Pittsburgh Penguins Offseason Checklist: Key Moves and Upcoming Decisions

As June unfolds, it marks a pivotal time in the NHL, with the Stanley Cup awarded and teams strategizing for the upcoming draft and free agency. For the Pittsburgh Penguins, this month is particularly significant as they navigate their offseason checklist.

One item from last month’s list has been resolved: Evgeni Malkin has signed a one-year extension, securing his place with the team for another season. Meanwhile, the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins continue their playoff run, currently engaged in the Eastern Conference Finals.

The Penguins will enter the draft with the 22nd overall pick, having received no assistance from other teams to move up in the selection order. While this may be disappointing, it provides clarity as they prepare for the upcoming draft on June 26-27 in Buffalo, where they currently hold seven picks, including three in the top 54 selections.

Ownership transition remains a topic of interest, with expectations of finalization soon, possibly including increased involvement from Mario Lemieux. This could set a positive tone for the new ownership group as they begin their journey with the team.

The Penguins also have several unrestricted free agents to consider, including Kevin Hayes, Anthony Mantha, Noel Acciari, Connor Dewar, Connor Clifton, Ryan Shea, Ilya Solovyov, and Stuart Skinner. While Malkin, Dewar, and Solovyov were re-signed in May, the outlook for the others remains uncertain as free agency approaches. The likelihood of additional signings from this group appears low, with market conditions favoring Mantha and Shea to explore free agency.

In addition to unrestricted free agency, the Penguins are preparing for restricted free agency involving Arturs Silovs, Egor Chinakhov, Joel Blomqvist, Ville Koivunen, and Alex Alexeyev. Decisions regarding these players, particularly Alexeyev, will need to be made by the deadline later this month, with qualifying offers anticipated.

As for AHL players, some key contributors are heading into unrestricted free agency. Joona Koppanen has already agreed to a contract in Sweden for the 2026-27 season, while Boko Imama, Rafael Harvey-Pinard, and defenseman Sebastian Aho are also exploring their options. Notably, Imama is seen as a strong candidate for the Penguins to retain.

While there wasn’t much drama surrounding drafted players whose rights expired on June 1, the Penguins remain in a strong position with Zam Plante and Luke Devlin still enrolled in college, thus retaining their rights. Looking ahead, the 2025 CHL prospects without college commitments will need to sign by June 1, 2027, or re-enter the draft, adding urgency to the team’s decision-making process.

In the front office, Todd Nelson’s name has emerged as a possible head coaching candidate amid openings in Toronto, Edmonton, and Vancouver. With three recent general manager positions filled, Nashville is still in search of a new GM, and Jason Spezza’s name continues to circulate as a future candidate.

As the Penguins finalize their draft strategy, they are also focused on scouting potential free agents who could enhance their roster. The team is looking to replicate the success of recent contributions from players like Parker Wotherspoon and Anthony Mantha, emphasizing the importance of preparation as they aim to improve their lineup this offseason.

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