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3 Forwards the Penguins Should Consider Shopping This Summer — Excluding Rust and Rakell…see more….
As the Pittsburgh Penguins look to retool their roster ahead of the 2025-26 NHL season, all eyes are on general manager Kyle Dubas and what moves he’ll make to turn the aging core back into a legitimate contender. While Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell have been the focus of trade speculation in recent months, there are other forwards on the roster that could provide cap relief, open up opportunities for younger talent, or help the team acquire much-needed draft picks and depth.
Here are three forwards not named Rust or Rakell that the Penguins should seriously consider shopping this summer.
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1. Reilly Smith
Reilly Smith was acquired from the Vegas Golden Knights last offseason in a move designed to add veteran scoring to Pittsburgh’s middle six. While the veteran winger brought championship experience and a steady two-way presence, his first year in Pittsburgh was underwhelming relative to expectations.
Smith tallied just 13 goals and 22 assists for 35 points in 76 games — a significant drop from the 56-point season he had with Vegas the year before. His $5 million cap hit is manageable for a top-six winger, but with his offensive production declining and the Penguins desperately needing more speed and youth in their lineup, trading Smith could be a logical move.
Several contending teams may still view Smith as a valuable piece, especially in a sheltered second- or third-line role. The Penguins could retain a small portion of his salary to make the deal more attractive and seek a mid-round draft pick or young prospect in return.
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2. Jeff Carter
Admittedly, Carter’s name carries weight because of his long NHL resume and the respect he commands in the locker room. However, his on-ice value in 2024-25 was far below replacement level. In what was widely believed to be his final NHL season, Carter managed just 4 goals and 7 points in 55 games, often skating limited minutes and struggling to keep pace.
Still, if Carter chooses not to retire — or if he’s willing to waive his no-movement clause — the Penguins might be able to move him to a team looking for veteran presence and depth. A trade wouldn’t bring back much in terms of return value, but moving Carter’s contract, even partially, could free up cap space and a roster spot for a younger, faster center.
Carter’s $3.125 million cap hit is steep for a player with limited production, so any deal would likely involve salary retention or the inclusion of a draft pick sweetener. However, given the Penguins’ urgent need to modernize their bottom six, the cost might be worth it.
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3. Lars Eller
Signed in July 2023 to a two-year deal worth $2.45 million annually, Lars Eller was brought in to anchor the third line and provide a stable defensive presence. While he performed admirably in faceoffs and defensive zone starts, his offensive contributions were sparse, with only 9 goals and 15 assists in 78 games.
Eller remains a serviceable bottom-six center, especially on the penalty kill, but at age 36, he doesn’t align with the Penguins’ future trajectory. Trading him while he still has value around the league — especially to a playoff team seeking a veteran center with playoff experience — could net Pittsburgh a mid-round pick or provide flexibility to audition younger players like Valtteri Puustinen or Sam Poulin.
The Penguins would likely need to absorb some salary to facilitate a trade, but Eller’s cap hit is modest enough to make a deal feasible without major complications.
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Why Moving These Players Makes Sense
The Penguins’ primary goal this offseason should be getting younger, faster, and more adaptable to the modern NHL game. Holding on to aging, underperforming forwards may offer short-term familiarity but does little to improve the team’s long-term competitiveness.
Kyle Dubas and head coach Mike Sullivan face a pivotal moment. The core of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang is not getting any younger, and their window — if still open at all — is quickly closing. Surrounding them with players who can keep up with the pace of the game and contribute meaningfully on both ends of the ice is paramount.
Moving veterans like Smith, Carter, and Eller — while retaining Rust and Rakell for now — can provide the team with additional cap space, allow room for young prospects to develop, and send a clear message that Pittsburgh is committed to building a more sustainable and competitive roster.
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Potential Replacements
If any or all of these forwards are moved, Pittsburgh has a few internal options that could step up:
Valtteri Puustinen showed flashes of offensive skill in his limited NHL appearances and could thrive with consistent middle-six minutes.
Sam Poulin, if healthy and confident, could earn a role as a bottom-six energy forward with scoring upside.
Radim Zohorna and Jonathan Gruden are other depth options who could fill roles vacated by veterans without requiring large contracts.
In addition, the Penguins could explore bargain free agent options or absorb younger players from other teams in return for cap relief trades.
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Final Thoughts
The Pittsburgh Penguins are entering a crucial phase where every decision matters — from trades and free agent signings to player development and cap management. While much of the offseason speculation has centered around big names like Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell, there are other moves that may be more practical and necessary in the short term.
Shopping Reilly Smith, Jeff Carter, and Lars Eller won’t make headlines the way blockbuster trades do, but shedding aging depth pieces is a foundational step toward revitalizing the Penguins’ forward group and extending the competitive life of the Crosby-led core.
As training camp nears, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Dubas makes the bold de
cisions needed — or if Pittsburgh opts to stand pat and risk further decline.
