Josh Norris’ health appears to have been the stumbling block in a potential Connor Hellebuyck trade to Buffalo, while Simon Edvinsson’s contract talks in Detroit are finally moving forward. And in Pittsburgh, the Penguins are keeping a patient posture with Sidney Crosby and Erik Karlsson, even though both are extension-eligible.
The Hellebuyck-to-Sabres chatter has been around since the draft, when the reported framework included the fourth-overall pick, additional draft capital, a high-end prospect and a roster player. One of the key sticking points, according to the reporting, was Winnipeg’s refusal to move the eighth-overall pick back to Buffalo, with the Jets instead targeting Viggo Bjorck at that slot.
But Darren Dreger added another layer to the story. He said, “There was a centre from the Sabres that could’ve been included in the deal that the Jets didn’t necessarily love. They had concerns with that player from a health standpoint.”
That centre may have been Jiri Kulich, who has dealt with blood clots, though the source material notes it would make more sense for Buffalo to have been trying to move Norris. Norris has battled shoulder injuries over the last few seasons and has missed substantial time in each of the last five years.
Buffalo is still in the mix for Hellebuyck, but the original offseason offer is no longer on the table. If the Sabres come back into the conversation, it will have to be with a very different package.
In Detroit, Shawn Horcoff has inherited plenty of work after the Red Wings waited more than two months to name an interim general manager. Edvinsson is one of the biggest items on the list. The defenseman remains a restricted free agent, though he has been at training camp.
The contract picture has shifted as well. Zeev Buium’s eight-year deal, which pays more than $9 million annually, now stands as a major benchmark if Edvinsson’s next contract is long term. Fraser Minten’s deal could also come into play as a lower-end comparison, even though he is not a defenseman.
Pierre LeBrun reported that Horcoff has already been in contact with Edvinsson’s agent, and he said, “they’ve gotten going for real here.”
In Pittsburgh, the extension questions around Crosby and Karlsson are being handled with restraint. Josh Yohe reported that no negotiations have started yet on Karlsson’s side, though both the player and team appear open to talking later.
Penguins assistant general manager Jason Spezza said, “There’s been great conversation and transparency around his situation…We think a lot of Erik. I think he’s enjoyed his time here.
We’ve enjoyed having him. So, those types of situations will play themselves out as the year goes.”
Crosby’s situation is different only in timing, not in tone. His current deal was signed as an extension in Sept. 2024, and his last negotiation stretched into mid-September as well. There’s no indication he’s headed anywhere other than Pittsburgh, and the delay is tied to how he feels about his game, not where he wants to play.
Spezza also addressed Crosby directly, saying, “You want to kind of see how you feel, and you want to play to a certain standard. I think that’s probably where Sid is at right now. There’s not really a concern on our end, or on his end, at this point.”
In Other News...
Penguins Next Wave Is Already Pushing For Bigger Camp Roles
Three days into Penguins training camp, the early shape of this roster is starting to reveal itself, and it is not just the veterans drawing attention. Liam Ruck has already moved up into the NHL group, a small but telling sign that the next wave of players is pressing to be seen in a bigger role. For a team still sorting out its depth and internal competition, those practice group shifts matter as much as any preseason headline.
The larger league chatter around the Penguins has also been busy, with trade talk swirling elsewhere and familiar names like Tristan Jarry part of the broader conversation about how teams are recalibrating for the season ahead. But the most relevant story in Pittsburgh is still the one unfolding on the ice every day at camp, where younger players are forcing the staff to notice them and making each lineup decision feel a little less settled. [Read more 🡒]
Penguins Youth Movement Still Feels Stuck After Camp
The Penguins came out of camp with one open forward spot and a need on the left side of defense, but the bigger question was whether any of the young players pushing for jobs had done enough to force the issue. For now, the answer appears to be no. Several prospects were in the mix for NHL roles, yet the expectation is still that none of them will be on the opening-night roster as the team tries to balance immediate needs with a roster that is still taking shape.
Assistant general manager Jason Spezza made clear the door is not closed, saying the roster is not final and that youth will be brought in when it is ready. That leaves the Penguins in a familiar transitional spot, with players who have spent time developing in the AHL waiting for a real opening and the organization still searching for the right moment to make those moves. The challenge now is less about identifying talent than finding a path that lets those prospects contribute without being rushed. [Read more 🡒]
Penguins First Preseason Lineup Opens A Big Opportunity For Camp Players
The Penguins have their first preseason lineup in place for the opener against the Sabres at PPG Paints Arena, and it gives a good early look at how the camp battles are shaping up. The roster blends forwards, defensemen and goaltenders, with the staff set to trim two skaters before puck drop, a reminder that even in September, every shift carries some weight for players trying to carve out a longer stay.
For a group still trying to make an impression, this is the kind of game that can matter beyond the score. It is also the first chance for fans to see the new camp mix in a live setting, with SportsNet Pittsburgh carrying the broadcast and the Penguins official radio station providing the call, as the preseason begins to sort out who gets more runway and who is suddenly watching from the sideline. [Read more 🡒]