The Pittsburgh Penguins weren’t supposed to be here - not this deep into the playoff picture, not sitting third in the Metropolitan Division with a 23-14-11 record, and definitely not looking like a team with both postseason aspirations and an eye on the future. But here they are, defying expectations and making things interesting as the 2025-26 season rolls on.
Coming into the year, the narrative around Pittsburgh was clear: aging core, potential sell-off, maybe a step toward a rebuild. But that script’s been flipped.
The Penguins are not only holding their own in a competitive division - they’re also exploring ways to add talent, not subtract it. And one name that’s reportedly caught their attention in a big way?
Jason Robertson.
According to reports, the Penguins “absolutely love” the 26-year-old Dallas Stars winger - and it’s not hard to see why. Robertson is in the middle of another stellar campaign, piling up 27 goals and 29 assists for 56 points in just 49 games.
He’s dynamic, young, and already proven at the NHL level. That’s the kind of player who doesn’t just help you now - he can be a cornerstone for years to come.
Robertson is set to become a restricted free agent this summer, and while Dallas would love to keep him, the Stars are already carrying several big-money contracts. That financial reality has sparked plenty of speculation about Robertson’s long-term future in Texas. Pittsburgh, like many teams around the league, is watching closely.
Adding another wrinkle to the situation: Robertson and his brother Nick (a forward for the Maple Leafs) just switched agents, hiring Andy Scott - a well-connected representative whose client list includes the likes of Leon Draisaitl, Patrik Laine, and several key Stars players. It’s a move that could signal a shift in how Robertson’s next contract is approached, whether that’s in Dallas or elsewhere.
Now, to be clear, this isn’t a situation that’s expected to develop overnight. If the Stars do entertain trade offers for Robertson, it likely won’t happen until closer to the NHL Draft.
But if and when that time comes, expect Penguins GM Kyle Dubas to be in the mix. Pittsburgh’s front office knows the value of adding a young, elite forward - especially one who could slot into the top six without derailing the team’s longer-term plans.
Don’t expect the Penguins to go the offer sheet route - the compensation for prying away a restricted free agent that way is sky-high. But if Dallas opens the door to trade talks, Pittsburgh will be ready to knock.
Meanwhile, another storyline worth watching in the Steel City: Evgeni Malkin’s future. The 39-year-old veteran is reportedly open to signing a one-year extension with the Penguins - and at a discount, no less.
Malkin’s current cap hit is $6.1 million, but he’s willing to come in under that number to stay. With 10 goals and 25 assists in 33 games this season, he’s still producing at a strong clip, and his willingness to take less could give the Penguins some much-needed flexibility as they try to balance the present and the future.
So here we are - a team many thought would be sellers is suddenly one of the more intriguing buyers on the board. Whether it’s chasing a star like Robertson or locking in a franchise legend like Malkin for another run, the Penguins are making it clear: they’re not done yet.