Former Penguins Defenseman Looking for New NHL Contract: Could a Reunion Be in the Cards?

The Pittsburgh Penguins have some strengths heading into the 2025/26 campaign, with their top-nine as currently constructed being very versatile and talented led by captain Sidney Crosby and veteran Evgeni Malkin.

Unfortunately, the blue line has some major weaknesses, and with Erik Karlsson likely to be dealt and Kris Letang taking some major steps back, this simply isn't a defensive group that can keep up in the modern NHL.

One name that's been out there is former Penguins blue liner Jan Rutta, who played one season with the team in 2022/23, tallying 3 goals and 9 points over 56 games with the team after winning back-to-back Stanley Cup's with Tampa Bay previously.

However, the 35-year old is yet to find a new team for the 2025/26 campaign, and with goals of continuing to play in the National Hockey League after spending the last two seasons with the Sharks, he could be had for a very cheap price.

More likely than not, it's only going to take a professional tryout to land the Czech star, and with the Penguins needing depth on the blue line, it could be worth a shot at this point in time.

Ultimately though, Kyle Dubas and the team are likely to prefer the injection of youth into this lineup rather than a veteran, but if things get closer to the season and the team need depth, Rutta could be a very interesting choice.