Penguins eye defensive help as Kris Letang injury raises real blue line concerns

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Daniel Lucente
February 10, 2026 (11:29)

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Photo credit: Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images

Kris Letang’s injury and Pittsburgh Penguins trade buzz just turned the blue line into deadline pressure.

Pro Hockey Rumors says Pittsburgh is actively shopping for defensive depth before March 6.

The list of problems is not subtle, Jack St. Ivany fractured his hand and is out until late March.

Letang has a fractured foot, and the club expects him back by the trade deadline.

That timing matters because the Penguins are sitting second in the Metro at 29-15-12.

Here’s the original post that kicked this around.

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The key detail is role, this is not about chasing another power-play quarterback.

Erik Karlsson already runs plenty, and he’s at 4-31-35 in 51 games.

Letang still drives pace too, even on IR, with 3-22-25.

Penguins fans can feel the paranoia, because one more injury turns “depth” into “survival.”

The report notes Pittsburgh wants a plug-and-play righty, not another offense-first defender.

Timothy Liljegren is floated as a logical rental target, especially with San Jose selling.

Vincent Desharnais is another name, and a reunion would be clean and simple.

Nick Jensen and Colin Miller also fit the theme, steady, boring, functional.

This is where Kyle Dubas earns his keep, add a stabilizer without bleeding real futures.

If Pittsburgh gets that right-shot support, Muse can protect Karlsson’s minutes and keep the top pair from frying before the stretch run.

Previously on HockeyUnplugged

POLL
FEVRIER 10\|144 ANSWERS Penguins eye defensive help as Kris Letang injury raises real blue line concerns Should Kyle Dubas add a defenseman for the Pittsburgh Penguins before March 6?
Yes	133	92.4 %
No	11	7.6 %
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