Penguins Free Agency 2026: Latest News, Rumors & Offseason Signings for Pittsburgh originally appeared on SportsNet Pittsburgh.
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Following a chaotic wave of blockbuster trades highlighted by Brady Tkachuk landing in Florida and Alex Tuch heading to Buffalo, the NHL offseason is shifting to the annual free agency period.
For teams looking to contend, the next few days are critical. General managers will look to use the market to either counter the massive upgrades made by their rivals or land the final pieces needed for a deep playoff run.
How will Pittsburgh improve its roster?
Here are the latest rumors surrounding the Penguins as NHL free agency begins.
Penguins free agency 2026: Latest news, rumors
Wednesday, July 1
Ryan Shea signs with Oilers on five-year deal
Shea, who had 35 points with the Penguins in 2025-26, signed a five-year contract with an AAV of $4 million with the Oilers, ending his time in Pittsburgh. The defenseman, who was signed by Pittsburgh as a free agent in 2023, finds a new home north of the border.
Penguins sign Trevor van Riemsdyk to a two-year contract
On Wednesday afternoon, Pittsburgh inked a two-year deal with van Riemsdyk with a value of $4 million annually. He joins his fourth team, having played for the Blackhawks, Hurricanes and Capitals. In his past two seasons with Washington, the defenseman had 35 points and a +26 rating.
He joins a Pittsburgh blue line already featuring veterans in Kris Letang and Erik Karlsson.
Penguins sign Declan Carlile on two-year contract
Pittsburgh has officially signed the 26-year old Carlile to a two-year deal worth $1.5 million annually. In 2025-26, he featured in 42 games for the Lightning, posting a +5 rating while averaging 14:47 ice time per game.
Penguins sign Andrei Kuzmenko to one-year deal
The Penguins have signed Kuzmenko to a one-year, $5 million deal. Last season, the winger had 25 points in 52 games with the Kings. His career high of 74 points came during the 2022-23 season with the Canucks.
Stuart Skinner leaves Penguins for Jets
Skinner, who started 27 games for Pittsburgh during the 2025-26 season, signed a two-year, $3.75M AAV deal with Winnipeg on Wednesday.
After being traded to the Penguins from the Oilers, Skinner tallied a 12-9-5 record with an .885 save percentage and 2.99 goals against average. He started the first three games of the Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Flyers before being replaced by Arturs Silovs.
Penguins acquire Nick Robertson from Maple Leafs
On Wednesday, Pittsburgh acquired Robertson from Toronto in exchange for a fourth-round pick.
Robertson, the brother of Stars winger Jason, had 32 points (16 goals, 16 assists) during the 2025-26 season.
Penguins free agency signings, trades 2026
- July 1: Penguins sign Trevor van Riemsdyk to two-year, $4 million contract.
- July 1: Penguins sign Declan Carlile to two-year deal.
- July 1: Penguins sign Andrei Kuzmenko to one-year, $5 million deal.
- July 1: Penguins acquire Nick Robertson from Maple Leafs in exchange for fourth-round pick.
When does NHL free agency start in 2026?
- Date: Wednesday, July 1
- Time: Noon ET
NHL free agency will begin at noon ET on Wednesday, July 1. Unrestricted free agents will be able to officially sign new deals with teams, and front offices will be permitted to extend offer sheets to restricted free agents.
NHL free agency 2026: Top available players
Rasmus Andersson
The 29-year-old defenseman sits at the top of this year’s class. Andersson produced 17 goals and 30 assists in 81 games last year, helping Vegas reach the Stanley Cup Final. It would be shocking if the Golden Knights aren’t able to reach an agreement with him as free agency begins.
John Carlson
After being sent from from Washington to Anaheim, Carlson showed that he remains an elite player at 36 years old. He posted 14 goals and 46 assists in 71 games last season. The Ducks traded his rights to the Hurricanes last month, so Carolina has an exclusive window to negotiate with him.
Alex Ovechkin
Ovechkin, the only player in NHL history with more than 900 career goals, is unlikely to leave Washington if he wants to continue playing. However, he could retire after finishing his 21st NHL season. Ovechkin led the Capitals with 64 points (32 goals, 32 assists) in 2025-26 and played all 82 games.
Sergei Bobrovsky
At 37 years old, the two-time Stanley Cup champion still has something left in the tank after appearing in 52 games last season. Rumors are swirling about Bobrovsky potentially leaving the Panthers and joining the Maple Leafs.
Mats Zuccarello
Zuccarello is coming off back-to-back 54-point seasons with the Wild. He remains a terrific passer, but at 38 years old, he will likely be looking at short-term offers when he hits free agency.
Anthony Mantha
Mantha enjoyed the best season of his career in Pittsburgh, scoring a team-high 33 goals to go along with 31 assists before struggling in the playoffs. He was a major contributor for a team that stunned the hockey world by reaching the postseason, but it’s unclear if the Penguins are willing to use a significant portion of their cap space to keep him.
Anders Lee
Will Lee really leave the Islanders? New York’s captain had 19 goals and 23 assists in 82 games last season and continued to provide strong leadership in the locker room. He would certainly be a welcome addition to a contending roster.
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