Penguins Free Agency 2026: Latest News, Rumors & Offseason Signings for Pittsburgh

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

Penguins sign Declan Carlile on two-year contract

Pittsburgh has officially signed the 26-year old Declan Carlile to a two-year deal worth $1.5 million annually. In 2025-26, he featured in 42 games for the Tampa Bay Lightning, posting a +5 rating while averaging 14:47 ice time per game.

Penguins sign Andrei Kuzmenko to one-year deal

According to TSN’s Pierre LeBrun, the Penguins have signed Kuzmenko to a one-year, $5 million deal. Last season, the winger had 25 points in 52 games with the Los Angeles Kings. His career high came in the 2022-23 season with the Vancouver Canucks, where he had 39 goals and 35 assists in his first season in the NHL.

Stuart Skinner leaves Penguins for Jets

Skinner, who started 27 games for Pittsburgh in the 2025-26 season, signed a two-year, $3.75M AAV deal with Winnipeg on Wednesday, per TSN’s Darren Dreger.

After being traded to the Penguins from the Edmonton Oilers midseason, Skinner tallied a 12-9-5 record with a 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 traded for Robertson from Toronto in exchange for a fourth round pick.

Robertson, the brother of Dallas Stars’ superstar Jason, had 32 points (16 goals, 16 assists) in the 2025-26 season.

Penguins free agency signings, trades 2026

• 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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