Kyle Dubas was able to make some moves on July 1 as he brought in a couple of new faces to the 2026-27 Pittsburgh Penguins roster.
There are a lot of questions with some of these decisions from Dubas but there is a process he is putting this team through and there has rewards and light at the end of the tunnel. They signalled with the moves done that playoffs aren't expected this year but that the team is looking to improve as that promised transition continues into contender status.
Here are the moves that were made by day:
July 1, 2026:
- Penguins acquire pending RFA Nick Robertson from Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for a 2028 fourth round pick (Pittsburgh's own)
This was a solid grab for Kyle Dubas as Toronto is making a transition with the arrival of Gavin McKenna. Robertson's value was low and Kyle slipped in and nabbed a good young forward with 20 goal potential for a low cost. This is low risk high reward potential written all over it.
- Penguins sign UFA defenseman Declan Carlile to a two year deal at a cap hit of $1,500,000 AAV.
This screams an attempt to find another Parker Wotherspoon after Dubas dealt him to Vegas the day prior, Carlile will try and find a way to make his way into the lineup. At 26 there is potential Dan Muse can unlock but there hasn't been much NHL success for Carlile. Could be a get to the cap floor move as well.
- Penguins sign UFA defenseman Trevor Van Riemsdyk to a two year deal at an AAV of $4,000,000.
This was one of the first official signings of the entire UFA class, as soon as noon eastern hit. This one is a head scratcher and just didn't need to be made. TVR is a good solid shutdown third pairing defenseman, but with the expectation of Harrison Brunicke is coming up is now faded to dust. It was made known by Jason Spezza that TVR more than likely will be playing on the left handed side as he can play both as a right handed shot. We will see how this plays out.
- Penguins sign UFA forward Andrei Kuzmenko to a one year deal at a cap hit of $5,000,000 AAV.
Anthony Mantha replacement the moment this was announced, easy to understand. Kuzmenko underwent surgery last season and missed the majority of it and has bounced around teams looking to find a more permanent home. Kuzmenko did land himself a 10 team no trade clause in his one year deal. He could either be a trade deadline candidate to be flipped if he can pot some goals, or he could break out again and see a longer term fit here in Pittsburgh.
July 3, 2026:
- Penguins sign pending RFA forward Hendrix Lapierre to a two year contract extension at a cap hit of $1,300,000 AAV.
Solid bottom six guy who is just ready to be unleashed under Dan Muse. The problem is that there are too many forwards right now so they have to move guys in order for Lapierre to touch the ice in the desired role the team has for him this season.
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