Kyle Dubas Outlines Penguins’ Summer Strategy At NHL Combine

Kyle Dubas is preparing for a busy summer on the trade front.

Fresh off the NHL Draft Combine, the Penguins general manager said his team has already received multiple inquiries from clubs interested in acquiring veteran talent. Pittsburgh is looking to leverage its experienced roster and surplus of draft picks to target younger assets.

“There are teams that have been rebuilding for a while that are looking to take steps,” Dubas said, according to Josh Yohe of The Athletic. “They are interested. That’s potentially a good fit with us.”

Rebuilding teams have shown notable interest in Pittsburgh’s veterans, creating what Dubas believes are mutually beneficial trade scenarios. The Penguins are reportedly willing to move assets in exchange for young talent that may no longer align with other organizations’ timelines.

Dubas downplayed the likelihood of being aggressive in free agency, noting the team would only pursue younger targets deserving of long-term investment. Instead, he emphasized his preference for acquiring talent via trade, especially from cap-strapped teams.

Trade conversations have already picked up, and Dubas made clear that Pittsburgh is ready to be active in those discussions.

Meanwhile, the Penguins also need to address their own restricted free agents: Conor Timmins, Pierre-Olivier Joseph, Connor Dewar, Philip Tomasino, and Vasily Ponomarev. However, Ponomarev appears headed overseas next season after reportedly finalizing a deal to play in the KHL.

Dubas said the draft combine offered more value in building relationships than in direct evaluation, helping the team connect with potential draft picks ahead of July’s development camp.

More NHL: Penguins Could Double-Dip in 2025 NHL Draft’s First Round