Pittsburgh Penguins Roster Enhancements for the 2025-26 Season
As the Pittsburgh Penguins set their sights on enhancing their roster for the upcoming 2025-26 season, several key areas require attention, notably their defense, particularly the left-hand side. A significant factor in this pursuit hinges on whether Matt Grzelcyk opts to sign with another team in free agency.
Potential Trade Targets
In consideration of potential trade targets, Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram emerges as a primary candidate that could greatly benefit the Penguins’ lineup.
At just 24 years of age, Byram, a 2019 first-round selection, has established himself as a reliable top-four defenseman and presents a promising option for a team like the Penguins that is undergoing a period of transition. With the potential for further development under optimal conditions, his arrival could unlock even greater performance levels.
Byram concluded the 2024-25 NHL season with commendable statistics, registering seven goals along with career-best marks of 31 assists and 38 points across 82 games, while boasting a plus-11 rating. Should the Penguins successfully acquire Byram, he would immediately take the position of their premier left-shot defenseman, complementing their power play and providing support for their penalty kill.
Complex Negotiations Ahead
Negotiations may be complex, however, as Byram is due to become a restricted free agent and is expected to receive a significant increase from his last contract that averaged $3.85 million per year. Given the Penguins’ urgent need for enhancements along their defensive line and Byram’s youth, pursuing him would likely prove advantageous.
Recent Trades
In related news, with the Penguins having fallen short of playoff contention ahead of the 2025 NHL trade deadline, the team opted to trade forward Cody Glass. In a deal that sent Glass and teammate Jonathan Gruden to the New Jersey Devils, the Penguins received Chase Stillman, the signing rights to Max Graham, and a third-round pick in 2027.
Photo Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images
