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What Happens If The Penguins Can’t Move Veterans?

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The Penguins find themselves in a strange position as a franchise. Management appears to have embraced the need to rebuild. Yet, they still have three franchise icons on the roster in Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang, along with several veterans who can still perform at a high level.

Pittsburgh entered this summer as an obvious seller at a time when it seemed there were no sellers, but they have yet to trade any of the veteran candidates and are just over a month away from starting training camp with those players still on the team. So, what will happen if forwards Bryan Rust, Rickard Rakell, and defenseman Erik Karlsson are still with the team when the season begins? That is where things could get very interesting.

With those players in the lineup, the Penguins can field one of the stronger top-nine groups in the NHL, led by Crosby, Rakell, and Rust, who were the only bright spots for the Penguins last season. Additionally, Malkin can still center a second line despite an apparent decline in his play, and he might get some help this season after a carousel of low-scoring depth wingers flanked him last year. Recently signed Anthony Mantha is a capable option to play with Malkin, along with trade deadline acquisition Thomas Novak, who only played a few games last season with Pittsburgh before suffering an injury.

If the Penguins decide to use Novak as a third-line pivot, they could look to rookie Ville Koivunen, who appears NHL-ready and might already be a top-six winger alongside Malkin. In any case, a top six like that is good enough to help the Penguins win some games, which might not be what Penguins fans are hoping for, especially with Gavin McKenna available in the NHL Entry Draft.

Beyond the top six, the Penguins have many potential options for their bottom six, including some costly depth veterans who might not make the lineup. If Novak ends up as Pittsburgh’s third-line center, he could be flanked on the wings by young players Rutger McGroarty and Philip Tomasino. Both are former first-round picks and have the ability to generate offense from the third line, something the Penguins haven’t seen from their bottom two lines in quite some time.

On the fourth line, the most likely lineup would be Blake Lizotte centering newcomer Justin Brazeau and Connor Dewar. That isn’t a bad fourth line, but the Penguins could also run Noel Acciari, Danton Heinen, or Kevin Hayes, who are all veterans making north of $2MM in the final year of their contracts and will be motivated to prove they still belong in the NHL.

The bottom line is that if Rust and Rakell aren’t traded, the Penguins have a forward group capable of getting a team to a Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference. However, their defensive unit is where it gets messy and might be the worst in the NHL.

General manager Kyle Dubas opted for quantity over quality this summer on the backend, which makes sense given the Penguins’ current situation as an organization. Dubas decided to buy low on a group of defensemen who badly needed a fresh start. Matt Dumba and Connor Clifton have both been effective in the past, but have recently fallen on hard times and were essentially traded to Pittsburgh along with assets as a cap dump. Their presence congests an already deep right side for the Penguins, as they currently have Kris Letang and the aforementioned Karlsson still in the top four, as well as 2024 second-round pick Harrison Brunicke, who could be NHL-ready, along with Jack St. Ivany and Philip Kemp.

The left side has even more players, but none of them are likely capable of top-pairing minutes for Pittsburgh, and they might not even have a solid second-pair option either. The Penguins’ left side is mediocre, with Ryan Graves and Owen Pickering as the most likely players to see time on the top two pairs. Beyond that, it is truly anyone’s guess, as Pittsburgh also brought in Caleb Jones, Parker Wotherspoon, and Alexander Alexeyev in free agency to join holdovers Graves, Pickering, Ryan Shea, and Sebastian Aho.

All in all, Dubas has assembled 14 potential NHL defensemen for the Penguins to use this season, with only two or possibly three capable of playing on the top two pairs. It’s a bold strategy and certainly a unique idea that will either end in total disaster or be a surprise of the season.

None of this will matter if Pittsburgh gets goaltending like they did last season, when Tristan Jarry struggled for most of the year before a late-season turnaround after two AHL demotions and a waiver wire pass. Jarry can win NHL games, as shown by his two All-Star Game appearances. However, if he plays like he did last season, Pittsburgh won’t be able to outscore the problem. But if Jarry can be league average next year and the Penguins keep the likes of Rust, Rakell, and Karlsson, that might be enough to put them in the playoff picture in the Eastern Conference.

The other variable in net is 24-year-old Arturs Silovs, who was acquired from the Vancouver Canucks in mid-July. The reigning MVP of the Calder Cup Playoffs last season will suit up as an Olympian next year for Latvia and has the potential to make an impact in the NHL. Whether or not he makes an impact next season remains to be seen, but again, if he is league average as a backup for the Penguins, it would be an improvement on last season’s goaltending.

If Pittsburgh gets some goaltending and scores the way they are capable of, it could turn into a feel-good story for the Penguins, especially if Malkin’s NHL swan song is near. Having Letang and Crosby there for it would be pretty special.

Now, a lot would have to go right for Pittsburgh to make the postseason, and it would be nearly impossible if they move on from the veterans on the trade block. However, if their asking price isn’t met and the Penguins are left holding onto Rust, Rakell, and Karlsson, they might surprise some people, even if they remain flawed and older. The talent is there to make some noise; it’s just not guaranteed that the talent will still be present when the season begins.

Photo by Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Chad Ruhwedel Announces Retirement

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Longtime NHL defenseman Chad Ruhwedel has decided to hang up his skates. In an announcement from the NHLPA, Ruhwedel has officially retired after a 13-year NHL career.

Ruhwedel’s NHL career began in the 2012-13 NHL season, signing as an undrafted collegiate free agent after a successful tenure with the University of Massachusetts – Lowell. He signed a two-year entry-level contract with the Buffalo Sabres and played in seven games for them down the stretch of the regular season.

He spent the next three years with the Sabres, primarily serving as an immediate injury call-up. Throughout his tenure with the Sabres, Ruhwedel finished with two assists in 33 games, averaging 16:22 of ice time per night. He performed much better with their AHL affiliate, the Rochester Americans, scoring 24 goals and 90 points in 178 games played.

Becoming an unrestricted free agent after the 2015-16 season, Ruhwedel signed with the defending Stanley Cup champions, the Pittsburgh Penguins. Pittsburgh is easily where Ruhwedel enjoyed the most success of his career, even outside of winning the first and only Stanley Cup ring of his career in his first season with the club.

The San Diego, CA native served as a depth defenseman for the Penguins, remaining primarily on the NHL roster rather than being sent down to their AHL affiliate, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. He played nearly 10 times as many games with Pittsburgh compared to Buffalo, finishing with 13 goals and 47 points in 326 games, averaging 15 minutes and 2 seconds of ice time per game. Although he wasn’t known for his offensive capabilities, he managed productive defensive metrics, earning a 51.1% CorsiFor% at even strength and a 91.8% on-ice save percentage at even strength.

After seven and a half years with the Penguins, the team traded Ruhwedel to the New York Rangers during the 2023-24 season for a 2027 fourth-round pick. Despite staying with the team for another year, Ruhwedel only managed one assist in 10 games with the Rangers. He spent much of this past season with their AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack, scoring three goals and 18 points in 50 games, with a +12 rating.

Over his 13-year career, Ruhwedel retired with 13 goals and 50 points in 369 NHL contests while going pointless in 25 postseason matchups. In the AHL, he finished with 32 goals and 129 points in 261 games, scoring another two goals and five points in five Calder Cup playoff contests.

All of us at PHR congratulate Ruhwedel on his lengthy career and wish him well as he begins the next chapter of his life.

Wotherspoon Gives Penguins Depth Option On Blue Line

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  • Penguins GM Kyle Dubas expressed a desire to improve both the depth and overall performance of his left-side defensemen, which led to a series of free-agent signings aimed at finding the right fit. Among the players he signed, physical defenseman Parker Wotherspoon — who inked a two-year, $2 million deal with Pittsburgh — may have the inside track on a roster spot. Wotherspoon, 27, has appeared in 108 regular-season games in the NHL across three seasons, including a career-high 55 games for the Boston Bruins last season. On the year, he averaged 18:02 of ice time per night and registered seven points, 75 hits, and 66 blocked shots. He joins recently signed Caleb Jones and Alexander Alexeyev, as well as veteran Ryan Graves, and promising youngster Owen Pickering in Pittsburgh’s depth chart. Per Justin Guerriero of Triblive.com, Wotherspoon believes Pittsburgh gives him the best opportunity to play. “They seemed interested, we seemed interested and we thought it’d be a good fit with some opportunity to play. … An opportunity to get back in the playoffs is all I wanted to do. Everything just kind of lined up really well,” he said.

Alexeyev Unsurprised About Being Non-Tendered This Summer

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  • Speaking with RG’s Daria Tuboltseva, Penguins defenseman Alexander Alexeyev noted that he wasn’t surprised at being non-tendered by Washington back in June. The 25-year-old was a frequent healthy scratch last season, getting into just eight games during the regular season although he suited up more frequently in the playoffs.  With Alexeyev having arbitration rights, the Capitals knew early they’d be letting him go, informing his camp of the decision several weeks ahead of time.  Alexeyev added that he gave no consideration to returning home and playing in the KHL and instead, he signed for the league minimum with the Penguins and will look to earn a roster spot with them.

Could Penguins Consider Waiving And Demoting Recent Defense Adds?

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  • The Penguins have added some defensive depth this summer with the signings of Parker Wotherspoon and Alexander Alexeyev plus the acquisitions of Mathew Dumba and Connor Clifton. At first glance, that would seemingly close the door on prospects Owen Pickering or Harrison Brunicke having a chance to push for a roster spot, even with the team saying both will get long looks in training camp.  Matt Vensel of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette wonders if the Penguins might consider waiving and demoting some of those newcomers – Clifton or Dumba in particular – to create an opening for one of the youngsters.  With Pittsburgh not expected to contend for a playoff spot as things stand, it will be interesting to see if any budgetary restrictions are imposed which could make having a seven-figure player or two in the minors more of a challenge.

Caleb Jones Eyeing Roster Spot With Penguins

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The Pittsburgh Penguins and GM Kyle Dubas have made a number of acquisitions since the start of free agency, but one under-the-radar move may prove impactful. On the opening day of free agency, the team agreed to terms with left-handed defenseman Caleb Jones on a two-year, $1.8 million deal. While the signing didn’t generate much buzz, Jones could quietly become a meaningful contributor in Pittsburgh as he sets his sights on earning a spot on the team’s opening night roster.

As Justin Guerriero of TribLive.com outlines, Jones is joining a franchise in the midst of a significant transition — not only will the team be adapting to new head coach Dan Muse’s philosophies, but the names on the blue line have changed considerably as well. He joins newly signed defenders Parker Wotherspoon, Alexander Alexeyev, and a host of other options on the left side vying for a spot in the lineup.

The organization is particularly thin on the left side of the blue line, with embattled veteran Ryan Graves likely the only lock for the opening night roster. Competing for spots behind him are promising prospect Owen Pickering and journeymen Ryan Shea and Sebastian Aho. While Jones admitted to not knowing much about Muse or his preferred style of play, he is confident his performance can make an impact at the NHL level.

“I just felt like the opportunity to come to Pittsburgh and kind of be a regular guy every night and really fully be established was something too good to pass up,” he said. “I had a lot of communication with management and the coaches, and I just felt really good about the opportunity I was going to have. I’m really excited. I think we’ll have a good team, and I think it’s going to be a great chance for me to come in, show what I can do and really earn a spot.”

Jones, 28, has 248 games at the NHL level under his belt across seven seasons with the Edmonton Oilers, Chicago Blackhawks, and LA Kings. He appeared in six games with the Kings last season, but spent the majority of the year in the AHL with the Ontario Reign. His most extended look in the NHL came during the 2022-23 season, when he registered career highs in games played (73), points (16), penalty minutes (40), blocked shots (118), and hits (116).

Snapshots: Heiskanen, Peddle, Penguins

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The Stars will have a fully healthy and fully confident Miro Heiskanen atop their blue line when training camp begins next month, the defender told NHL Finland’s Varpu Sihvonen.

“My confidence is back where it used to be now that my knee can take all the practice and feels fine,” Heiskanen said. He told Sihvonen that his training schedule this summer has been normal after missing most of the back half of the season with a knee injury, only returning to action in time for the late stages of their second-round series against the Jets. The 26-year-old cornerstone had four points in eight postseason games upon returning, but saw a reduced workload at 21:49 per game.

Heiskanen was amid something of a down year offensively before his injury with 25 points in 50 games, but he’d operated at a 69-point pace over the previous two years with a pair of top-10 Norris Trophy finishes to show for it. With cap constraints thinning out Dallas’ defensive depth behind its big three of Heiskanen, Thomas Harley, and Esa Lindell, they’ll need him back at his peak to have aspirations of a fourth straight Western Conference Final appearance in 2026 – hopefully, this time with a Stanley Cup Final appearance to show for it.

More from around the league:

  • Now-former Blue Jackets prospect Tyler Peddle has been traded in the QMJHL. He’s headed to the Charlottetown Islanders in exchange for a pair of draft picks, the team announced. He was the last pick of the 2023 draft but was not signed by June 1 of this year, making him an unrestricted free agent. He’ll hope for a strong overage season on Prince Edward Island to help him land an NHL or AHL contract next offseason. The 20-year-old center only had a 15-14–29 scoring line with a -34 rating in 54 games for the Saint John Sea Dogs last season, and his production has declined steadily since he peaked with 41 points in 64 games during his draft year for Drummondville.
  • There’s been no significant traction on talks regarding any of the Penguins’ major trade chips in Erik Karlsson, Rickard Rakell, and Bryan Rust, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet said on last weekend’s 32 Thoughts podcast. Friedman added there’s still potential for those discussions to heat up near the end of the month or closer to training camp, but no big moves are imminent.

Mathias Laferriere Signs In Slovakia

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Free agent forward Mathias Laferriere has decided to take his talents overseas. He has signed with HK Spisska Nova Ves of Slovakia’s Tipsport Extraliga, the team announced on social media. Laferriere spent all of last season in the AHL. His year was split between the Springfield Thunderbirds and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins following a Spring trade that sent Corey Andonovski to Springfield.

Laferriere’s 2024-25 campaign was a muted one. He scored just 18 points across 55 games on the season – 10 in 33 games with Springfield, and eight in 22 games with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. The performance marked a new low for the slight-framed winger, after he totaled 26 points in 50 games of the 2022-23 season, and 25 points in 68 games in 2023-24. Those performances were a healthy ramp up from Laferriere’s nine points in 56 games as an AHL rookie in 2021-22 – but it seems he couldn’t maintain the stout production through a change of teams.

Instead of lamenting in AHL bottom-sixes, Laferriere will test his talents overseas. This will mark the first European hockey of his career, after he grew up through Canadian youth hockey, played American pros, and never made a national team roster. Laferriere was drafted by the St. Louis Blues in the sixth round of the 2018 Draft, on the heels of scoring 41 points in 67 games with the QMJHL’s Cape Breton Screaming Eagles.

He’s a lanky winger who leans on finesse and athleticism to make good plays along the boards. Those attributes could prove a helpful boost to a HK Spisska Nova Ves roster that stood on top of Slovakia’s pro league at the end of last season. Laferriere will join former AHL and ECHL pro Damien Giroux in the move to Slovakia. Despite quaint AHL scoring, sources available to Pro Hockey Rumors suggest that Laferriere was recruited by pro clubs in multiple European countries, and should have the chance to earn a middle-six role with his new club.

Poll: Will The Penguins Be Able To Trade Erik Karlsson?

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Before the offseason began, it became clear that the Penguins were uniquely positioned as one of the league’s true few sellers who had no plans of contending for a playoff spot in 2026. Even with an understaffed roster, particularly on the blue line, they do still have some valuable trade chips to leverage in order to recoup additional future assets for their ongoing rebuild while also giving them a greater chance at a high-end pick in a stacked 2026 draft class.

While wingers Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust will likely yield the most calls and have rather movable contracts, defenseman Erik Karlsson has also been on the shopping block since last season’s trade deadline. Aside from the declining veteran’s $10MM cap hit being virtually immovable without at least an additional 20% worth of retention, he has a no-movement clause through the remainder of his deal, which expires following the 2026-27 season.

Moving him, even with retention, is a sensible goal for the Penguins if they can yield a significant return. The 35-year-old obviously doesn’t fit into their long-term plans, and shedding some of his salary opens up more flexibility to take on more shorter-term undesirable contracts in the near future in exchange for additional futures, similar to their pickup of Matt Dumba from the Stars earlier this month.

That no-movement clause, which Karlsson waived to facilitate a trade to Pittsburgh from San Jose following his Norris-winning campaign in 2023, makes generating that significant return a difficult feat. He’s produced at a decent 55-point pace over his two seasons with the Pens and hasn’t missed a game since his acquisition, but a look under the hood reveals declining possession impacts to pair with his already solidified one-dimensional reputation as an offensive-minded rearguard.

While he usually helps his team generate significantly more shot attempts to help offset those poor defensive impacts, his +2.0% relative Corsi at even strength last year was among the worst of his career, as was his 48.4 xGF%. Entering his age-35 season, it’s not exactly as if there’s hope for a rebound there unless he’s deployed in an extremely insulated possession system.

Even if the Penguins are able to make Karlsson a $7MM-$8MM player for the next two seasons, the Venn diagram of teams that can afford him and those he’d be willing to waive his NMC for isn’t favorable. He’s willing to move but is only considering waiving his clause for a select few Stanley Cup contenders, according to reports earlier this month. That’s both foreseeable and reasonable – Karlsson has yet to reach a Stanley Cup Final in his 16-year NHL career.

That makes it hard to see many speculative fits outside of a potential move to the Hurricanes, who have something of a hole on the right side of their blue line after losing Karlsson’s former teammate, Brent Burns, to Colorado in free agency. They’ve got the space ($10.64MM) to burn and the high-end possession system to insulate his defensive shortcomings, particularly if he’s given license to play top-pairing minutes with one of the league’s top pure shutdown rearguards in Jaccob Slavin.

He’s not an extremely pressing need for Carolina with some other skilled puck-movers on their back end and a potential game-breaker in Russian rookie Alexander Nikishin, though. There will be questions, both from the public and likely within the Canes’ front office, of whether it’s wise to spend their remaining cap space on an area of strength rather than trying to pursue options to address their hole at second-line center.

PHR readers – how do you think things will shake out? Will the Penguins be able to get a Karlsson deal done? If so, how much money will they need to retain to make it happen? Vote in our poll below:

If you can’t see the poll, click here to vote.

Peddle Signs With QMJHL Charlottetown

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  • Penguins prospect Brady Peddle has decided to head to major junior as QMJHL Charlottetown announced that they’ve signed the blueliner for the upcoming season. The 18-year-old was a third-round pick last month, going 91st overall after spending last year with USHL Waterloo where he had 10 points in 62 regular season games and 10 more in 15 playoff outings.  Peddle is committed to Michigan State for 2026-27 and that appears to remain the intention so his junior stint is expected to just be for 2025-26.

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