Potential Trade Pieces

An article suggests that the Penguins could be a fitting trade partner. Pittsburgh has several veterans available, including a three-time Norris Trophy winner. The Sabres require veteran help to advance and could use a right-shot defenseman. The Penguins have accumulated several draft picks and might offer them to Buffalo, but the Sabres are aiming to acquire players.

Bryan Rust could be the most valuable Penguin available for trade. He just completed a career year, scoring 31 goals and 34 assists in 71 games. His no-movement clause expires soon, making him an appealing acquisition for Buffalo. The veteran forward is also a two-time Stanley Cup Champion.

The Buffalo Sabres are trying to end a 14-year playoff drought and hope to add pieces this summer, while also considering trading one of their best young players, Peterka.

— World Today News (@WorldTodayNews) June 24, 2025

Rickard Rakell is another Penguin who might fit into a trade. He has three years remaining on his contract. Like Rust, Rakell had a career season. He has an eight-team no-trade list, which could complicate a deal with Buffalo. While not bringing the same intangible qualities as Rust, he could still be a valuable piece.

“Erik Karlsson, with a full no-movement clause, may not be eager to join another team that might miss the playoffs,” the article explains.

—Alex Carter, Sport Editor

Erik Karlsson could also be considered. The Sabres need a right-shot defender, and Karlsson is a potential target. The article suggests that the Sabres might not be eager to take on his hefty salary for a 34-year-old defenseman who struggles defensively. However, the Penguins could absorb a significant portion of his deal to make a trade possible.

In 2024, the average NHL player salary was approximately $3.3 million (Statista).

Additional Trade Scenarios

General manager Kyle Dubas has expressed a desire for the Penguins to get younger. The Sabres have a player who could fit the bill in Bowen Byram. The 24-year-old was the fourth overall pick in 2019. However, his on-ice results haven’t always matched his skills. The Penguins don’t have a player like Rasmus Dahlin, which could expose Byram on the blueline.

JJ Peterka in action for the Buffalo Sabres.

The Sabres and Penguins, each with their own objectives, could find common ground. The summer could bring a deal that benefits both organizations.

Penguins Face Free Agency Crossroads

Navigating the RFA Landscape

As free agency approaches in July, the Pittsburgh Penguins have crucial decisions ahead. They must weigh re-signing restricted free agents (RFAs) and assess the market for unrestricted free agents (UFAs). The team’s strategy will significantly influence their competitiveness in the upcoming season.

Restricted Free Agents in Focus

Forward Connor Dewar, acquired at the trade deadline, experienced a positive shift, accumulating seven points in 17 games. Yet, his season total of 10 points in 48 outings presents a challenge. His contract structure allows for a lower qualifying offer of $819K, but arbitration rights complicate matters. The Penguins might seek a deal similar to his previous salary, but a qualifying offer could be avoided to sidestep arbitration.

Connor Dewar, acquired at the trade deadline.

Defenseman Pierre-Olivier Joseph, previously non-tendered to avoid arbitration, returned to Pittsburgh mid-season after struggling in St. Louis. He played as a depth piece. Like Dewar, he’s arbitration-eligible, making him a potential non-tender candidate. A qualifying offer of $997.5K is due.

Defenseman Conor Timmins, also acquired from Toronto, showed increased impact with seven points in 17 games. Timmins is arbitration-eligible as well, and the risk of a qualifying offer is lower. A one-year deal might boost his salary to approximately $1.75MM. General Manager Kyle Dubas might prefer a two-year contract, with an offer around $2MM.

Forward Philip Tomasino, acquired from Nashville, became a regular with the Penguins, scoring 11 goals and 12 assists in 50 games. His qualifying offer is just over $866K, and he is also arbitration-eligible. A one-year deal could make sense, with a price tag around $1.5MM. A two-year contract would push the AAV closer to $2MM.

Other RFAs include Raivis Ansons, Emil Bemstrom, Taylor Gauthier, Filip Lindberg, and Vasiliy Ponomarev.

Unrestricted Free Agent Overview

Defenseman Matt Grzelcyk, who took a one-year deal with Pittsburgh, saw his value rise, achieving career highs in assists (39) and points (40). His performance has made him the top point-getter among UFA blueliners. Despite being a smaller defenseman, Grzelcyk could exceed his previous salary of $2.75MM and secure a multi-year deal.

Free Agent Focus: Pittsburgh Penguins — Matt Grzelcyk, UFA defenseman.

Joona Koppanen is one of the few UFAs to play at least 10 NHL games this season. He has the size that some teams may covet for a depth spot in the lineup. The 27-year-old may find suitors. A two-way pact on the open market is likely.

Matthew Nieto has played in only 54 games in two seasons due to injuries, managing just seven points. He might struggle to get a guaranteed deal. He may be a training camp PTO candidate.

Other UFAs include Nathan Clurman, Mac Hollowell, Filip King, Jimmy Huntington, Marc Johnstone, Mathias Laferriere, and Colton Poolman.

Cap Space and Strategy

The Penguins have substantial cap flexibility with over $23MM in room. However, with Dan Muse’s hiring as head coach signaling a potential rebuild, they may not be overly active in free agency. They are unlikely to approach the $95.5MM Upper Limit at the start of the 2025-26 season.

The current NHL salary cap is $88 million for the 2024-25 season, according to NHL.com. This figure underscores the importance of strategic cap management for teams like the Penguins.

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Examining Potential Penguins And Sabres Trades

Sabres-Penguins Trade: A Potential NHL Shakeup

Buffalo and Pittsburgh could be poised for a significant player swap this summer.