The Pittsburgh Penguins are likely not done making moves in the trade market just yet. Pittsburgh recently sent Tristan Jarry to the Edmonton Oilers to acquire fellow goalie Stuart Skinner. The deal, however, also included the Penguins getting defenseman Brett Kulak and a 2029 second-round pick.
While Pittsburgh traded for Skinner and Kulak, both players could be flipped ahead of the March 6 deadline. NHL insider Elliotte Friedman even claimed on December 12 that Penguins exec Kyle Dubas will surely be receiving phone calls from other teams regarding the duo.
According to Friedman, Skinner may be the most likely to be dealt by Pittsburgh. Nevertheless, The Athletic’s Chris Johnston did not include Skinner in his updated trade board on December 17. Kulak, however, was placed in the 17th spot by the writer. The veteran defenseman carries a cap hit of $2.75 million AAV and has recorded just two total points in 32 games during the 2025-26 season.
Kulak is also set to become a free agent following the current campaign. After recording a career-best 25 points in 2024-25, the blueliner has struggled with the puck so far this season. Pittsburgh would likely prefer to get something for the veteran, rather than see him leave for nothing in the summer.
Bryan Rust and Erik Karlsson Could Also be Dealt by the Pittsburgh Penguins
GettyDespite being open to staying in Pittsburgh, the Penguins may trade Bryan Rust.
Nevertheless, Pittsburgh’s new defenseman is not the only player to make Johnston’s trade board. Bryan Rust and Erik Karlsson were included as well. The duo’s future has been seemingly up in the air for most of the current campaign. This is even though both stars are under contract beyond the 2025-26 season.
Rust, 33, remains a key player for the Penguins. In fact, his 28 points on the campaign only trail future Hall of Famers Sidney Crosby and Evgeny Malkin. However, Dubas is expected to fully commit to a rebuild in the near future. The veteran forward’s potential trade value will likely not get any higher than it is right now. Despite Rust being open to staying in Pittsburgh, Dubas could opt to swap him for younger assets.
Karlsson’s situation is a bit different. The dynamic blueliner currently earns a massive $11.5 million AAV. Although the San Jose Sharks are retaining $1.5 million each season, that is still a huge cap hit for a 35-year-old player. Dubas would likely prefer to shed Karlsson’s big salary before he enters his final season under contract in 2026-27.
Penguins have one of the Oldest Rosters in the NHL
Pittsburgh’s trade stance has likely shifted in recent weeks. The Penguins got off to a stellar start to the 2025-26 season, which led some to believe that Dubas would stand pat. The situation has, however, changed in recent days. As of December 17, Pittsburgh has lost six straight games, the worst current streak in the entire NHL.
Assuming the team’s decline continues, Dubas is likely continue to make trades. A rebuild in Pittsburgh would make sense due to the club’s aging roster. The Penguins are currently the fifth-oldest NHL team. At the moment, they have seven players at the age of 33 or older, including both Rust and Karlsson.
Penguins Trio Emerges as Top Trade Candidates