5 Blockbuster Penguins Trade Rumors That Could Define The 2026 NHL Season

The Pittsburgh Penguins are at a critical crossroads, and General Manager Kyle Dubas is poised to make seismic moves as the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline approaches. The team is currently navigating a challenging retooling phase, attempting to maximize the final years of the legendary "Crosby-Malkin" era while simultaneously injecting youth and cap flexibility into the roster. As of this current date, December 15, 2025, the rumor mill is churning with speculation involving major roster shake-ups, from trading high-salary veterans to pursuing game-changing acquisitions that could alter the landscape of the Metropolitan Division. The delicate balance of contending now versus building for the future means no player, outside of perhaps Sidney Crosby, is truly untouchable. The discussions surrounding star defensemen, underperforming top-six forwards, and the need for a long-term solution at the center position are dominating hockey headlines, making this one of the most unpredictable trade windows in recent Penguins history.

The Core Players on the Trade Block: Who Could Be Moved?

The Penguins’ front office, led by President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Kyle Dubas, has shown a willingness to make bold, unexpected moves, as evidenced by the recent trade of goaltender Tristan Jarry to the Edmonton Oilers and the acquisition of forward Tommy Novak before the 2025 deadline. The focus now shifts to high-value assets who could provide the necessary return to bolster the prospect pool and secure future draft capital.

1. The Erik Karlsson Conundrum

The biggest name consistently appearing in trade rumors is Norris Trophy-winning defenseman Erik Karlsson. Acquired in a blockbuster deal in the 2023 offseason, Karlsson’s immense $10 million cap hit and his long-term contract (signed through 2026-27) make him a complex, yet highly valuable, trade chip. * The Rumor: Speculation suggests that if the Penguins fall out of the playoff picture by the 2026 Trade Deadline, Dubas could look to move Karlsson to a true contender to gain significant salary cap relief and a massive return of prospects and first-round picks. * The Intention: The primary goal would be to clear the cap space necessary for a true retooling effort, allowing the team to be major players in the 2026 or 2027 free-agent market. * Potential Destination: Teams with a deep playoff run expectation and a need for an elite, offensive-minded blue-liner are the likely suitors, though a third-party broker would almost certainly be needed to absorb a portion of his salary.

2. The Top-Six Wingers: Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust

Both Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust are top-six forwards who have been consistently linked to trade rumors, especially as potential replacements are scouted. * Rickard Rakell: Rakell is a prime candidate due to his consistent offensive production and a contract that is manageable for a contending team. He is coming off a career-best season and his value is high. Moving him could be a necessary step if the team decides to fully commit to a retool. * Bryan Rust: Similar to Rakell, Rust offers speed, grit, and scoring touch—the kind of player every playoff team covets. Dubas has reportedly considered moving either Rakell or Rust to open up a spot for a younger, high-upside player like Jordan Kyrou, who has been mentioned as a possible replacement target. * The Impact: Trading one or both would signal a shift in the team’s immediate goals, sacrificing current top-six depth for future assets and salary flexibility.

Blockbuster Trade Targets: Who Could the Penguins Acquire?

Despite the retooling talks, the Penguins are still looking to compete while Sidney Crosby remains an elite player. This means Dubas is also aggressively scouting for players who can provide immediate impact while being young enough to be part of the next core.

3. The Search for a Second-Line Center (2C)

The need for a reliable, long-term second-line center to play behind Crosby has been a persistent issue. The team has explored several options, including trading for Shane Wright. * Shane Wright: Currently playing a fourth-line role, Wright is viewed as a high-ceiling player who could potentially blossom into a top-six center. Acquiring him would be a move aimed at the long-term future, securing a key position for years to come. * Tommy Novak's Role: The acquisition of Tommy Novak before the 2025 deadline was an attempt to address this need, and his performance this season will heavily influence the urgency of another 2C trade.

4. Pursuing a Playoff Grinder: Blake Coleman

As the team navigates the trade deadline, a focus on acquiring players with a proven playoff pedigree and a physical edge is essential, especially if they make a push for the post-season. * Blake Coleman: The former Stanley Cup winner with the Tampa Bay Lightning is a prime example of a player the Penguins could pursue. He is known for his defensive reliability, tough matchups, and ability to contribute in the playoffs. * The Fit: Coleman wouldn't need to be a top scorer, but his presence would solidify the bottom-six, provide crucial penalty-killing minutes, and bring a much-needed physical element to the lineup.

5. The "Stunning" Rumors: Quinn Hughes and Jason Robertson

While less likely, certain rumors have generated significant buzz due to the sheer impact such a trade would have. These are the blockbuster moves that could instantly change the team's trajectory. * Quinn Hughes: In one of the most stunning rumors, the Penguins have been linked to Vancouver Canucks star defenseman Quinn Hughes. The rationale is that the Penguins, still aiming for another Stanley Cup for the core, view Hughes as a potential game-changer. The team's strong prospect pool and accumulated draft picks (17 picks in the top 3 rounds from 2026–2028) make them a viable, if aggressive, trade partner. * Jason Robertson: There have also been whispers that Dallas Stars forward Jason Robertson could be on the trading block. For the Penguins, acquiring a young, elite goal-scorer like Robertson would be an immediate, massive boost to their offensive firepower and a perfect long-term successor to the current core. * The Reality: These trades would require the Penguins to completely empty their remaining prospect cabinet and likely involve a major roster player like Erik Karlsson or Evgeni Malkin (despite Malkin's rumored low-likelihood of movement).

The Kyle Dubas Strategy: Rebuilding the Prospect Pool

The overarching theme of the Penguins' trade strategy is a clear focus on replenishing the farm system, a necessary step given the years of trading away picks for immediate playoff success. The Penguins now have a significant haul of future draft capital, holding 17 picks in the top three rounds between the 2026 and 2028 NHL Drafts. This abundance of picks gives General Manager Kyle Dubas the flexibility to execute a variety of strategies: * Trading Up: The picks can be packaged to trade up in the 2026 NHL Draft, potentially targeting a top-tier prospect to secure a foundational piece for the future. * Targeting Prospects Over Picks: There is a growing sentiment that the team needs to shift from accumulating picks to trading those picks for already established, high-end prospects from other organizations to accelerate the retooling timeline. * Salary Dump Trades: Dubas has also been focused on shedding contracts that no longer fit the team's direction, with players like Noel Acciari and Kevin Hayes being mentioned as potential candidates to be moved to clear cap space. The 2026 NHL Trade Deadline will be a pivotal moment for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Whether they decide to sell major assets like Erik Karlsson and Rickard Rakell to fully embrace the retool, or package their draft picks to acquire a game-changer like Jason Robertson, the moves made by Kyle Dubas will define the next era of Penguins hockey.