The Pittsburgh Penguins are going to be a completely different team in 2025-26, then they were in 2024-25. With head coach Mike Sullivan out and seemingly on his way to the New York Rangers, there will be a new head-man behind the bench.
That might not be the only change in personnel, as the Penguins should be looking at a new top-six forward to complement not only their best player, but one player that has revolutionized the mondern game of hockey. The Penguins need to get some help for their captain Sidney Crosby.
Here are some great candidates to try and grab in free agency.
Some Candidates (Brock Boeser, Nikolai Ehlers, Ryan Donato)
There are some candidates that would fit perfectly with "Sid the Kid". These three in particular are both very attainable, and will mesh greatly with No. 87 right from the jump.
The first being Vancouver Canucks star winger Brock Boeser. The right-handed shot would fit nicely, as he is a naturally born goal scorer. As Crosby continues to head toward the twilight of his career, his ability to score goals will start to dwindle, and his iconic skill to pass the puck will become much more prevelent. Boeser and his ability to score 30 to 40 goals a season are a definite upgrade.
Next is Winnipeg Jets forward Nikolai Ehlers, who was superb in 2024-25 with 24 goals and 39 assists. Depending on how far the Jets will go in their first-round series with the St. Louis Blues, Ehlers may want to re-sign there, as they won the Presidents' Trophy this season. But, there is the possibility of playing with Crosby before the end of his career, and the fact that the Penguins could make another run at the playoffs next season.
Finally, there is the prospect of grabbing Ryan Donato, another talented goal scorer from Chicago. This would be a cheaper option than the two mentioned above, but Donato had a breakout season with 31 goals and 31 assists on a seriously bad Blackhawks team. Both parties could benefit from his arrival in Pittsburgh.
Who makes the most sense?
Boeser from Vancouver makes the most sense for Crosby's wing. His innate ability to score with the puck on his stick will go a long way for both the legendary center, and the Penguins as a whole as this season they only scored the 18th most goals this season with 242. That was nearly the same amount and same ranking as the 2023-24 season, so they are in need of a big change in that department.
Not to mention, Boeser's last deal with Vancouver carried an AAV of $6.65 million. The Penguins may be able to get him for a bit north of that at $7 million, bringing their available cap space for the 2025-26 season from $21.1 million to $14.1 million. They have some pending free agents themselves, but moves can be made to secure Boeser.