Penguins Seek Trade Targets to Bolster Playoff Chances

GM Kyle Dubas looks to add a right-handed defenseman and scoring winger before the trade deadline

Feb. 8, 2026 at 10:55am

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With less than a month until the NHL trade deadline, the Pittsburgh Penguins are looking to make moves to improve their roster for a deep playoff run. General manager Kyle Dubas has been working the phones to find a right-handed defenseman to shore up their blue line, as well as a scoring winger to provide more offense and insurance in their top nine forwards.

Why it matters

The Penguins are in a strong position in the Eastern Conference, but have a couple of areas that could use reinforcements to truly establish them as a top Stanley Cup contender. Shoring up the right side of their defense and adding more scoring punch up front could put them over the top.

The details

The Penguins' current right-handed defenseman options include Ryan Shea, who has been filling in admirably but is not a long-term solution, and Connor Clifton, who is solid but not an ideal top-four blueliner. With Kris Letang's injury history, the Penguins could use an upgrade there. Internally, Matt Dumba in Wilks-Barre/Scranton has shown improvement, but the team may need to look outside the organization. Affordable rental options like Luke Schenn or Erik Gudbranson could be targets. Up front, the Penguins have been getting strong production from players like Anthony Mantha and Justin Brazeau, but adding another scoring winger could provide insurance in case Evgeni Malkin's shoulder issues flare up again down the stretch. Columbus' Boone Jenner or Montreal's Patrik Laine could be intriguing trade options.

  • The NHL roster freeze is in effect for two more weeks.
  • The NHL trade deadline is on March 6, 2026.

The players

Kyle Dubas

The general manager of the Pittsburgh Penguins who has been working the phones to find trade targets to improve the team's roster.

Sidney Crosby

The star center for the Pittsburgh Penguins who, along with Evgeni Malkin, is looking to make one more deep playoff run.

Evgeni Malkin

The star center for the Pittsburgh Penguins who, along with Sidney Crosby, is looking to make one more deep playoff run.

Kris Letang

The veteran defenseman for the Pittsburgh Penguins who has an injury history, making the team's need for a right-handed defenseman more pressing.

Ryan Shea

The Penguins defenseman who has been filling in on the right side but is not a long-term solution.

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What they’re saying

“While Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas roots for the fruits of his labor in Milan as AGM of Team Canada, he'll also be sitting amongst fellow GMs and probably fielding more than a few calls from GMs back home.”

— Dan Kingerski, Author (pittsburghhockeynow.com)

“If long-term options aren't available, there are affordable rentals. With some irony, Luke Schenn is a pending UFA, and the Winnipeg Jets are not in a playoff spot. And if Columbus ever stops winning at their red-hot clip, Erik Gudbranson could be a cheap pick-up.”

— Dan Kingerski, Author (pittsburghhockeynow.com)

What’s next

The Penguins have until the March 6 trade deadline to make any moves to bolster their roster for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The takeaway

The Penguins are in a strong position to make a deep playoff run, but adding a right-handed defenseman and a scoring winger could put them firmly among the favorites in the Eastern Conference. GM Kyle Dubas has shown he's not afraid to make bold moves to improve the team's chances.