Pittsburgh Penguins Sign Offensive D-Man Jake Livanavage

College free agent joins NHL roster with two-year entry-level contract

Apr. 11, 2026 at 1:43pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a hockey defenseman in motion, with sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in vibrant navy blue, gold, and white colors, capturing the dynamic energy and strategic thinking behind the Penguins' roster moves.The Penguins' signing of an offensively-gifted college defenseman reflects the team's strategic approach to building a dynamic, versatile roster.Today in Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Penguins have signed 21-year-old NCAA free agent defenseman Jake Livanavage to a two-year entry-level contract. Livanavage, a left-handed d-man known for his offensive skills and high hockey IQ, scored 14 goals and 68 assists in 117 games at the University of North Dakota.

Why it matters

The Penguins' signing of Livanavage aligns with the team's recent strategy of targeting players with unique skill sets and high hockey intelligence. This move suggests the Penguins are prioritizing long-term sustainability over short-term success as they look to develop young talent and build a more dynamic, versatile roster.

The details

Livanavage, who stands at 5-foot-11 and 190 pounds, is being brought directly to the NHL roster, bypassing the Penguins' AHL affiliate in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. This indicates the organization believes he is ready to make an immediate impact at the NHL level. The Penguins have a connection to Livanavage through their 2024 seventh-round pick, Mac Swanson, suggesting they have been scouting the college player for some time.

  • Livanavage signed his two-year entry-level contract with the Penguins on April 11, 2026.

The players

Jake Livanavage

A 21-year-old left-handed defenseman who stands at 5-foot-11 and 190 pounds. Livanavage scored 14 goals and 68 assists in 117 games during his college career at the University of North Dakota, demonstrating his offensive abilities and high hockey IQ.

Wes Clark

The General Manager of the Pittsburgh Penguins, who has led the team's recent strategy of targeting players with unique skill sets and high hockey intelligence.

Kyle Dubas

The Assistant General Manager of the Pittsburgh Penguins, who has also been instrumental in the team's player development approach.

Mac Swanson

The Penguins' 2024 seventh-round draft pick, who has a connection to Livanavage and suggests the team has been scouting the college player for some time.

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What’s next

The Penguins will look to integrate Livanavage into their NHL roster and provide him with the opportunity to contribute at the highest level, as the team continues to prioritize the development of young talent.

The takeaway

The Penguins' signing of Jake Livanavage highlights the team's commitment to building a sustainable, dynamic roster through the acquisition of players with unique skill sets and high hockey intelligence. This move suggests the Penguins are willing to take calculated risks in the pursuit of long-term success, rather than focusing solely on short-term gains.