The Pittsburgh Penguins are gearing up for free agency, with a mix of key restricted and unrestricted free agents on their radar. With a healthy $37MM in cap room, the team has the flexibility to make significant moves, but it's a delicate balance between retaining current players and upgrading the roster.
Key Restricted Free Agents
Egor Chinakhov: The Russian forward had a breakout season in Pittsburgh, scoring 18 goals and 18 assists in just 43 games. His 17% shooting percentage is a concern, but his production is impressive. Chinakhov's value is likely to be around $3.5MM for a one-year deal, but he may seek a longer-term contract. With arbitration rights, he could demand closer to $5MM.
Arturs Silovs: The 25-year-old goaltender had a solid season, playing 39 games and pairing well with Sergei Murashov. Silovs' -11.9 goals saved-above-expected and 3.04 GAA are average, but his playoff performance was notable. A one-year deal around $1.8MM is possible, allowing the team to allocate funds elsewhere.
Other RFAs include Ville Koivunen, Alexander Alexeyev, Joel Blomqvist, Vasili Ponomarev, Oliver Okuliar, and Filip Lindberg.
Key Unrestricted Free Agents
Anthony Mantha: Mantha was the Penguins' leading goal scorer, but his playoff performance was underwhelming with just one assist in six games. At 31 years old, his market value is uncertain, especially in a weak free agent class. The team may be wary of his potential gamble, as he could command over $6MM per season for a few more 25-goal campaigns.
Stuart Skinner: Skinner's trade from Edmonton to Pittsburgh was beneficial, but his stats regressed. With Murashov's development, long-term commitment is not ideal. Skinner's 27 years and 2.6MM AAV make him an attractive option, similar to Petr Mrázek's deal with Chicago.
Ryan Shea: Shea's career year in 2025-26 saw him notch 35 points in 80 games. His 47.6% zone starts on the attack are impressive, and he could command a top-four defenseman contract. However, with fellow lefties in the mix, it's a competitive market.
Noel Acciari: Acciari had his best season as a pro, scoring 13 goals and 12 assists. His 84.9% time in his own end is notable. A two-year deal around $2MM is possible, and the team may benefit from a younger player in his role.
Other UFAs include Connor Clifton, Kevin Hayes, Bokondji Imama, Sebastian Aho, Rafael Harvey-Pinard, and Taylor Gauthier.
Free Agency Strategy
The Penguins have the cap room to make significant moves, but it's a fine line between retaining current players and upgrading. A high-end top-four defenseman and another top-six center are priorities. The team may also consider a big-ticket free agent like Sidney Crosby, Kris Letang, or Evgeni Malkin, who avoided this list with a recent extension.
The Penguins' front office, led by Kyle Dubas, will need to make careful decisions to maintain long-term success.
