With few intriguing forward pieces remaining on the free agent market, many teams are turning to the RFA market and the trade market to upgrade their top-six.

With Rakell and Rust still on the roster, the Penguins can achieve that goal while also providing Crosby with the best opportunities to have at least one more productive season in Pittsburgh.

The Penguins have signed 2025 first-round draft pick Ben Kindel to a three-year, entry-level contract. Kindel, 18, was the Penguins' first of three first-round picks at the 2025 NHL Draft last month. He is the Penguins' highest selection since 2012, when Pittsburgh drafted defenseman Derrick Pouliot No. 8 overall.

The Detroit Red Wings have a good amount of cap space ($12 million) and the need for a top-six forward and top-four defenseman.

If Dubas did trade Rust and Rakell, though, he could gain key pieces for his attempt at a very fast, machine-like rebuild. The Penguins are certainly also willing to trade Erik Karlsson. The veteran defenseman is tricky because of his full no-movement clause, but he’s believed to be open to joining certain teams.

The Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance helped make a Colorado grandmother's dream come true this week. She got the chance to meet penguins up close.

Erik Karlsson continues to draw trade interest as the Penguins consider options for the veteran defenseman ahead of the new season.

One of the stated goals of Pittsburgh Penguins' GM and POHO Kyle Dubas at the end of the 2024-25 was to begin the "execution" phase of the organization's rebuild. He said part of that "execution" would,