL Draft until a disappointing pre-draft campaign dropped him down to the 52nd overall pick. Although drafted by the New York Islanders, New York traded Räty to the Canucks after only a year and a half of play in the organization.

He spent all of last season with the AHL Canucks, scoring 18 goals and 52 points in 72 games, with another two goals and two assists in six postseason contests. Räty isn’t considered the best forward prospect in Vancouver’s system, but his play last year vaulted him up to a heavily relied-upon depth candidate.

Räty made the Canucks’ roster of training camp this season but was reassigned a few days later on October 16th. Räty has had the highest number of games played this season, with 21 NHL contests under his belt after several recalls. Still, the young forward hasn’t had much responsibility at the NHL level, registering two goals and two assists in those games, averaging 9:30 of ice time.

He’s enjoyed a far more production season in Abbotsford. Räty is the AHL Canucks leading scorer with 17 goals and 39 points in 41 games. Furthermore, it appears Räty will have another opportunity to increase his career-scoring totals in the Calder Cup playoffs with Abbotsford hanging on to third place in the AHL’s hotly-contested Pacific Division.

Rangers Sign Jackson Dorrington To Entry-Level Contract

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Defenseman Jackson Dorrington is officially turning pro after his junior season at Northeastern University ended a few days ago. The New York Rangers announced they’ve signed Dorrington to a three-year, entry-level contract beginning next season, and he’ll report to their AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack, on an amateur tryout agreement for the remainder of the season.

Dorrington was drafted by the Vancouver Canucks with the 176th overall pick of the 2022 NHL Draft. Before ever registering a game in the Canucks organization, Vancouver traded Dorrington alongside Erik Brännström and J.T. Miller to the Rangers on the last day of January for Filip Chytil, Victor Mancini, and a top-10 protected 2025 first-round pick.

Unfortunately, Dorrington’s junior year at Northeastern University concluded similarly to the others, being knocked out of the difficult Hockey East conference tournament. Since joining the Boston-based academic institution for the 2022-23 NCAA season, Dorrington and the Huskies did not advance past the conference tournament semifinals. They qualified for the National Tournament during his freshman year but were eliminated in the regional semifinal by Western Michigan University.

He wasn’t much of a point-producer at Northeastern, finishing his collegiate career with eight goals and 33 points in 105 games. Still, Dorrington displayed an abundance of poise on the defensive side of the puck, evidenced by his +17 rating.

Outside of the statistics, Dorrington proved effective at defensive positioning. Although he’s not a replica by any means, Dorrington’s playstyle is similar to former Ranger Ryan McDonagh, who has excelled at defensive positioning for much of his NHL career. He’s unlikely to become a powerplay candidate at any point in his professional career, but Dorrington could become a useful arrow in the quiver in the Rangers’ penalty kill for years to come.

West Notes: McDavid, Dickinson, Martinez, Johnson

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In an interview with Sportsnet’s Scott Oake and Louie DeBrusk, Edmonton Oilers’ General Manager Stan Bowman spoke briefly on the upcoming extension negotiations between the Oilers and franchise superstar, Connor McDavid. As expected, Bowman appeared confident and optimistic about getting a deal done with McDavid and fell just short of guaranteeing it’ll happen during the summer.

Bowman admitted that it’s still early to start discussing negotiations, but he stated, “We all know Connor is going to be here, and we’re going to make it happen.” Besides some speculation, there isn’t much information about McDavid’s second contract extension negotiations, given he’s a few months away from being eligible for one. However, it could become a significant media story over the summer if he doesn’t sign a new deal with Edmonton relatively soon, especially considering the intensity of the Canadian media market.

There’s a solid chance that McDavid will break a few salary records in his next deal. Next year’s salary cap would allow McDavid to earn a maximum of $19.1MM on an extension, and could get closer to $21MM should he wait until late June of 2026. The healthy increase in next year’s salary cap should allow McDavid to beat out teammate Leon Draisaitl’s $14MM salary as the highest AAV in NHL history, and he could tie or break Alex Ovechkin’s largest total contract record should he earn $15.5MM or more on an eight-year term.

Other notes from the NHL’s Western Conference:

  • The Chicago Blackhawks lost a pair of players during yesterday’s loss to the St. Louis Blues, announcing forward Jason Dickinson and defenseman Alec Martinez had each left the game due to injuries. Chicago hasn’t provided any meaningful updates to either player’s status at the time of writing, and both are questionable for today’s afternoon contest against the Philadelphia Flyers. Neither Dickinson nor Martinez played in more than five minutes of yesterday’s contest, and the pair went scoreless.
  • Despite not having trade protection in his contract, the Philadelphia Flyers’ General Manager, Daniel Brière, treated veteran defenseman Erik Johnson as if he had a full no-movement clause. According to Luke Fox from Sportsnet, Brière received more interest in Johnson; however, he only wanted to return to the Colorado Avalanche or remain in Philadelphia. Fox quoted Johnson saying, “There’s nowhere else I would be willing to go. I really enjoyed my time in Philly, and love the guys, love the city, love my role there. And I said, if something would work with Colorado, that would be the only way I would be willing to leave.”

Penguins Should Look To Re-Sign Matt Grzelcyk

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Kelsey Surmacz of The Hockey News made the case that the Pittsburgh Penguins should re-sign pending UFA defenseman Matt Grzelcyk before he hits the market on July 1st. The veteran has been a good fit in Pittsburgh, and bringing him back on a short-term deal makes sense in a vacuum as the Penguins are very thin on the left side going forward. Grzelcyk has set career highs this season in multiple offensive categories, as the 31-year-old has a goal and 31 assists in 71 games while averaging over 20 minutes a night for the first time in his career.

He’s become an important piece of the Penguins’ defense core, and the team opted to hang onto him rather than move him at the NHL Trade Deadline. Grzelcyk’s veteran presence has mentored some of Pittsburgh’s younger players and could be valuable during a re-tool. Surmacz believes that Pittsburgh should look at a one or two-year deal for Grzelcyk, which would make sense as the Penguins don’t look like they’ll be bottoming out, and they likely won’t be making any major additions over the next year. Many Penguins insiders believe that Pittsburgh hopes to contend for the playoffs again in the 2026-27 season, and while Grzelcyk shouldn’t be a top-four defenseman on a contending team, he could serve as valuable depth when the Penguins are ready to make a push.

While a short-term deal would suit Pittsburgh, it likely wouldn’t be Grzelcyk’s preferred outcome. The Charlestown, Massachusetts native has rebounded this season and could be looking at his last opportunity to cash in a lucrative contract. Playing under a one-year,  $2.75MM deal that he signed in free agency last summer, it’s not hard to imagine him receiving three-year offers this upcoming summer with an increased salary cap and very few options available.

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