Penguins Goalies’ New Contracts Set Stage for Future Decisions

The Pittsburgh Penguins made a significant move last weekend by re-signing two restricted free agent goaltenders, Arturs Silovs and Joel Blomqvist, to new contracts. Silovs secured a one-year extension worth $2.8 million, while Blomqvist inked a two-year deal that carries intriguing stipulations.

Blomqvist’s contract features a two-way agreement for the 2026-27 season, with a guaranteed downside salary of $300,000, which could rise to $850,000 if he remains in the NHL for the entire season. This structure indicates that the Penguins likely view Blomqvist as their third-string goalie next season, with ample playing time anticipated in the AHL.

What makes Blomqvist’s deal particularly noteworthy is the transition in the second year to a one-way contract, guaranteeing him a salary of $900,000 regardless of whether he plays in the NHL or AHL. This change could discourage other teams from claiming him at the onset of the 2027-28 season, as he will lose waiver status. The financial incentive may also keep him from returning to Sweden, given the uncertainty surrounding his NHL future.

Turning our attention back to Silovs, he will be earning $2.8 million in 2026-27 and is set to become a restricted free agent the following summer. Alongside Silovs, Sergei Murashov will also be a restricted free agent next summer. With Blomqvist’s cap hit of $875,000—slightly above the minimum of $850,000—he stands as the only NHL-caliber goalie currently under contract for the 2027-28 season.

The Penguins’ goaltending future hinges on the performances of the upcoming season. If Silovs fails to improve on last year’s metrics, where he ranked 43rd out of 52 goalies in 5v5 save percentage and 44th in GSAA, the team may choose not to qualify him for 2027-28. This scenario could open the door for Blomqvist to step up from a third-string role to a full-time position, particularly if the team is hesitant to commit to Silovs at market rates.

Conversely, if Murashov excels in his rookie season, the Penguins might opt to retain Silovs for the 2027-28 season, keeping Blomqvist as a reliable option should Murashov falter. Goaltending paths can be unpredictable; even highly regarded prospects sometimes find themselves needing AHL time early in their careers. However, there is hope that Murashov will emerge as a long-term solution in net for the Penguins, though he must prove himself first.

In a best-case scenario where both Silovs and Murashov enjoy strong seasons in 2026-27, the Penguins would be well-positioned with quality depth, potentially allowing Blomqvist to draw an NHL salary while playing in the AHL as an insurance policy against injuries.

With numerous variables at play, the future of the Penguins’ goaltending remains uncertain. Blomqvist’s one-way money in 2027-28 adds an intriguing layer to the team’s plans, but whether he will earn that salary as a full-time NHL goaltender is yet to be seen. The upcoming season will be pivotal in determining the trajectory of all three goalies and how the Penguins will shape their goaltending strategy moving forward.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.