Penguins Trade Deadline: Buyers and Sellers?

[Victor]

Prediction: EK traded to Wild who have a ton of deadline space now banked and also have a ton of dead cap from Parise and Suter coming off the books next year, only thing would be how much do the Pens retain to make the deal better. Wild seem like a good fit where they seem to have a need for a RD.

Also, have there be a future consideration added and after the season is over that the FC will be Fleury so he can officially retire as a Penguin before free agency begins and his contract officially expires.

What about Boston, McAvoy and Lindholm are reportedly both out for the season.

I saw somewhere a comment from Sweeney saying that they might do a soft sell this deadline, so I don't think they would be interested in a guy like EK.

[Michael74]

I sincerely hope Grzelcyk can be healthy before the deadline in order to gain another asset. He's the only player who we really couldn't afford to get injured considering the circumstances.

[thehockeyguru]

Interesting move by Detroit to open up cap space . Would love to send Rusty to Detroit

The Ducks have acquired goaltender Ville Husso from the Detroit Red Wings for future considerations. Husso will report to the San Diego Gulls, Anaheim’s primary development affiliate in the American Hockey League (AHL).

[KG]

Interesting move by Detroit to open up cap space . Would love to send Rusty to Detroit

The Ducks have acquired goaltender Ville Husso from the Detroit Red Wings for future considerations. Husso will report to the San Diego Gulls, Anaheim’s primary development affiliate in the American Hockey League (AHL).

Verbeek just loves helping out GM’s by taking back bad contracts and not getting paid for doing so. Strange move.

[Pens4Life]

Utah waived another LD, this time 26yrs Jusso Valimaki 6'3 - 220, Finland called him up for 4Nations,but was healthy scratch all 3 games, signed thru 2025-26 with 2M per.. probably better than Joseph and Graves.. but we are loaded on left side, we didnt even see Kolyachonok yet, last Utah D claim.

BUT if you ask me, I would waive Joseph and claim Jusso.

John Marino and Sean Durzi are returning to UHC lineup.

https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/2 ... o-valimaki

He cleared. That extra year at $2mill limited interest I guess.

Probably..

[100565]

I’m hoping for:
EK65 @ 65% to Stars for 2026 1st, Bichsel, and Dumba.
Rakell to Devils for Nemec and Haula.
Grzelcyk for 2nd-3rd.
Beauvillier for a 3rd.

I think reality is:
Grzelcyk for 3rd.
Beauvillier for a 3rd-4th.

[Pens4Life]

33yrs old Erik Haula who is on 3M deal thru next season?? God nooo

Rakell for Nemec and some prospect or 2nd R pick maybe or Tatar who is 34yrs LW, but expiring contract.

[FLPensFan]

I’m hoping for:
EK65 @ 65% to Stars for 2026 1st, Bichsel, and Dumba.
Rakell to Devils for Nemec and Haula.
Grzelcyk for 2nd-3rd.
Beauvillier for a 3rd.

I think reality is:
Grzelcyk for 3rd.
Beauvillier for a 3rd-4th.

I'd be thrilled if these were the deals we ended up with. Defense could look like this next year:

Bichel-Letang
Pickering-Nemec
Kolyachonok-Dumba
x-Graves, POJ

Gives Brunicke another year, rather than forcing him to have a good follow up year and making the team. The focus then would need to shift to finding young centers for the future. Draft capital?:

Two 2025 1sts (assuming Rangers pick is this year), a 2025 2nd, three 2025 3rds
Two 2026 1sts, two 2026 2nds, two 2026 3rds
A 2027 1st, two 2027 2nds, two 2027 3rds

That's 17 picks in the first 3 rounds for the next 3 drafts. That's a draft war chest, and allows Dubas to draft or make trades to pickup young NHL guys.

[KG]

33yrs old Erik Haula who is on 3M deal thru next season?? God nooo

Rakell for Nemec and some prospect or 2nd R pick maybe or Tatar who is 34yrs LW, but expiring contract.

Devils aren't trading Nemec for a soon to be 32 year old non-star player. I would happily take Haula if we could get Nemec.

I feel we are setting ourselves up for disappointment on a potential return for Rakell. I would expect a 26 1st, B prospect and cap dump. Similar to what we traded for Zucker.

[100565]

Yeah. I don’t think NJ would do Rakell for Nemec straight up, so maybe taking a camp dump would tip the scales? Not too sure though.

At some point a team gotta go for it. I think Rakell would give them a better shot at winning the cup over the next 3-4 years than playing Nemec. Futures for now.

[KG]

Yeah. I don’t think NJ would do Rakell for Nemec straight up, so maybe taking a camp dump would tip the scales? Not too sure though.

At some point a team gotta go for it. I think Rakell would give them a better shot at winning the cup over the next 3-4 years than playing Nemec. Futures for now.

It only takes 1 GM to overpay.

[dark_forces]

If you ask me, any team that gives up a 1st round pick for Karlsson is making a mistake.
I can't underscore how disappointed I am in his play and his seeming lack of motivation. He's not worth 6 mil per season.
However, recently published rumors (TIOPS, so take it with a grain of salt) say that Vegas, Florida, Columbus, and Ottawa are teams that have kicked the tires.
If I were running those teams, I would be cautious. From the Penguin perspective, if we can eat some salary, I hope we can get a pretty solid young player/good prospect in return and some draft capital.

[Puck-Lurker]

If you ask me, any team that gives up a 1st round pick for Karlsson is making a mistake.
I can't underscore how disappointed I am in his play and his seeming lack of motivation. He's not worth 6 mil per season.
However, recently published rumors (TIOPS, so take it with a grain of salt) say that Vegas, Florida, Columbus, and Ottawa are teams that have kicked the tires.
If I were running those teams, I would be cautious. From the Penguin perspective, if we can eat some salary, I hope we can get a pretty solid young player/good prospect in return and some draft capital.

Erik Brassard, Derick Karlsson. SS-DD.

Say Pens eat a little salary (2.5M), send out a 3rd and some dude.. say Puustinen. Give me a 1st and a middling prospect. Or a good young player and a second.


Pens shouldn't be trying to empty the salary shelves entirely, that does pretty much nothing to help the team. It will get sunk into more (risky) free agency signings that may do absolutely nothing but tie us down for longer.

If there's a deal that gains futures in terms of good young NHL'ers (middle six with upside), or prospects on that trajectory or picks (1st, 2nd, 3rd particularly), go for it!

Salary dumping? What would the point be, we're not on a cup run and won't be next season and that's okay!

[FLPensFan]

Grzelcyk was back on the ice for practice in a normal jersey. Sullivan said everyone except Boko (per Taylor Haase).

If I'm Dubas, let Grzelcyk come back tonight and play to show that he's healthy, then pull the trigger already so we don't risk him getting injured again before the deadline.

[FLPensFan]

33yrs old Erik Haula who is on 3M deal thru next season?? God nooo

Rakell for Nemec and some prospect or 2nd R pick maybe or Tatar who is 34yrs LW, but expiring contract.

Devils aren't trading Nemec for a soon to be 32 year old non-star player. I would happily take Haula if we could get Nemec.

I feel we are setting ourselves up for disappointment on a potential return for Rakell. I would expect a 26 1st, B prospect and cap dump. Similar to what we traded for Zucker.

I'm not saying they are the same level (they aren't), but NY just traded for JT Miller, giving up a 25 year old NHL center who put up 22 goals and 45 points a few years ago, as well as a 1st round pick. Rakell doesn't have the top end scoring potential of being a constant 30 goal scorer, but he's also 3M a year cheaper. They are roughly the same age.

Look at what we got for Guentzel as a rental...an NHL player capable of 20 goals per season, 3 prospects, and picks.

I would say reality is that, if NJ wanted Rakell and was going to give up Nemec, a 2nd coming with him (plus a cap dump) is more realistic. They likely won't give up one of their top prospects AND a 1st rounder...unless that 1st has conditions on it, like lottery protected, or Devils need to make conference finals or better for it to upgrade to a 1st.

[Cow_Master66]

If you ask me, any team that gives up a 1st round pick for Karlsson is making a mistake.
I can't underscore how disappointed I am in his play and his seeming lack of motivation. He's not worth 6 mil per season.
However, recently published rumors (TIOPS, so take it with a grain of salt) say that Vegas, Florida, Columbus, and Ottawa are teams that have kicked the tires.
If I were running those teams, I would be cautious. From the Penguin perspective, if we can eat some salary, I hope we can get a pretty solid young player/good prospect in return and some draft capital.

"Lack of motivation" is typically something fans make up, which I'd say is the case here. He has always had next to zero motivation on defense, which is why a lot of us hated the trade at the time. On the offensive side, just face it, this team sucks.

[KG]

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/615854 ... ed_article

I don't a subscription but apparently KD would deal EK "in a heartbeat."

The $5mill signing bonus might make the trade more likely in the summer but I'm sure KD is kicking the tires with teams like Dallas, Carolina, Florida, Ottawa, Vegas etc.

Another player that doesn't fit the system! Top 2-3 coach in the league can't even coach one of the best offensive D men of this generation.

[FLPensFan]

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/615854 ... ed_article

I don't a subscription but apparently KD would deal EK "in a heartbeat."

The $5mill signing bonus might make the trade more likely in the summer but I'm sure KD is kicking the tires with teams like Dallas, Carolina, Florida, Ottawa, Vegas etc.

Another player that doesn't fit the system! Top 2-3 coach in the league can't even coach one of the best offensive D men of this generation.

Karlsson's salary structure decreases the last 2 years of his deal, next year, he's only getting 4M in salary, the other 5M is in the July 1st signing bonus.
For the 26-27 season, his salary is only 1.5M, but his signing bonus is 6M.

I would agree that a deal in the summer is more likely, but, I also don't think the Penguins are going to be willing to pay that 5M signing bonus AND retain 50% of his cap hit. If a team wants to wait until after that July 1st signing bonus is paid, then I can't see the Penguins retaining more than 25-30% max. An NHL exec also said that Karlsson's stock is up after 4 Nations tournament, and there are some that believe Karlsson just isn't a fit in Sullivan's system....that he would do better on a more defensive system that can allow him to play his game.

The other things Yohe hit on:
--Still no intent to ask Rust to waive his NMC or shop him. Yohe said that there is a strong feeling Rust retires as the last link to the Stanley Cup teams. As long as Sullivan is here, I think that is true. He's the perfect fit in Sullivan's system. Unless a team makes a mind-blowing offer, I think Rust stays.

--Dubas seems intent on keeping Rakell unless someone makes an incredible offer he can't refuse.

--Doesn't foresee Letang being asked to waive his NMC this season. But, won't be surprised if it doesn't happen in the future (summer, next season).

--Penguins aren't worried about Blomqvist's reccent struggles. Think he's mentally capable of bouncing back, but, and Yohe has said this before....feeling inside the organization is the team isn't as high on Blomqvist as fans are. Team likes him and think he'll make a capable NHL goalie, but they have never been sold on him being the future in net.

[KG]

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/615854 ... ed_article

I don't a subscription but apparently KD would deal EK "in a heartbeat."

The $5mill signing bonus might make the trade more likely in the summer but I'm sure KD is kicking the tires with teams like Dallas, Carolina, Florida, Ottawa, Vegas etc.

Another player that doesn't fit the system! Top 2-3 coach in the league can't even coach one of the best offensive D men of this generation.

Karlsson's salary structure decreases the last 2 years of his deal, next year, he's only getting 4M in salary, the other 5M is in the July 1st signing bonus.
For the 26-27 season, his salary is only 1.5M, but his signing bonus is 6M.

I would agree that a deal in the summer is more likely, but, I also don't think the Penguins are going to be willing to pay that 5M signing bonus AND retain 50% of his cap hit. If a team wants to wait until after that July 1st signing bonus is paid, then I can't see the Penguins retaining more than 25-30% max. An NHL exec also said that Karlsson's stock is up after 4 Nations tournament, and there are some that believe Karlsson just isn't a fit in Sullivan's system....that he would do better on a more defensive system that can allow him to play his game.

The other things Yohe hit on:
--Still no intent to ask Rust to waive his NMC or shop him. Yohe said that there is a strong feeling Rust retires as the last link to the Stanley Cup teams. As long as Sullivan is here, I think that is true. He's the perfect fit in Sullivan's system. Unless a team makes a mind-blowing offer, I think Rust stays.

--Dubas seems intent on keeping Rakell unless someone makes an incredible offer he can't refuse.

--Doesn't foresee Letang being asked to waive his NMC this season. But, won't be surprised if it doesn't happen in the future (summer, next season).

--Penguins aren't worried about Blomqvist's reccent struggles. Think he's mentally capable of bouncing back, but, and Yohe has said this before....feeling inside the organization is the team isn't as high on Blomqvist as fans are. Team likes him and think he'll make a capable NHL goalie, but they have never been sold on him being the future in net.

Good point about the signing bonus and impacting potential retention

[thehockeyguru]

I just don't see why Dubas wants to keep Rust and Rakell. Let's not get any assets with our two best trade chips.......

[Daniel]

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/615854 ... ed_article

I don't a subscription but apparently KD would deal EK "in a heartbeat."

The $5mill signing bonus might make the trade more likely in the summer but I'm sure KD is kicking the tires with teams like Dallas, Carolina, Florida, Ottawa, Vegas etc.

Another player that doesn't fit the system! Top 2-3 coach in the league can't even coach one of the best offensive D men of this generation.

Karlsson's salary structure decreases the last 2 years of his deal, next year, he's only getting 4M in salary, the other 5M is in the July 1st signing bonus.
For the 26-27 season, his salary is only 1.5M, but his signing bonus is 6M.

I would agree that a deal in the summer is more likely, but, I also don't think the Penguins are going to be willing to pay that 5M signing bonus AND retain 50% of his cap hit. If a team wants to wait until after that July 1st signing bonus is paid, then I can't see the Penguins retaining more than 25-30% max. An NHL exec also said that Karlsson's stock is up after 4 Nations tournament, and there are some that believe Karlsson just isn't a fit in Sullivan's system....that he would do better on a more defensive system that can allow him to play his game.

The other things Yohe hit on:
--Still no intent to ask Rust to waive his NMC or shop him. Yohe said that there is a strong feeling Rust retires as the last link to the Stanley Cup teams. As long as Sullivan is here, I think that is true. He's the perfect fit in Sullivan's system. Unless a team makes a mind-blowing offer, I think Rust stays.

--Dubas seems intent on keeping Rakell unless someone makes an incredible offer he can't refuse.

--Doesn't foresee Letang being asked to waive his NMC this season. But, won't be surprised if it doesn't happen in the future (summer, next season).

--Penguins aren't worried about Blomqvist's reccent struggles. Think he's mentally capable of bouncing back, but, and Yohe has said this before....feeling inside the organization is the team isn't as high on Blomqvist as fans are. Team likes him and think he'll make a capable NHL goalie, but they have never been sold on him being the future in net.

At 23 I don't think he'll get through a rebuild and Murasov seems to be the better goalie. For Blomqvist, I think he'll be a really good goalie on a really bad team then get traded in his prime to a team that's a goalie away like Buffalo and Detroit always tend to be.

At 3 years younger, Murasov has a good chance of getting into his prime just as the Penguins are ready to compete again, ala Fleury.

[Wyopen]

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/615854 ... ed_article

I don't a subscription but apparently KD would deal EK "in a heartbeat."

The $5mill signing bonus might make the trade more likely in the summer but I'm sure KD is kicking the tires with teams like Dallas, Carolina, Florida, Ottawa, Vegas etc.

Another player that doesn't fit the system! Top 2-3 coach in the league can't even coach one of the best offensive D men of this generation.

Karlsson's salary structure decreases the last 2 years of his deal, next year, he's only getting 4M in salary, the other 5M is in the July 1st signing bonus.
For the 26-27 season, his salary is only 1.5M, but his signing bonus is 6M.

I would agree that a deal in the summer is more likely, but, I also don't think the Penguins are going to be willing to pay that 5M signing bonus AND retain 50% of his cap hit. If a team wants to wait until after that July 1st signing bonus is paid, then I can't see the Penguins retaining more than 25-30% max. An NHL exec also said that Karlsson's stock is up after 4 Nations tournament, and there are some that believe Karlsson just isn't a fit in Sullivan's system....that he would do better on a more defensive system that can allow him to play his game.

The other things Yohe hit on:
--Still no intent to ask Rust to waive his NMC or shop him. Yohe said that there is a strong feeling Rust retires as the last link to the Stanley Cup teams. As long as Sullivan is here, I think that is true. He's the perfect fit in Sullivan's system. Unless a team makes a mind-blowing offer, I think Rust stays.

--Dubas seems intent on keeping Rakell unless someone makes an incredible offer he can't refuse.

--Doesn't foresee Letang being asked to waive his NMC this season. But, won't be surprised if it doesn't happen in the future (summer, next season).

--Penguins aren't worried about Blomqvist's reccent struggles. Think he's mentally capable of bouncing back, but, and Yohe has said this before....feeling inside the organization is the team isn't as high on Blomqvist as fans are. Team likes him and think he'll make a capable NHL goalie, but they have never been sold on him being the future in net.

So what you’re saying is nothing is going to change. We die on this sword.

[FLPensFan]

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/615854 ... ed_article

I don't a subscription but apparently KD would deal EK "in a heartbeat."

The $5mill signing bonus might make the trade more likely in the summer but I'm sure KD is kicking the tires with teams like Dallas, Carolina, Florida, Ottawa, Vegas etc.

Another player that doesn't fit the system! Top 2-3 coach in the league can't even coach one of the best offensive D men of this generation.

Karlsson's salary structure decreases the last 2 years of his deal, next year, he's only getting 4M in salary, the other 5M is in the July 1st signing bonus.
For the 26-27 season, his salary is only 1.5M, but his signing bonus is 6M.

I would agree that a deal in the summer is more likely, but, I also don't think the Penguins are going to be willing to pay that 5M signing bonus AND retain 50% of his cap hit. If a team wants to wait until after that July 1st signing bonus is paid, then I can't see the Penguins retaining more than 25-30% max. An NHL exec also said that Karlsson's stock is up after 4 Nations tournament, and there are some that believe Karlsson just isn't a fit in Sullivan's system....that he would do better on a more defensive system that can allow him to play his game.

The other things Yohe hit on:
--Still no intent to ask Rust to waive his NMC or shop him. Yohe said that there is a strong feeling Rust retires as the last link to the Stanley Cup teams. As long as Sullivan is here, I think that is true. He's the perfect fit in Sullivan's system. Unless a team makes a mind-blowing offer, I think Rust stays.

--Dubas seems intent on keeping Rakell unless someone makes an incredible offer he can't refuse.

--Doesn't foresee Letang being asked to waive his NMC this season. But, won't be surprised if it doesn't happen in the future (summer, next season).

--Penguins aren't worried about Blomqvist's reccent struggles. Think he's mentally capable of bouncing back, but, and Yohe has said this before....feeling inside the organization is the team isn't as high on Blomqvist as fans are. Team likes him and think he'll make a capable NHL goalie, but they have never been sold on him being the future in net.

So what you’re saying is nothing is going to change. We die on this sword.

Let's also remember that, kind of like Hextall...Dubas is one of the usually more tight lipped guys around. If he openly wants to get information out, he'll let people know. If he's seriously looking into moves X, Y, and Z....we aren't likely to know until it is happening.

Right now, I do believe there is little to no chance Sullivan goes anywhere. Maybe after next season, but that depends on what type of moves Dubas is able to make between now and then.

In terms of Rust and Rakell...a line has to be drawn somewhere. I understand that they are our best 2 wingers, but both are over 30. And Karlsson is in his mid 30s. And Sid is closer to 40. And Geno is closer to 40. And Letang is closer to 40. This team cannot be serious about retooling/rebuild/whatever while continue to hold only 30+ year olds like their your favorite binky from years past. A top 6 that includes 37 and 38 year old wingers plus two mid-30s wingers as our best players isn't moving this team forward.

If we don't move Rakell at the trade deadline, then he should be moved this summer. If Dubas fails to do both, I'll have serious questions of doubt.

[Michael74]

Grzelcyk was back on the ice for practice in a normal jersey. Sullivan said everyone except Boko (per Taylor Haase).

If I'm Dubas, let Grzelcyk come back tonight and play to show that he's healthy, then pull the trigger already so we don't risk him getting injured again before the deadline.

100% agree, let's not take any unnecessary chances moving forward!

[Southern Fan]

Wonder how Sid reacts to getting rid of of his wingers 2 years in a row if Rakell gets traded? Someone said that the Rakell-Crosby-Rust line is one of the most productive lines in the NHL this year. Better get an incredible return for Rakell if he gets traded.