Penguins reportedly on the verge of shopping two veteran superstar defensemen
Photo credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
The Pittsburgh Penguins could be preparing for a much bigger shake-up than anyone expected. According to insider Darren Dreger, general manager Kyle Dubas is willing to listen on several of his most recognizable veterans.
You could see a bigger sell-off by Kyle Dubas; listening on players like Kris Letang, Erik Karlsson, Bryan Rust, and Rickard Rakell; Dubas is open for business.
Why the Dreger Report Matters
Rust and Rakell have appeared in trade chatter for a long time, so their inclusion is not a shock. Both forwards are signed through the 2027-28 season with cap hits near $5 million, which makes them attractive to contenders hunting for scoring depth.
Kris Letang is the real eye-opener. For years, the veteran defenseman was viewed as part of the franchise's foundation alongside Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, and he was largely treated as untouchable.
Seeing his name attached to a possible Dubas sell-off suggests Pittsburgh may be willing to rethink the entire core.
Karlsson remains the most complicated piece. He holds a full no-movement clause, meaning any deal needs his approval, and the Penguins would likely have to retain part of his salary to make the math work for a buyer.
What Comes Next for Pittsburgh
Dubas has spent plenty of time talking about patience and development, but being labeled open for business changes the conversation.
Taking calls does not guarantee a trade, yet a GM with this much veteran talent to offer tends to draw heavy interest from teams searching for experienced help.
Pittsburgh would hold a strong hand in those talks. Contenders always want proven players, and a package of prospects and draft picks could speed up a retool that fans have been waiting on for years.
The challenge is balancing that long-term vision with a roster still built around aging stars.
Whether the Penguins make one move or several, the coming weeks could reshape this franchise for years. Keep an eye on the trade market, because Pittsburgh may be about to become one of the busiest teams in the league.
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