Kyle Dubas linked to Luke Schenn again as Penguins eye 2026 playoff run

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Daniel Lucente
February 12, 2026 (10:21 PM)

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Photo credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images

Kyle Dubas is tied to a Luke Schenn rumor, and the Pittsburgh Penguins know one right-shot defenseman can swing a playoff run.

The clip floating around calls it a “RUMOR ALERT” and frames Schenn as the grit answer for 2026.

Here’s the clean reality check, Pittsburgh is 29-15-12 and buying makes sense.

But Schenn is not a mystery target, he has already been through Dubas’ ledger once.

He is 36, a 2008 first-round pick, fifth overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs, and he still plays a heavy, simple RD game.

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Schenn is currently with the Winnipeg Jets, signed at a $2.75M cap hit through 2025-26, then he hits UFA.

NHL.com’s transaction log also shows Nashville to Pittsburgh on March 5, 2025, then Pittsburgh to Winnipeg two days later.

So if you’re wondering why this rumor feels off, it is because the Penguins already cashed him out for picks once.

That does not kill the idea, it just changes the conversation to “type” instead of “name.”

Penguins fans have that twitchy deadline energy right now, because every missed box-out in March feels like a warning siren.

The need is real, a right-shot option who can survive ugly shifts and protect a lead late.

Schenn’s value is clear in the playoffs, short shifts, hard clears, and zero panic around the crease.

But trading back for him would be strange asset management unless the price collapses.

Dubas can chase the same profile without paying for the same player twice.

If Pittsburgh stays healthy, this is about insulation, not a miracle.

If one RD goes down, it becomes a nightly minutes crisis fast.

Either way, the next few weeks decide how serious this 29-15-12 push really is.

Previously on HockeyUnplugged

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