Penguins Trade for Cody Glass: What the Low-Risk Move Means for Pittsburgh

Just when it seemed the Penguins were done after a pick swap with the St. Louis Blues this morning, they returned later to make another splash—this time with the Nashville Predators.

It's clear that Kyle Dubas isn’t playing around; he's strategically positioning the Penguins for future success.

The Penguins have acquired forward Cody Glass, a 2025 third-round draft pick, and a 2026 sixth-round draft pick from the Predators in exchange for forward Jordan Frasca.

On the surface, it might not seem like a blockbuster, but there’s more to this trade than meets the eye.

Glass, who is under contract through the 2024-25 season with an average annual value (AAV) of $2.5 million, has shown flashes of the talent that made him a sixth-overall pick in 2017 by the Vegas Golden Knights.

The 25-year-old forward has posted 71 points (29 goals, 42 assists) in 187 NHL games, but consistency has been an issue. His potential upside, especially in a more supportive system like Pittsburgh’s, could make him an intriguing piece as the Penguins navigate this transitional period.

Yes, I said transitional period—if you think these offseason moves signal anything but a rebuild, then I’m not sure what else to tell you. Dubas appears to be methodically building a foundation for the future, even if it means making tough decisions today.

Could this be why we haven’t seen Sidney Crosby’s contract extension yet? It’s a question worth pondering.

Crosby, the face of the franchise, has always been about winning, and perhaps he’s waiting to see how the pieces come together before committing to the next chapter of his career. But that’s speculation for another day.

What we do know is that the Penguins are accumulating valuable draft capital, adding another third-round pick in 2025 to bring their total to three.

This could be seen as a masterclass by Dubas, who seems to understand that building for the future doesn’t mean neglecting the present. Glass is a low-risk addition, and the extra picks offer flexibility for future trades or draft-day maneuvers.

With training camp roughly 36 days away, it’s unlikely the Penguins are done making moves. Whether they’re eyeing another trade or looking to shore up weaknesses, one thing is clear: under Kyle Dubas, the Penguins are playing the long game.