As the Pittsburgh Penguins prepare to return from the Olympic break, they’re staring down a critical five-game stretch leading into the 2025-26 NHL Trade Deadline. And while this team hasn’t exactly been lighting the league on fire over the past couple of months, they’ve done enough to stay in the playoff conversation - which means they could be in line to make some moves. Whether that means buying, selling, or doing a little bit of both (as they did last year), the front office has decisions to make.
Let’s be clear: this isn’t shaping up to be a blockbuster deadline for Pittsburgh. Big names like Jason Robertson or Robert Thomas are fun to dream about, but those are more likely offseason targets - especially in Robertson’s case, given Dallas’ current push for the Cup. For now, the Penguins’ focus should be more pragmatic.
Up front, this team is deep - maybe even too deep. Young players like Rutger McGroarty, Avery Hayes, and Ville Koivunen are knocking on the NHL door, but there just isn’t enough room to give everyone the ice time they deserve. So unless there’s a move that clears space or upgrades significantly, don’t expect a forward splash.
The blue line, though? That’s a different story.
With Kris Letang sidelined and Erik Karlsson logging heavy minutes at the Olympics, Pittsburgh could use reinforcements on defense. Even beyond the short-term needs, there’s a case to be made for adding a younger, controllable piece to bolster the group for the stretch run - and beyond.
**Don’t expect Kyle Dubas to chase aging rentals. ** That’s just not been his MO since taking over.
But a younger defenseman on an expiring deal who could be re-signed? That’s a lane he might be willing to drive in.
And if the Penguins can find someone with team control beyond this season, even better - though those players don’t exactly grow on trees at the deadline.
Here are a few names that could be on Dubas’ radar.
Simon Benoit - Toronto Maple Leafs
Benoit is the kind of under-the-radar addition that makes a lot of sense. At 27, he’s still in his prime and carries a team-friendly cap hit of $1.35 million through next season.
He’s not going to wow you offensively, but that’s not what the Penguins need. What Benoit brings is size, physicality, and a reliable defensive presence - all traits Dubas has looked to add over the past year.
His usage in Toronto has been heavily tilted toward the defensive zone (just 26% of his starts have come in the offensive end), and he’s excelled in that role. The Leafs have allowed just 2.58 expected goals and 2.32 actual goals per 60 minutes of 5-on-5 play when he’s on the ice - both tops among their defensemen.
He’s not flashy, but he’s effective. And with two potential playoff runs under contract, there’s value in that. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Dubas circle back to Toronto again, especially after last year’s Dewar and Timmins deal paid dividends.
Zach Whitecloud - Calgary Flames
Whitecloud is another intriguing option. At 29, he’s a bit older than the typical Dubas target, but he’s signed for multiple years at a manageable $2.75 million cap hit. That extra term adds value - and cost.
Whitecloud was recently moved to Calgary as part of the Rasmus Andersson deal, but with the Flames in a rebuild and likely sellers at the deadline, he could be flipped again. He’s never been a point producer, but he’s steady in his own zone and brings playoff experience from his time in Vegas.
The question here is price. With term left on his deal, Calgary would likely ask for a decent return.
If the Penguins believe he can be a long-term piece, it might be worth the cost. But if they’re lukewarm, it’s a tougher sell.
Mario Ferraro - San Jose Sharks
Ferraro is a name that’s been floated around for a while - and for good reason. He’s a 27-year-old pending UFA who’s been one of the few bright spots on a struggling San Jose team. Despite playing in tough situations, Ferraro has consistently outperformed his teammates in terms of suppressing shots and goals.
He’s more mobile than some of the other names on this list and offers a bit more offensive upside, too. But with free agency looming, he’s likely a rental - and that might not be the route Pittsburgh wants to take.
Still, if there’s interest in an extension, Ferraro could be a fit. He plays hard minutes, logs big ice time, and might benefit from a change of scenery. The cost could be high, but the upside is there.
Logan Stanley - Winnipeg Jets
If you’re looking for size, Stanley’s your guy. At 6-foot-7 and over 230 pounds, he’s a physical force - and after years of inconsistency, he’s finally putting it together in a contract year.
That timing could work for or against the Penguins. On one hand, he’s playing the best hockey of his career. On the other, he’s due for a raise, and Winnipeg will likely ask for a premium in return.
There’s risk here. Stanley’s breakout could be real - or it could be a well-timed blip.
If Pittsburgh believes in the player, he’s worth a look. But if the price climbs too high, it might be smarter to walk away.
Braden Schneider - New York Rangers
Schneider is a bit of a wild card. At 24, he checks a lot of boxes - young, physical, and still developing. He’s also a restricted free agent after this season, which means the Penguins would have some control if they want to keep him around.
But here’s the catch: Schneider hasn’t quite put it all together at the NHL level. In fact, he’s taken a bit of a step back this year. The tools are there, but the consistency hasn’t been.
If Pittsburgh wants to take a low-risk flyer, Schneider could be worth a look. Acquire him, see how he fits, and if it doesn’t work out, you’re not locked in long-term. But he’s not likely to be a priority target unless the price is right.
Final Thoughts
The Penguins find themselves in a familiar spot - not quite contenders, not quite sellers, and trying to thread the needle between building for the future and staying competitive in the now. The blue line is the area to watch, and while a splashy move seems unlikely, there are plenty of smart, strategic plays to be made.
If Dubas can land a young, defensively-sound blueliner with some team control, it would be a win. If not, a short-term depth upgrade could still help stabilize things as the team tries to lock down a playoff spot.
One thing’s for sure: the Penguins aren’t sitting still. And with five games to prove they belong in the postseason picture, the next few weeks could go a long way in determining just how aggressive they’ll be at the deadline.