In Sidney Crosby’s 20th NHL season, the Pittsburgh Penguins are eyeing another playoff run. The Eastern Conference has been a rollercoaster this year, with teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers surprisingly out of playoff contention. This has left a power vacuum in the Atlantic Division, while the Metropolitan Division remains as unpredictable as ever.
Currently, the Penguins sit second in the Metro Division as we hit the Olympic break. With Crosby and Evgeni Malkin nearing the twilight of their careers, Pittsburgh finds itself balancing a win-now mentality with future planning. They’re also in a position to make strategic moves before the March 6th trade deadline.
Let’s dive into the Penguins’ needs, their cap situation, and potential trade scenarios with the Calgary Flames.
Penguins’ Needs and Cap Situation
At the start of the season, the Penguins weren’t pegged as playoff contenders, which left them with plenty of salary cap flexibility. Fast forward to February, and they’ve got about $11.151 million in projected cap space, or over $41 million when considering trade deadline cap space. This gives them a unique opportunity to make significant moves without worrying about salary retention or offloading contracts.
The question is, do the Flames have a player who fits the Penguins’ needs? They don’t require a top-four right-shot defenseman, which rules out MacKenzie Weegar unless he switches to his off-hand. Zach Whitecloud, a defensively solid third-pairing defenseman with a manageable cap hit, could be a more suitable option, potentially upgrading their current lineup.
Offensively, the Penguins could use some help. Tommy Novak is currently projected as their second-line center, with Malkin shifting to the wing. Novak is outperforming Nazem Kadri this season, and his younger age and lower cap hit make Kadri an unlikely fit.
Blake Coleman also seems a challenging fit. Despite his versatility, he might struggle to replace younger talents like Justin Brazeau, who has been productive this season.
Alternatively, players like Joel Farabee or Morgan Frost, both in their 20s, could provide valuable bottom-six depth. Ryan Lomberg, with his Stanley Cup experience, might also be a good addition as the Penguins’ 13th forward.
What the Penguins Have to Offer
After some challenging seasons, the Penguins have developed a strong farm system. Ben Kindel, picked 11th overall in the 2025 draft, is a key part of their success, contributing significantly this season. Will Horcoff, another first-round pick, has thrived at the University of Michigan, showcasing his potential with impressive stats.
Bill Zonnon, despite an injury-plagued season, has shown promise in the Québec Maritimes Junior Hockey League. These prospects, along with others selected in the top 100 of last year’s draft, provide the Penguins with a solid foundation for the future. Rutger McGroarty, ranked as their top prospect, and defenseman Harrison Brunicke, who has already tasted NHL action, add to their depth.
The Penguins hold their next three first-round picks and multiple second and third-round selections in the coming seasons. Positioned well this season and beyond, they’re set to remain competitive even after Crosby’s eventual retirement.
While the Penguins have assets that could interest the Flames, the fit isn’t mutual. However, the Penguins’ approach to rebuilding is something the Flames might want to emulate, even if they lack a generational talent like Crosby.