The Penguins Are Ahead of Schedule - And Kyle Dubas Knows It
Let’s be honest: not many people had the Pittsburgh Penguins penciled into the playoff picture this season. Coming off a couple of underwhelming years and heading into last summer, the narrative felt like a familiar one-aging core, a rebuild looming, and patience required. But here we are in February, and the Pens are not just hanging around-they’re in a playoff spot and very much in control of their own destiny.
That’s not by accident. This is the result of a well-calculated plan by general manager Kyle Dubas, who took over in 2023 with a clear vision.
Now, with the NHL trade deadline approaching on March 6, he’s in a position few expected: holding a playoff-caliber roster and a war chest of future assets. That’s a rare combo-and one that gives Dubas the luxury of patience.
A Rebuild That’s Already Bearing Fruit
When Dubas took the reins, he didn’t try to fast-forward a rebuild by mortgaging the future. Instead, he leaned into the long game-stockpiling draft picks, investing in young talent, and building out organizational depth.
And now? The rebuild is ahead of schedule.
The Penguins are right in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race, and while they’re not a finished product, they’re playing well enough to believe a postseason return is within reach for the first time since 2022. That gives Dubas a fascinating decision to make at the deadline.
The good news for Pittsburgh: there’s no pressure to make a desperation move. The forward group is holding its own, and there’s depth brewing in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, where promising prospects like Rutger McGroarty and Ville Koivunen are waiting in the wings.
In net, things are stable. So if Dubas is going to make a move, it’s likely to come on the blue line.
Defense Is the Deadline Focus
If Pittsburgh dips into the trade market, look for them to target a defenseman-particularly someone who can help solidify the left side. Brett Kulak is set to hit unrestricted free agency this summer, and Parker Wotherspoon has just one year left on his deal. That opens the door for a longer-term solution, someone who can grow with this group rather than serve as a short-term rental.
There’s also the possibility of adding depth on the right side behind Erik Karlsson and Kris Letang, though that’s more of a luxury than a need. Either way, the Penguins have the cap space and the assets to make something happen. That’s a testament to the front office’s discipline in building flexibility into the roster.
Chinakhov Trade Already Paying Off
Dubas already made one notable move back in late December, acquiring forward Egor Chinakhov from the Blue Jackets in exchange for Danton Heinen, a 2026 second-round pick, and a 2027 third-rounder. It was a bold swing-giving up two draft picks and a roster player-but so far, it’s looking like a smart one.
Chinakhov has brought energy and offensive punch, and more importantly, he fits the timeline. He’s young, skilled, and under team control. That’s the kind of addition that can help now without compromising the bigger picture.
Five Games, One Big Decision
With five games left before the deadline, the next stretch is going to be telling. Dubas is watching closely-not just how his team performs, but also how the rest of the Metropolitan Division plays it.
The Penguins are currently sitting second in the Metro, but the margins are razor-thin. The Islanders, Capitals, and Blue Jackets are all lurking, and if one of them makes a splash, Pittsburgh may feel compelled to respond.
But don’t expect Dubas to flinch. This isn’t a team desperate to force a playoff run.
It’s a team that’s earned the right to see how far it can go on its own merit. If the Penguins continue to perform, Dubas may decide the smartest move is to stay the course and let this group prove itself.
Strategic Buyers, Not Short-Term Spenders
Here’s the key: Pittsburgh holds more draft picks in the first three rounds over the next three years than any other team. That’s not an accident. That’s a deliberate strategy, and it gives the Penguins options other teams would love to have.
So while they might be buyers at the deadline, they’re not likely to be reckless ones. Don’t expect them to flip a first-rounder for a rental. If they make a move, it’ll be one that fits the long-term vision-someone with term, someone who adds value beyond just this season.
And with the Olympic roster freeze in effect until February 23, Dubas has time. Time to evaluate.
Time to watch. Time to strike if the right opportunity presents itself.
The Penguins aren’t just back in the playoff picture-they’re building something sustainable. And for a team that looked like it was heading into a long winter, that’s a storyline worth watching.