No one saw the Pittsburgh Penguins coming this season. Going into last summer, the Penguins looked like they were at the beginning of a rebuild and were not projected to be very good for the next few seasons. However, they are currently in a playoff spot and could return to the postseason for the first time since 2022. The NHL trade deadline is on March 6, and general manager (GM) Kyle Dubas can afford to be patient.
Dubas’s Plan Is Working
Since becoming the GM in 2023, Dubas has been stockpiling draft picks and young prospects. He knew he was taking on the responsibility of a rebuild, and he’s done a good job up to this point. Pittsburgh’s rebuild is ahead of schedule, so what are their plans for the trade deadline?
The Penguins are currently in the thick of the playoff race, and if they keep playing well they should make the postseason. Dubas has set the team up nicely and there isn’t really a wrong answer for him at the trade deadline. He could choose to go after a forward, but there isn’t really a huge need for one at this time. Pittsburgh’s current forward group is solid, not to mention the depth they have down in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton with Rutger McGroarty and Ville Koivunen. They don’t really need any help at the goalie position right now either.