Pittsburgh Penguins Contract Extensions
The Pittsburgh Penguins reinforced their roster by announcing contract extensions for two players. Forward Connor Dewar and defenseman Ilya Solovyov, both previously facing free agency, will continue their careers in Pittsburgh after signing new deals.
Connor Dewar’s Extension
Connor Dewar, who recently enjoyed a breakout season, has signed a two-year extension that will keep him with the Penguins through the 2027-28 NHL season. His new contract carries an average annual value of $2.25 million, reflecting his significant contributions to the team.
In the previous season (2025-26), Dewar achieved personal bests, netting 14 goals, providing 16 assists, and totaling 30 points, while his plus-minus rating of +16 was the highest among Penguins forwards and third overall on the team. Additionally, he made his mark in the playoffs, scoring two goals in six games, marking his first contributions in NHL playoff history. Dewar led the team in shorthanded ice time, reinforcing his importance to the Penguins’ sixth-ranked penalty-kill unit.
Dewar, a 26-year-old native of The Pas, Manitoba, has accrued 316 NHL games since entering the league in the 2021 season, during which he has recorded 37 goals and 46 assists. He was originally drafted by the Minnesota Wild in the third round of the 2018 draft after spending time with the Everett Silvertips in the WHL.
Ilya Solovyov’s Extension
On the other hand, Ilya Solovyov has also secured a new contract, signing a one-year extension that extends his tenure in Pittsburgh through the 2026-27 season. With a cap hit of $850,000, Solovyov is expected to bolster the Penguins’ defensive lineup. The 25-year-old defenseman had a productive 2025-26 season, appearing in 30 games, in which he tallied a total of eight points (one goal, seven assists)—both career highs. He made three playoff appearances, marking the first time he skated in the Stanley Cup postseason.
Originally from Mogilev, Belarus, Solovyov has played the bulk of his professional career in the AHL, with over 230 games under his belt, where he has registered 69 points. He has also demonstrated versatility, capable of playing on either side of the defense.
Looking Ahead
As the Penguins look toward the next season, both Dewar and Solovyov are positioned to play significant roles, while the team braces for discussions regarding other upcoming unrestricted free agents, including star forward Evgeni Malkin, who is set to communicate with management shortly regarding his future with the franchise. With these extensions, the Penguins are aiming to build upon their recent successes and continue to strengthen their roster.
