The Pittsburgh Penguins are heading into a fascinating offseason after exceeding expectations and getting back to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. But despite the strong turnaround, their season ended quickly with a hard-fought first-round loss to the Philadelphia Flyers in overtime of Game 6.<\/p>\n
Now, GM Kyle Dubas faces a major challenge: keeping the Penguins competitive around Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin<\/a>, and Kris Letang<\/a> while also reshaping the roster for the future.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n And one intriguing name is now being connected to Pittsburgh, a veteran Maple Leafs<\/a> defenseman carrying a massive $60 million contract.<\/p>\n Penguins Linked to Maple Leafs Blue-Liner<\/p>\n The player generating the speculation is Toronto<\/a> defenseman Morgan Rielly<\/a>, who just finished the fourth year of his eight-year, $60 million contract.<\/p>\n After a turbulent season in Toronto and major front-office changes under new GM John Chayka, there is growing belief the Maple Leafs could explore moving Rielly if he\u2019s open to waiving his protection clause.<\/p>\n Rielly\u2019s defensive issues this season have only added to the speculation, especially after finishing with a career-worst minus-18 rating. He still brings offense and leadership, but a fresh start might benefit both him and the team.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n That\u2019s where Pittsburgh enters the picture. NHL insider Ryan Dixon recently connected Rielly to the Penguins, pointing directly to Dubas\u2019s history with the veteran defenseman.<\/p>\n \u201cRielly\u2019s current contract was inked by Pens GM Kyle Dubas in 2021, when Dubas ran the Leafs. Pittsburgh is coming off a surprise playoff appearance and has only two defencemen inked beyond this coming season\u2026 You could see where Rielly might serve as a bridge of sorts between the current blueline corps and the one Dubas is trying to build for the future,\u201d Dixon said. <\/a><\/p>\n