Pittsburgh Penguins Identify Exact Trade Needs to Reshape Roster in 2025 Offseason

The Pittsburgh Penguins have stockpiled a plethora of high draft picks in the coming years. With a veteran core that's still good enough to compete, though, the club would like to use some of those picks to bring in players who can contribute right away.

Rather than allow prospects to marinate, the Penguins are open to dealing picks for young, NHL-ready players.

With four first-rounders, six second-rounders, and eight third-rounders over the course of the next three drafts, they have the currency to make meaningful deals and aim for a quick return to competitiveness, perhaps as early as the season following this one.

While the team does have some quality young players in the system already, with players like Philip Tomasino, Ville Koivunen, Rutger McGroarty, and Owen Pickering, they'll need to make room on the roster regardless.

Veterans such as Kevin Hayes and Bokondji Imama are likely candidates to be moved prior to next season's start.

The Penguins have not had a lot of success developing and drafting talent in recent years, something that plagues most franchises at one point or another. Pittsburgh has addressed this by trading for young players instead of counting on the draft.

Most of their current picks will not be able to make a significant impact for a number of years, so it is a good idea to use some of them now.

There are several young players around the league who are in need of fresh starts, and the Penguins will be keeping an eye on those opportunities.

Kaapo Kakko's resurgence with the Seattle Kraken is a fine example of how a change of scenery can unleash potential.

While mid-season trades are still an option, the upcoming offseason will be Pittsburgh's next best opportunity to make major additions.