Penguins GM sees ‘low risk, high reward’ in Ville Koivunen’s 8-year contract

The Pittsburgh Penguins have committed to Ville Koivunen as a key part of their future, signing the restricted free agent to an eight-year contract worth $4 million annually through the 2033-34 season. The move reflects general manager Kyle Dubas’ confidence in the 23-year-old winger despite his limited NHL experience.

Dubas explained that the decision went beyond Koivunen’s current production and centered on the franchise’s long-term outlook.

“There were many factors that led to us going down this path,” Dubas said, while answering questions via email. “But the primary factor was watching the way the market evolved over the season and especially the summer and trying to best plan for the future of the Penguins.”

He added, saying, “We view the contract as a bet on Ville, his potential, and our belief that he is going to do the work to reach that potential.”

Penguins writer Josh Yohe also revealed the thinking behind the agreement, writing that Dubas views the contract as “low risk, high reward.” Yohe added, “the cap is rising to the point that he’s willing to risk losing $4 million annually for eight years if Koivunen is a bust.”

Dubas’ approach makes sense within the NHL’s financial landscape. As the salary cap continues to increase, a $4 million cap hit could become a bargain if Koivunen develops into a reliable top-six forward.

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Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Ville Koivunen (41) passes the puck against the Washington Capitals during the third period at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

The Finnish winger showed encouraging signs during the 2025-26 season. He recorded seven points in 39 NHL games while producing 41 points in 34 AHL contests. He also led Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in assists, posted the team’s best points-per-game rate, and earned AHL Player of the Month honors in February.

Koivunen has produced 98 points in 109 AHL games across two organizations, suggesting his offensive ability is well established below the NHL level. The challenge now is translating that production consistently against NHL competition.

The contract also aligns with Pittsburgh’s current direction. The Penguins remain built around Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang, but younger players must begin carrying a larger share of the workload. Koivunen represents one of the organization’s most important development projects.

If he reaches his projected ceiling, Dubas will have secured a productive young winger at a manageable cap hit for most of the next decade. If not, the rising salary cap limits the financial damage, making the deal a calculated gamble rather than a reckless one.