NHL Rumors: 2 "Intriguing" Trade Targets Linked To Penguins
According to Pittsburgh Hockey Now’s Dan Kingerski, the team has made the New York Rangers' 2025 first-round pick (top-13 protected, unprotected in 2026) available, generating "heavy interest" from teams looking to move impact players.
With the salary cap projected to rise to $95.5 million, Dubas has the flexibility to either absorb contracts for additional assets—similar to last summer’s acquisitions of Kevin Hayes and Cody Glass—or make a more aggressive push for top-end talent.
"The world is opening up for Dubas and the Penguins," Kingerski writes, citing the team's cap space and deep-pocketed ownership as major advantages.
Mason McTavish showing once again that he is a legitimate one-timer threat from the right flank on the power play. Crazy that it took half a season to get him back in that spot, but better late than never. 6 goals in 4 games now for McTavish. pic.twitter.com/DdhszXmp7Z
— Félix Sicard (@Felix_Sicard) January 29, 2025
One potential path for Pittsburgh involves acquiring a pending RFA whose current team may be hesitant to commit to a long-term extension.
Kingerski mentions Mason McTavish and Gabe Vilardi as possible targets, both of whom could address the Penguins’ long-term needs down the middle.
Vilardi has recorded three consecutive 20-goal seasons and could provide immediate scoring depth, while McTavish is still developing into a reliable two-way center.
Mitch Marner takes the ice at 🇨🇦’s first #4Nations practice @TSN_Sports pic.twitter.com/Tma8auljKV
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) February 10, 2025
On the UFA market, the Penguins could explore a major signing like Mitch Marner, with whom Dubas has a long-standing connection from Toronto.
Sam Bennett is another name to watch, offering a physical, two-way presence if Pittsburgh looks to add more grit.
With a valuable first-round pick in play and cap space to spend, the Penguins have the opportunity to accelerate their retool.
Photo Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
