Penguins Keeping All Options Open for Potential Game-Changing Acquisitions

The Pittsburgh Penguins have as many as 11 selections in the 2025 NHL Draft, but don't look for them to use them all. There are only so many spots on the roster, and draft assets are something to be bartered, so they may take a different path.

General manager Kyle Dubas is determined to put the Penguins back in the playoff hunt, and he will trade draft picks for young, NHL-ready players to get there. The catch? They're not always there.

But when clubs need to shed salary or retool their roster, something becomes available, and Dubas isn't shy about taking advantage of it.

Having set up a good foundation already in the farm system, Dubas is able to place quality over quantity this season. That can mean going all-out on draft day in Los Angeles.

This top-heavy draft class is not terrible, but it is described as top-heavy. The general top four prospects to watch, Matthew Schaefer, Michael Misa, James Hagens, and Porter Martone, are blue-chip prospects.

There is a second tier of solid players, but then the talent level declines. The Penguins should at least receive a second-tier prospect, but trading up is still a possibility.

Other than the draft and the opening of free agency on July 1st, offer sheets could be the solution.

Although Josh Yohe of The Athletic says Dubas isn't opposed to using them, Pittsburgh has no indication of pursuing any restricted free agents.

It is an unlikely move, at least now. However, if time goes by and Dubas isn't satisfied with the players he selected at the draft or the lack of unrestricted free agent signings, he will circle back on the offer sheet scenario.

This could make for a very interesting end of summer for the Penguins and their fanbase.