2026-27 Pittsburgh Penguins Season Preview

The Pittsburgh Penguins enter the 2026–27 season with a hope of adding to last year’s success. They added scoring depth, bolstered their defense, and said goodbye to a key veteran winger. The moves signal a win-now approach, leaning on a veteran core and adding experienced pieces to push for another playoff run.

Key Additions

Andrei Kuzmenko (RW) – Signed a one-year, $5 million deal on July 1st. The 30-year-old scored 13 goals and 12 assists in 52 games last season with Los Angeles, bringing scoring punch, power-play prowess, and middle-six depth.

Nicholas Robertson (LW) – Signed a two-year, $6.5 million deal ($3.25 million AAV) on July 14th after being acquired from the Toronto Maple Leafs. The 25-year-old scored 16 goals and 16 assists in 78 games last season with Toronto, bringing speed, skill, and top-nine scoring punch.

Hendrix Lapierre (LW) – Acquired from Washington on June 26th in exchange for a 2027 third-round pick and a 2028 fifth. The 24-year-old brings two-way play, versatility, and middle-six depth.

Trevor van Riemsdyk (D) – Signed a two-year, $8 million deal ($4 million AAV) on July 1st. The 35-year-old brings stability, two-way play, and third-pairing minutes.

Kaedan Korczak (D) – Acquired from Vegas on June 30th in exchange for Parker Wotherspoon. The 25-year-old right-shot defenseman brings puck-moving ability, offensive upside, and third-pairing minutes.

Declan Carlile (D) – Signed a one-year deal on July 1st. The 24-year-old left-shot defenseman brings depth and two-way play, expected to compete for a call-up role.

Key Subtractions

Anthony Mantha (RW) – Signed a two-year, $9.5 million deal with New Jersey on July 15th. The 31-year-old scored 33 goals and 31 assists in 81 games last season, a significant loss of top-six scoring.

Noel Acciari (C) – Signed a two-year deal with Philadelphia on July 1st. The 31-year-old had 10 goals and 18 points in 68 games, removing grit and depth from the bottom six.

Kevin Hayes (RW) – Departed in free agency. The 34-year-old had 10 goals and 18 points in 68 games, a loss of veteran depth and two-way play.

Ryan Shea (D) – Signed a five-year, $20 million deal with Edmonton on July 1st. The 29-year-old right-shot defenseman had 10 assists in 67 games, a notable loss of stability and physicality on the right side.

Parker Wotherspoon (D) – Traded to Vegas in the Korczak deal. The 29-year-old left-shot defenseman had five assists in 68 games, removing veteran depth from the third pairing.

Connor Clifton (D) – Signed a two-year deal with Boston on July 1st. The 31-year-old right-shot defenseman had 10 assists in 67 games, a loss of veteran depth and physicality.

Stuart Skinner (G) – Departed in free agency to the Winnipeg Jets. The 27-year-old had a 3.09 GAA and .891 save percentage in 25 games, removing veteran goaltending depth.

Impact on 2026–27

The Penguins’ offseason moves signal a clear push towards competitiveness. Kuzmenko and Robertson add scoring punch and depth to the top nine, while van Riemsdyk and Korczak bolster the defense. The departures of Mantha, Acciari, and Shea remove veteran presence and physicality. The Penguins are hoping to repeat last year’s success, but it’s going to be tough in an improved Metro division.

Salary Cap Situation

Projected cap hit – $93,097,360
Roster – 23/23
Projected cap space – $10,902,640
Deadline cap space – $50,359,813

Pittsburgh Penguins Depth Chart