Things could be worse around the NHL, and if you need proof, look no further than Detroit. The Red Wings’ search for a general manager has somehow drifted into a fresh level of dysfunction, with the process now being described as a mess that hasn’t been matched since the league’s casual disorganization in the 1980s.
Around the rest of the league, the rumor mill keeps turning. TSN released its preseason look at the 2027 draft class, and the top of the board still belongs to Landon DuPont. There are also two Russians sitting inside the top four on the list, a detail worth filing away for anyone already thinking ahead to where the Penguins might land if the standings go sideways.
The trade talk isn’t slowing down, either. Two teams are still poking around Kirill Marchenko, including the Montreal Canadiens, even though Columbus GM Don Waddell has said Marchenko will be with the Blue Jackets this season. Waddell made that clear on Jimmy Murphy’s podcast, though he also said he still hasn’t received the right offer … yet.
Another name generating chatter is Alex Nikishin. Reports say the young defenseman’s camp has actually raised its initial ask, moving from $8 million to a six-year deal, which only complicates the picture as teams continue to circle.
In Boston, Chris Kreider cleared waivers and is now a free agent, and Jack Studley laid out why the Bruins are the fit. That’s one more piece of business to watch as the market keeps shifting.
Back in Pittsburgh, the focus is beginning to sharpen on the season ahead. Training camp is officially on the calendar, and the Penguins’ schedule is set. There’s also an official practice today before the Prospects Challenge, with PHN planning full coverage of the tournament and trips to Detroit for the second and third games.
For subscribers, the latest PHN Q&A dug into a wide range of topics, from Dan Muse’s second-season expectations to the team’s crowded roster and the impact of the trade market on the Penguins’ outlook. The full discussion also took a hard look at the team’s trade market and expectations.
And there was one more bit of good news from the Penguins side: Phil Kessel and Amanda Kessel are both headed to the US Hockey Hall of Fame as part of a star-studded class.
In Other News...
Penguins Rebuild Is Stuck Waiting For One Trade That Matters
The Penguins spent much of the offseason trying to turn prospects and draft picks into younger NHL talent, a sensible next step for a club looking to speed up its rebuild without tearing everything down at once. General manager Kyle Dubas said the team made real efforts to land impact help, but the asking prices around the league were steep enough to keep Pittsburgh from landing the kind of deal that would have changed the picture.
So the result is a familiar one for a franchise trying to get moving again: a few smaller additions, plenty of interest, and a roster still waiting on the trade that would matter most. With the offseason winding down and training camp nearing, the Penguins are left in a holding pattern, hoping the market eventually opens in a way that lets them take a meaningful step forward. [Read more 🡒]
Penguins Prospects Suddenly Have A Real Chance To Shake Up Plans
The Penguins are giving a batch of prospects a chance to make a case for themselves at an upcoming tournament, and the timing makes the event more meaningful than a typical late-summer showcase. Pittsburghs roster includes Liam Ruck, Harrison Brunicke, Bill Zonnon, Peyton Kettles, Markus Ruck and goaltender Matvei Nikonovich, a mix that should give the organization a fresh look at some of its younger talent before bigger decisions start coming into focus.
A few notable names are missing from the group, which only adds to the sense that this is an opportunity with real implications rather than a ceremonial stop along the way. For players trying to climb the organizational ladder, a strong showing could change how the Penguins view their future plans, and for a team looking to sort out which prospects are closest to helping at the NHL level, the tournament may carry more weight than the format suggests. [Read more 🡒]
Penguins Veterans Suddenly Have Real Roster Pressure This Camp
Training camp in Pittsburgh is shaping up to be less about fine-tuning and more about sorting through a crowded room. With several veterans and younger players all fighting for a place on the opening roster, the Penguins are heading into the preseason with real competition baked into just about every line and pairing. Andrei Kuzmenko, Nicholas Robertson, Ryan Graves, Justin Brazeau, Hendrix Lapierre and Connor Dewar are all among the names in the mix, which makes this camp feel a lot less like a formality and a lot more like an audition.
For a team trying to settle its group before the season gets rolling, that creates some uncomfortable decisions. The Penguins are going to have to weigh performance, fit and versatility as they trim the roster, and there are only so many spots to go around. For some of these players, a strong camp could lock in a role. For others, one rough week in the preseason might be enough to push them to the wrong side of the bubble. [Read more 🡒]