The Pittsburgh Penguins, once a championship-winning franchise, are now facing significant challenges. General manager Kyle Dubas has promised changes as the team struggles to find its footing, hinting at the possibility of a fire sale involving multiple trades while some prominent players are expected to stay.
After a humiliating 7-1 loss to the Dallas Stars on Monday night, Dubas expressed his frustration, calling the defeat “embarrassing” and suggesting that adjustments were imminent. The first move occurred when forward Lars Eller was traded to the Washington Capitals for a 2025 fifth-round pick and a third-round pick in 2027. Eller has recorded four goals and three assists for seven points in 17 games this season, marking his return to Washington, where he won the Stanley Cup in 2018.
Dubas is keen to shake things up and acquire prospects and assets to revitalize the team. The Penguins have at times appeared lifeless and lacking motivation. Notably, star center Sidney Crosby is the only player reported to be off-limits in trade discussions.
Players set to become unrestricted free agents after the 2024-25 season, such as Matt Nieto, Anthony Beauvillier, Drew O’Connor, Marcus Pettersson, Matt Grzelcyk, and Ryan Shea, are likely candidates to be moved. Additionally, high-profile players like Erik Karlsson and Tristan Jarry could be traded if Dubas finds teams willing to take on their considerable salaries. Pittsburgh is projected to have $ 19,403,907 in cap space for the next season.
Currently, the Penguins sit at 6-9-3 and are in sixth place in the Metropolitan Division. Although the season has only just begun, they already find themselves in a deep hole. While they may not possess the most talented roster in the league, there are pieces that could attract interest. A rebuild seems inevitable, and it may be overdue. The organization lacks a strong prospect pool, with the prospects playing for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins not considered elite. Significant changes are needed to restore Pittsburgh’s competitive edge, and it might require a complete overhaul to achieve that.
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