Penguins Trade Deadline: Buyers and Sellers?

[FLPensFan]

Miro Heiskanen got taken out by Mark Stone last night. Looks to be a knee injury. Dallas already has a lot of LTIR money to play with. Wonder if they would be interested in EK? I could see him being a good fit there.

Dallas has a ton of young pieces we would covet too.

EK65 and Blake Lizotte for Matt Dumba, Mavrik Bourque, and 2025 1st

If Dallas wants us to retain on EK65, then throw in a 2nd/3rd. Adding Dumba gets his cap off the books so they may not need to retention.

Doesn't seem too outlandish to be honest. Have to think we will aggressively try to move EK to a contender. We are quickly turning into SJ-light here.

On paper, Lizotte replaced Bourque, EK65 replaces Heiskanen, Thomas Harley moves back to LD. Dumba, they've been extremely unhappy with and are looking to dump as far as I know, so we're helping by taking him back. Gives us a short term EK65 replacement, too.

Trading EK with no retention and getting a 1st back? Sign me up!

It sucks (a little) to lose Lizotte, but I would do that in a heartbeat.

It's not perfect. Dallas may say no, as Bourque is probably one of their top 3 prospects. But Dallas doesn't have a 2nd this year. I would still do a 2026 2nd, Bourque, and Dumba if there were no retention. And if Dallas asked us to retain, then it would need to be Bourque and the 1st.

[EndO FanEra]

EK65 and Blake Lizotte for Matt Dumba, Mavrik Bourque, and 2025 1st

If Dallas wants us to retain on EK65, then throw in a 2nd/3rd. Adding Dumba gets his cap off the books so they may not need to retention.

Doesn't seem too outlandish to be honest. Have to think we will aggressively try to move EK to a contender. We are quickly turning into SJ-light here.

On paper, Lizotte replaced Bourque, EK65 replaces Heiskanen, Thomas Harley moves back to LD. Dumba, they've been extremely unhappy with and are looking to dump as far as I know, so we're helping by taking him back. Gives us a short term EK65 replacement, too.

Trading EK with no retention and getting a 1st back? Sign me up!

It sucks (a little) to lose Lizotte, but I would do that in a heartbeat.

It's not perfect. Dallas may say no, as Bourque is probably one of their top 3 prospects. But Dallas doesn't have a 2nd this year. I would still do a 2026 2nd, Bourque, and Dumba if there were no retention. And if Dallas asked us to retain, then it would need to be Bourque and the 1st.

I would do that as well. Basically a 2nd without retention or a 1st with retention.

Heck, if they balked at losing Bourque, I'd do Dumba + 2nd for EK straight up.

Or Dumba + 1st for EK with retention or EK + 3rd/4th/etc.

[Antonio]

Outside of Crosby, literally nobody on this team I care about losing or giving up.

[Steve]

I know the Pens aren't trading Sid. Well at least I don't think they would trade him - i know 99 was traded so anything is possible. I have no idea what Sid wants and that's the only thing that matters.

anyway - and just for fun, I'm interested in hearing from others what a trade to Colorado (for example) would look like. A realistic return.

Agreed he will never be traded, but I'll play. Always love playing mock GM.

Cal Ritchie-C (20) - 1st Round, 27th Overall, 2023
Sean Behrens-D (21) - 3rd Round, 61st Overall, 2021
Ilya Nabokov-G (21) - 2nd Round, 38th Overall, 2024
Jack Drury-C (24) - 2nd Round, 42nd Overall 2018
2025 2nd Round Pick (Originally owned by NYR)
2026 1st Round Pick

I read that, and you might as well say Kris Beech, Michael Sivek, and Ross Lupashuk. Not a shot on you...Colorado's prospect pool is worse than ours. Ritchie is their top prospect, and while the Athletic raves about him, they finish their eval with "see clear 2nd line potential." That's not "clear 2nd line floor," it's potential. There's no bona-fide stud in Colorado's system.

If Crosby were to be traded to Colorado to play with MacKinnon, I think Colorado would have to get a 3rd team involved to send better prospects to the Penguins. Besides Crosby not wanting to go anywhere, Colorado's weak prospect pool is why I always thought a Sid to COL trade was a pipe dream.

100%. I don't know much about prospects, but while I was looking around at few sites, it was a common thing that the COL system is ranked very low, and it makes sense since they're in win now mode.

This was just for craps and giggles replying to Steve's post. I'm sure there are contract limits, etc. that would negate the deal anyways. But Crosby is also in his late 30's, so maybe a recent first rounder, a young current NHLer, two high picks, and a couple lottery tickets isn't that far off..

Thanks for the insight all - i just picked Colorado because that seemed the most likely team - in a very unlikely situation.

I would be torn if they traded Sid, again, probably not happening - but i would enjoy watching him chase another cup.

[Daniel]

Outside of Crosby, literally nobody on this team I care about losing or giving up.

I think Pickering and Blomqvist are as close to untouchable for players on the NHL roster (or just left in the case of Pickering). Outside of Crosby of course, but I'd trade him if the offer was so overwhelming it would shave years off of a rebuild.

[Dynasty1970]

Outside of Crosby, literally nobody on this team I care about losing or giving up.

I think Pickering and Blomqvist are as close to untouchable for players on the NHL roster (or just left in the case of Pickering). Outside of Crosby of course, but I'd trade him if the offer was so overwhelming it would shave years off of a rebuild.

If you love him.......Set him free!

[Antonio]

Outside of Crosby, literally nobody on this team I care about losing or giving up.

I think Pickering and Blomqvist are as close to untouchable for players on the NHL roster (or just left in the case of Pickering). Outside of Crosby of course, but I'd trade him if the offer was so overwhelming it would shave years off of a rebuild.

I would move them as well for the right deal. I like what I have seen of Pickering but he has not shown me he is untouchable, and Blom the same, plus we have a very high probability of ONE or more of our goaltending prospects being an NHL caliber.

[Daniel]

Outside of Crosby, literally nobody on this team I care about losing or giving up.

I think Pickering and Blomqvist are as close to untouchable for players on the NHL roster (or just left in the case of Pickering). Outside of Crosby of course, but I'd trade him if the offer was so overwhelming it would shave years off of a rebuild.

I would move them as well for the right deal. I like what I have seen of Pickering but he has not shown me he is untouchable, and Blom the same, plus we have a very high probability of ONE or more of our goaltending prospects being an NHL caliber.

If you trade Pickering, you'll try to find the next Pickering.

Seriously, the one thing the rebuilding Penguins lacked was that steady defensemen who just played defense (Brian Dumoulin). Even Orpik got out of position to make that next big hit. PIckering seems like Brian Dumoulin, just steady. He'll be entering his prime as the Penguins start to rebuild and if he ends up being Dumoulin 2.0 that will be invaluable for the next Letang or the next all offense guy who struggles on defense top pick.

While no one is untouchable, I think building around a guy like him while you get the next generation of superstars will be beneficial.

As for Blomqvist, I think one of 4 things will happen. Trade him, trade Murashov, find out you have a 1a/1b situation or the both suck. Either way, I wouldn't assume Murashov will be the next one just yet. I like having 2 studs who will improve one another and if you trade one later, they're developed and will get a better return.

[Victor]

Outside of Crosby, literally nobody on this team I care about losing or giving up.

I think Pickering and Blomqvist are as close to untouchable for players on the NHL roster (or just left in the case of Pickering). Outside of Crosby of course, but I'd trade him if the offer was so overwhelming it would shave years off of a rebuild.

I would move them as well for the right deal. I like what I have seen of Pickering but he has not shown me he is untouchable, and Blom the same, plus we have a very high probability of ONE or more of our goaltending prospects being an NHL caliber.

If you trade Pickering, you'll try to find the next Pickering.

Seriously, the one thing the rebuilding Penguins lacked was that steady defensemen who just played defense (Brian Dumoulin). Even Orpik got out of position to make that next big hit. PIckering seems like Brian Dumoulin, just steady. He'll be entering his prime as the Penguins start to rebuild and if he ends up being Dumoulin 2.0 that will be invaluable for the next Letang or the next all offense guy who struggles on defense top pick.

While no one is untouchable, I think building around a guy like him while you get the next generation of superstars will be beneficial.

As for Blomqvist, I think one of 4 things will happen. Trade him, trade Murashov, find out you have a 1a/1b situation or the both suck. Either way, I wouldn't assume Murashov will be the next one just yet. I like having 2 studs who will improve one another and if you trade one later, they're developed and will get a better return.

I'd agree with everyone outside of Crosby being available for the right deal. Like Yager for RMG kind of deal for the younger guys.

[Antonio]

Yeah I mean I don't WANT to move Pickering but he isn't untouchable. Don't get me wrong...every player I am willing to part with has a level of interest and desire that I have with regards to much I would like to see them gone. Pickering definitely one of the, for the right deal only types.

[Pitts]

Outside of Crosby, literally nobody on this team I care about losing or giving up.

[KG]

Saw an interview with Pagnotta from the Fourth Period. He said everyone minus the core 3 is available. Mentioned even though Rust has some no-trade protection in his contract he think he would be open to moving if he was approached.

He also mentioned that LA is looking for a right handed scoring forward for their top 6. Mentioned Rust and Rakell as potential fits.

He listed MP, Bunting, DOC, Beauvillier, Rust, Rakell, EK, Gryz as all available. Basically the entire team minus Sid, Geno, Letang.

Really hope KD can pull off some strong hockey trades by the deadline, not just trading our pending UFA's for mid round picks. We need to be aggressive to get this re-tool moving.

[FLPensFan]

Daily Faceoff article on 5 potential destinations for Marcus Pettersson. They do briefly state price could be a 1st or a 2nd and decent prospect.

Florida is one team they mention, but they have little high end picks or decent prospects. About the only thing I'd consider there is MP and DOC for Mackie Samoskevich and a 2026 2nd. Samoskevich is 22, has 7 goals in 46 games. He had 22 goals and 54 points last year in the AHL. I'd swap 4 years to go from DOC to Samoskevich and hope Samoskevich pans out a bit better production wise.

https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/2025- ... er-martone

[FLPensFan]

Saw an interview with Pagnotta from the Fourth Period. He said everyone minus the core 3 is available. Mentioned even though Rust has some no-trade protection in his contract he think he would be open to moving if he was approached.

He also mentioned that LA is looking for a right handed scoring forward for their top 6. Mentioned Rust and Rakell as potential fits.

He listed MP, Bunting, DOC, Beauvillier, Rust, Rakell, EK, Gryz as all available. Basically the entire team minus Sid, Geno, Letang.

Really hope KD can pull off some strong hockey trades by the deadline, not just trading our pending UFA's for mid round picks. We need to be aggressive to get this re-tool moving.

Taylor said the other day that Dubas has a priority order: 1) Young NHLers 2) prospects close to NHL ready 3) picks. Sounds like Dubas realizes that, even grabbing 1st round picks is going to be a slower process than what they want to do. Don't be surprised if some of the returns aren't pick heavy, but more of the Hoglander, Cozens, Kulich type of players or good prospects that are close to ready.

For instance, if LA is unhappy with Brandt Clarke, maybe there is a trade to be made around Rakell for Clarke, plus a B level prospect or a high pick.

[KG]

https://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog/Eklund/ ... s/1/127337

Sharing only for S and giggles. Grubauer has 2 years left at $5.9mill. We already have our own goalie contract albatross. We don't need another one.

[dark_forces]

https://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog/Eklund/ ... s/1/127337

Sharing only for S and giggles. Grubauer has 2 years left at $5.9mill. We already have our own goalie contract albatross. We don't need another one.

The only way this makes any sense is if Jarry is headed the other way. Then, it would be your broken goalie for my broken goalie.
Maybe Seattle thinks they can resurrect his career in a new environment, and he'd be much closer to his hometown. I don't know how it benefits Pittsburgh other than getting an experienced goalie who's had a run of poor play, and would likely tandem with Ned for the rest of the season.

[largegarlic]

Saw an interview with Pagnotta from the Fourth Period. He said everyone minus the core 3 is available. Mentioned even though Rust has some no-trade protection in his contract he think he would be open to moving if he was approached.

He also mentioned that LA is looking for a right handed scoring forward for their top 6. Mentioned Rust and Rakell as potential fits.

He listed MP, Bunting, DOC, Beauvillier, Rust, Rakell, EK, Gryz as all available. Basically the entire team minus Sid, Geno, Letang.

Really hope KD can pull off some strong hockey trades by the deadline, not just trading our pending UFA's for mid round picks. We need to be aggressive to get this re-tool moving.

Taylor said the other day that Dubas has a priority order: 1) Young NHLers 2) prospects close to NHL ready 3) picks. Sounds like Dubas realizes that, even grabbing 1st round picks is going to be a slower process than what they want to do. Don't be surprised if some of the returns aren't pick heavy, but more of the Hoglander, Cozens, Kulich type of players or good prospects that are close to ready.

For instance, if LA is unhappy with Brandt Clarke, maybe there is a trade to be made around Rakell for Clarke, plus a B level prospect or a high pick.

I was also wondering if it's a matter of predictive ability too. Everyone is enamored of having 1st round picks, but it's really hard to predict how an 18-year-old will turn out going only on their track record in juniors for a couple years. I'd think you could make better predictions once guys have a track record at a higher-level (college, AHL, Euro leagues, etc.). So, it might make sense to prefer older players over picks from a predictive standpoint. This is something that I'd hope the team's analytics people have a handle on.

[Pens4Life]

I really hope Pagnotta is right.. but Sully will remain

[Puck-Lurker]

Retooling and rebuilding... Suck this year. Draft well. Fire Sullivan at some point, see if Kirk MacDonald wants to coach Crosby?

Bring up the WBS guys that are coming online along with him.

[Michael74]

Grzelcyk has played well this year. I'd expect him to be moved for a decent pick and or prospect. Maybe a late 2hd.

[lemieuxReturns]

So who is next?

Hopefully its EK. I hope they can trade him without retention.

[Puck-Lurker]

Grzelcyk has played well this year. I'd expect him to be moved for a decent pick and or prospect. Maybe a late 2hd.

A belated welcome to the neighborhood!


I .. hmm.. kind of agree he has been more effective recently. Mostly on offensive contributions. He's been a black hole for a long time defensively though. Next to a solid RD outside of the top pair, he could be okay?

I'd be glad to trade him for any return. His contract ends this season and I really don't want him brought back. We will need some defence men that can defend really soon.

[EndO FanEra]

So who is next?

Hopefully its EK. I hope they can trade him without retention.

My guess is two of Grzelcyk/Acciari/Beauvillier, each for a mid/low pick or prospect.

After that, I'm going with Rakell closer to the deadline. Hoping for a 1st, but I'm going to guess that it ends up being a 2nd and a somewhat decent prospect.

Outside of that, I'm going to guess that Dubas spends a pick/prospect for a young player that he is targeting, and maybe a prospect for prospect swap of some guys that could use a change of scenery in WBS.

Karlsson traded in the offseason.

Not necessarily what I would want to do, but that is my prediction.

[Michael74]

Grzelcyk has played well this year. I'd expect him to be moved for a decent pick and or prospect. Maybe a late 2hd.

A belated welcome to the neighborhood!


I .. hmm.. kind of agree he has been more effective recently. Mostly on offensive contributions. He's been a black hole for a long time defensively though. Next to a solid RD outside of the top pair, he could be okay?

I'd be glad to trade him for any return. His contract ends this season and I really don't want him brought back. We will need some defence men that can defend really soon.

Thanks for the welcome! I certainly think they'll be a market for him. With him being and impending UFA with a manageable cap hit he'd be enticing for a contender even just to fortify their depth on the blue line. But his mobility and the fact he's been very solid at moving the puck are traits every team looks for.

[FLPensFan]

So who is next?

Hopefully its EK. I hope they can trade him without retention.

My guess is two of Grzelcyk/Acciari/Beauvillier, each for a mid/low pick or prospect.

After that, I'm going with Rakell closer to the deadline. Hoping for a 1st, but I'm going to guess that it ends up being a 2nd and a somewhat decent prospect.

Outside of that, I'm going to guess that Dubas spends a pick/prospect for a young player that he is targeting, and maybe a prospect for prospect swap of some guys that could use a change of scenery in WBS.

Karlsson traded in the offseason.

Not necessarily what I would want to do, but that is my prediction.

Rakell to LA for Brandt Clarke, Tanner Jeannot ( cap purposes), and a 2026 2nd.
Rakell to NJ (with 3rd team involved for retention) for Simon Nemec and the earliest 2025 2nd round pick (out of NJ, EDM, WPG, all owned by NJ)