Which trade candidates make the most sense for the Penguins?
NHL Offseason
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The Penguins would have to pay a hefty price to acquire Jason Robertson, but the 26-year-old winger is the type of player who could be worth the splurge. Bruce Bennett / Getty Images
By Josh YoheJune 25, 2026 7:00 am EDT UpdatedPITTSBURGH — A flurry of trades has stunned the NHL this week.
Amazingly enough, several big names are still expected to be traded between now and early July. We haven’t seen anything like this in quite some time.
Pittsburgh Penguins general manager and president of hockey operations Kyle Dubas has stated on numerous occasions that he wants to make trades to replenish the team’s roster. He’s playing the short game and the long game.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at Chris Johnston’s most recent trade board. In fact, let’s take a look at the top 10 names on his board and break down which names make the most and least sense for the Penguins.
1. Jason Robertson, Dallas Stars
Age: 26
Contract: Restricted free agent
Why it makes sense: The Penguins want to acquire talented players in their mid-20s who, for whatever reason, might no longer fit with their current teams.
This is the dream scenario. Robertson is a star, but he might not be a Star much longer. Dallas, apparently, can’t afford him. It’s no secret that Dubas has coveted him for quite some time.
Why it doesn’t make sense: The Penguins would have to surrender so many assets in a trade for Robertson that trading for the left winger could be counterproductive for a franchise that has finally developed its minor-league system after many barren years.
The verdict: The asking price might be frighteningly high, and his salary request will be, too. Still, this is a great player and someone who will fill the net for the next decade. He would help during Sidney Crosby’s final years and long after that. Sometimes, you have to spend a lot to get great players. Dubas shouldn’t wreck his system to get Robertson, but he should offer a multitude of veterans — including wingers that Crosby loves — to get his man.
2. San Jose Sharks’ No. 2 pick
Why it makes sense: The Penguins are looking to acquire young talent, and the second pick would do the trick.
Why it doesn’t make sense: I simply don’t think the Penguins have the assets to acquire a pick this high.
The verdict: I’d be careful about overvaluing some of the Penguins’ veteran players. Yes, they’re good, and yes, they could bring a nice return. But we’re talking about the No. 2 pick in the draft. Forget about it.
3. Matthew Knies, Toronto Maple Leafs
Age: 23
Contract: $7.75 million AAV through 2031
Why it makes sense: Dubas drafted Knies when he was running the Maple Leafs. The Penguins are looking for young talent, preferably of the top-six variety. Knies is very much that. He’d be a welcome addition in Pittsburgh.
Why it doesn’t make sense: The Penguins might not be able to put together a package that would tempt the Leafs.
The verdict: If I’m Dubas, I’m certainly asking about Knies. My question, however, is this: Why are the Leafs considering trading him? Shouldn’t they want excellent 23-year-old talent? Knies isn’t a player who can alter a franchise, but there aren’t many power forwards out there and he is a good one.
4. Morgan Rielly, Toronto Maple Leafs
Age: 32
Contract: $7.5 million AAV through 2030
Why it makes sense: The Penguins are pretty light on the blue line at the NHL level and in their system.
Why it doesn’t make sense: Rielly is in his 30s, appears to be fading and makes a considerable amount of money.
The verdict: This, to me, makes very little sense for the Penguins. No thanks.
5. Connor Hellebuyck, Winnipeg Jets
Age: 33
Contract: $8.5 million AAV through 2031
Why it makes sense: Who wouldn’t want to employ a superstar goalie? There aren’t many of those left.
Why it doesn’t make sense: The Penguins have a host of talented young goaltenders, with Sergei Murashov leading the way. This trade simply isn’t going to happen. (Plus, the Penguins don’t employ any U.S. Olympians, so I’m guessing Pittsburgh wouldn’t be high on his list.)
The verdict: No chance. It doesn’t make sense for anybody involved.
6. Dylan Larkin, Detroit Red Wings
Age: 29
Contract: $8.7 million AAV through 2031
Why it makes sense: The Penguins could use a great second-line center. Bingo.
Why it doesn’t make sense: There is no indication that Larkin wants to play in Pittsburgh, and he’s a touch older than players Dubas would like to add.
The verdict: It depends on your way of thinking. If Dubas wants to escalate to win-now mode, there’s nothing wrong with giving Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman a call. The thing about Lark is that he doesn’t make all that much money, and he’ll be a bargain in a couple of years, once the salary cap explodes. But this just doesn’t seem like the right fit.
7. Vincent Trocheck, New York Rangers
Age: 32
Contract: $5.625 million AAV through 2029
Why it makes sense: The rationale here is similar to what I wrote about Larkin. Would Trocheck improve the Penguins right now? Of course, he would. He’s a better second-line center than Tommy Novak, he kills penalties effectively (Novak doesn’t), and he’s arguably the best faceoff man in the NHL (Novak certainly isn’t). Trocheck can also play the bumper at a high level on the power play, a wrinkle the Penguins haven’t been able to utilize often.
Why it doesn’t make sense: Trocheck turns 33 next month. The Penguins already signed Evgeni Malkin, who turns 40 next month. Crosby is 38. Kris Letang is 39. Erik Karlsson is 36.
The verdict: I am biased. Trocheck, a Pittsburgh native, is one of my favorite people in hockey. He’d be a great addition if the Penguins want to make a run at contending next season, but looking at the big picture, Trocheck’s skills could probably be better used on teams more ready to win championships.
8. Darnell Nurse, Edmonton Oilers
Age: 31
Contract: $9.24 million AAV through 2030
Why it makes sense: The Penguins’ blue line could use some muscle, and Nurse isn’t as ineffective as some make him out to be. He’s just extremely overpaid.
Why it doesn’t make sense: He doesn’t appear to be the player he once was, and he’s 31, and he makes a ton of money for four more seasons.
The verdict: Nurse has been linked to the Penguins this offseason. Unless Edmonton is willing to take on Ryan Graves’ salary in a potential deal — or if the Oilers attempt to overwhelm the Penguins by retaining a ton of salary and throwing in a sweetener — I just don’t see how this is a great move for Pittsburgh.
9. Mason McTavish, Anaheim Ducks
Age: 23
Contract: $7 million AAV through 2031
Why it makes sense: He’s young, he’s extremely talented and he could use a change of scenery. He’d be a risk, but McTavish has big-time talent. He’s right up Dubas’ alley.
Why it doesn’t make sense: It’s the same old question: What would it cost to get him? You don’t want to sell the farm for a player who’s anything less than a sure thing.
The verdict: If I’m Dubas, I’m making the call and talking business. It’s worth having the discussion.
10. Elias Pettersson, Vancouver Canucks
Age: 27
Contract: $11.6 million AAV through 2032
Why it makes sense: The talent is tantalizing, and he’s begging for a change of scenery. He’s only 27 and still has star potential.
Why it doesn’t make sense: The past couple of seasons have been a disaster. When he got paid, he stopped performing at a high level. This can’t be ignored.
The verdict: That’s a lot of money on a player who, in recent years, has proven difficult to trust.
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