Penguins Trade Deadline Outlook: Dubas Weighs Win-Now Moves with Future in Mind
We're officially under a month away from the NHL trade deadline, and the Pittsburgh Penguins find themselves in a fascinating position. The roster freeze lifts in two weeks, and while Kyle Dubas is currently in Milan with Team Canada as AGM, you can bet he’s still working the phones back home. The Penguins’ GM has already made a few savvy moves, and with the team trending upward, the question now is: does he double down?
The Penguins are riding a wave of momentum, thanks in large part to a few under-the-radar trades that have paid immediate dividends. Egor Chinakhov, just 24 years old, was the first big swing-a young forward with upside who fits the mold of what Dubas is trying to build for the next era in Pittsburgh.
And while Stuart Skinner and Brett Kulak may have looked like trade afterthoughts in the Tristan Jarry deal, both have quickly proven they’re more than just roster fillers. They’ve become key contributors.
What’s notable here is that Dubas has managed to improve the team’s current standing-firmly planting them in the Eastern Conference playoff conversation-without mortgaging the future. That’s not easy to do. And now, with Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin still anchoring the core, the idea of giving them one more legitimate run at a Stanley Cup is starting to feel more like a plan than a dream.
Where the Penguins Could Still Upgrade
Let’s be clear: this isn’t a team riddled with glaring holes. But there are a couple of areas where an upgrade could turn the Penguins from playoff hopefuls into legitimate contenders.
Primary Need: Right-Handed Defenseman
With Kris Letang dealing with injury issues-and even when he’s in the lineup, not quite at 100%-the Penguins’ blue line has been stretched thin. Ryan Shea has stepped in admirably, but he’s a lefty playing on his off side, and while he’s held his own, he’s more of a short-term patch than a long-term solution.
Connor Clifton has been steady on the third pair when Letang is healthy, but the depth behind him is uncertain. Jack St.
Ivany, who was starting to find his footing as a third-pair defenseman, is out until late March after hand surgery. Even then, he’s still relatively green with just 50 NHL games under his belt.
There’s also Matt Dumba, who’s currently in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. After a rocky start and some visible frustration with his AHL assignment, he’s reportedly turned a corner and is playing better. But whether he’s a viable NHL option down the stretch remains to be seen.
If the Penguins want to shore up the right side, they’ll have options. Long-term fits may be tough to come by, but there are affordable rentals available.
Luke Schenn, for example, could be a name to watch if the Jets continue to slide. Erik Gudbranson is another potential target if Columbus cools off.
Neither would break the bank, and both bring physicality and playoff experience.
Secondary Need: Top-Nine Scoring Winger
On paper, the Penguins look set at forward. But in reality, there’s room for improvement-especially in the top nine.
Evgeni Malkin’s durability is always a question mark, particularly with a grueling March schedule looming. Anthony Mantha has stepped up, playing some of the most consistent hockey of his career, and Justin Brazeau is having a breakout year. But Brazeau has just three goals and seven points over his last 18 games, and the third line could use a bit more punch.
This is where Dubas might look for a two-for-one solution: a winger who can both upgrade the lineup and serve as insurance. As with the defenseman market, the pool of available scoring wingers isn’t deep, but there are intriguing possibilities.
Boone Jenner could be in play if the Blue Jackets become sellers. And Patrik Laine, currently with the Canadiens, is reportedly available at a discount-though that would depend on Montreal finding a suitable replacement. Laine’s goal-scoring upside is well known, and he could be a swing-for-the-fences type of addition.
Dubas’ Calculated Aggression
One thing that’s become clear in Dubas’ short tenure: he’s not afraid to make bold moves. He’s shown he’ll bring in players even if it means uncomfortable roles-press box time included-if it helps the team. He’s also not afraid to deal from strength, and he’s willing to sacrifice a piece of the future if it means giving Crosby and Malkin another shot at glory.
The Penguins have positioned themselves well. They’ve already made upgrades that have paid off, and they still hold enough trade capital to make another push without completely emptying the cupboard. Whether it’s a right-handed defenseman, a scoring winger, or both, the path is there.
With the deadline fast approaching, Dubas has the Penguins perched on the edge of something special. Now it’s just a matter of whether he pushes them over the top.