The Pittsburgh Penguins weren’t supposed to be in this position - not this deep into the 2025-26 season, and certainly not in the thick of the Metropolitan Division race. But here they are, sitting at third place with a 23-14-11 record, firmly planted in the playoff picture and very much alive in a division that many thought would leave them behind.
For a team built around aging legends and facing questions about the future, their spot in the standings has quietly shifted the narrative. This isn’t a team winding down - it’s one recalibrating on the fly.
And that recalibration might just include a swing at one of the NHL’s most dynamic young stars.
Pittsburgh’s Pivot: Competing Now, Building for Later
General manager Kyle Dubas has made it clear he’s not interested in letting the Penguins fade quietly into the background. Instead, he’s walking a tightrope - keeping the team competitive today while keeping one eye on tomorrow. That dual focus has reportedly landed Pittsburgh in the mix for a name that would turn heads across the league: Dallas Stars forward Jason Robertson.
According to reports, the Penguins “absolutely love” Robertson - and that’s not just a casual admiration. It’s an indication that the front office sees him as a bridge to the next era. At 26 years old, Robertson isn’t just a top-six winger; he’s a potential franchise cornerstone, the kind of player who could carry the torch once the Sidney Crosby-Evgeni Malkin era comes to a close.
Why Jason Robertson Makes Sense in Pittsburgh
Robertson’s resume speaks for itself. Through 50 games this season, he’s already racked up 29 goals and 58 points - elite numbers for a winger who thrives in transition, finishes with precision, and shows up when the lights are brightest. He’s not just productive - he’s a game-changer.
And that’s exactly what Pittsburgh has been missing. While Crosby continues to defy age and Malkin has proven he’s still got gas in the tank, the Penguins haven’t developed a young offensive centerpiece to eventually take over the reins. Their prospect pipeline hasn’t produced that next-generation scorer, which is why Dubas is looking outside the organization - and why Robertson checks every box.
He’s young. He’s elite. And he’s available - at least potentially.
Dallas’ Cap Situation Opens the Door
From the Stars’ side of things, the situation is complicated. Robertson is set to become a restricted free agent this summer, and with arbitration rights in hand, his next contract won’t come cheap. Dallas already has big-money deals on the books - including long-term commitments to Mikko Rantanen and Wyatt Johnston - and the math is starting to get tight.
The Stars would love to keep Robertson, no doubt. But if they determine that a long-term extension at market value just isn’t feasible, they may have no choice but to explore the trade market. And if that happens, the Penguins won’t be the only team calling - but they might be one of the most motivated.
Why a Trade - Not an Offer Sheet - Is the Play
Yes, Robertson’s RFA status technically opens the door to an offer sheet, but that route comes with a steep price tag - likely multiple first-round picks. For a Pittsburgh team that needs to rebuild its prospect depth, that’s a tough pill to swallow.
Dubas has never been shy about making bold moves, but he’s also been calculated. A trade offers more flexibility. The Penguins could put together a package that includes picks, prospects, and cap-controlled players - a mix that might appeal to Dallas while allowing Pittsburgh to keep a firmer grip on its future.
And if the Stars decide they can’t make a long-term deal work, expect Dubas to be in the room when the serious conversations start. This is exactly the kind of player he’s willing to pay for - and exactly the kind of move that could reshape the Penguins’ trajectory.
Timing Is Everything
Don’t expect fireworks before the trade deadline. If Dallas is going to move Robertson, it’s more likely to happen around the NHL Draft - when teams have a clearer picture of their cap situation and offseason plans.
That timeline works for Pittsburgh, too. The Penguins have time to see how their playoff push unfolds.
If they make a run, Dubas can lean into the “win-now” window. If they fall short, a Robertson deal becomes part of a broader retooling effort.
Either way, the interest in Robertson signals something bigger: this front office isn’t waiting around for the bottom to fall out. They’re planning for what comes next.
Malkin’s Future Adds Another Layer
One of the more intriguing developments in all of this is Evgeni Malkin’s reported willingness to sign a one-year extension at a reduced cap hit. The 39-year-old continues to produce - 35 points in 33 games - especially in offensive-heavy situations. If he’s open to returning below his current $6.1 million number, that gives Dubas even more flexibility.
It also gives the Penguins breathing room. Keeping Malkin around - at the right price - allows the team to stay competitive while slowly integrating younger pieces.
It’s not a full rebuild. It’s a soft landing into the next phase of the franchise.
A Shift in Philosophy, Not a Desperate Push
The Penguins’ reported pursuit of Robertson isn’t about chasing one last shot at glory. It’s about threading the needle - staying relevant today while laying the groundwork for tomorrow.
Dubas has made it clear through his roster decisions that he won’t let this team fade quietly. If there’s a chance to land a 26-year-old elite scorer without mortgaging the future, he’s going to be ready.
Whether or not Robertson ends up in Pittsburgh remains to be seen. But the fact that the Penguins are even in this conversation tells you everything you need to know about where this team is headed - and how they plan to get there.