The Pittsburgh Penguins continue to find themselves in a familiar, but increasingly delicate, position as the trade deadline season approaches. They’re not true contenders, but they’re also not a team willing (or able) to hit the reset button with Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang still riding the bus. Sitting in the playoff bubble, Pittsburgh’s challenge is clear: Find the right upgrades without sacrificing the short-term competitiveness that has been a hallmark of the Crosby era.
General manager Kyle Dubas has already shown he is willing to be aggressive in the market if the value is equal, but the players likely to be available are expected to reward teams that focus on fit rather than flash. The Penguins don’t need huge, franchise-altering moves. They need stabilizers, depth reinforcements and players whose contracts do not undermine the future. With that in mind, here it is four realistic trading goals which could help Pittsburgh stabilize itself and secure a playoff spot.
Blake Coleman would add proven Playoff DNA
If the Penguins are prioritizing preparation for the playoffs over long-term winning, Blake Coleman checks almost every box. The 34-year-old winger has surfaced in recent trade talks with the Calgary Flames still at the bottom of the standings, and his resume speaks for itself. Coleman is a ruthless forward, a defensive conscience in the middle six and a two-time Stanley Cup champion with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Coleman’s skill set matches what Pittsburgh needs right now. The Penguins have struggled to get steady play from their bottom players, especially when the games get intense. Coleman can pressure players with the puck, kill penalties and score key goals, which should improve those lines quickly.
Coleman’s contract runs through next season and is $4.9 million per year, so he isn’t just a short-term solution. This could make him attractive to Pittsburgh if the Flames retain some salary. Calgary has said they are not trying to trade him, but other teams are supposedly interested and the team owners could easily change their minds.
The Penguins don’t need Coleman to score like a top player to make the trade worthwhile. He would play against tough games, be reliable in the playoffs and take some pressure off Crosby’s line every game. If Pittsburgh thinks they can make the playoffs and trouble a top team, Coleman will use that plan.
Lukas Reichel represents a buy-low upside bet
Blake Coleman is all about playing it safe, but Lukas Reichel is all about taking smart risks. The 23-year-old attacker already traded this season and hasn’t really found his feet yet with the Vancouver Canucks. People thought he would be a star winger when he was drafted in 2020, but his growth has relatively stalled, leaving people wondering if he needs more confidence or a better spot on the team, not if he even has the skills. That’s why Pittsburgh might be interested.
The Penguins have been relying on older players for a while, and while they won’t suddenly become a young team, they need young players under team control who can bring some speed and skill to the game. Reichel can play either center or left wing, which gives the Penguins some choices, especially if they get injured later in the season.
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He’s also just $1.2 million against the salary cap in the final year of his contract working for Pittsburgh. Getting Reichel wouldn’t have too much to do with their finances, and he shouldn’t cost much in a trade since he hasn’t scored a ton yet.
Still, this would be about adding depth and helping him grow, not about acquiring a player who will surely make a change in the playoffs. Reichel should play fewer minutes in easier situations, likely starting on the third or fourth line. But if he works well with some experienced teammates, it could really be worth it, especially since the Penguins haven’t had many unexpected scoring boosts from within the team.
Kiefer Sherwood brings speed, physicality and affordability
Kiefer Sherwood is quietly getting more attention, and he may be underrated. At 30 years old, he is now known as an energetic winger who is good at predicting, which is exactly what teams want come playoff time.
What makes Sherwood interesting is what he can do for the Penguins and what he costs. He has a reasonable cap hit of $1.5 million and no trade protection, so he gives Dubas some budget wiggle room. Sherwood is quick and isn’t afraid to get physical, which could solve a problem the Penguins keep running into: maintaining pressure when the top lines aren’t there.
He won’t score many goals, but that’s not really his job. Sherwood helps by shifting the momentum, keeping the puck in the offensive zone and moving the game forward. That’s important for the Penguins because they can still outwit teams, but sometimes struggle to outwit them.
There is talk that the Canucks may be open to offers for some of their older players, especially those not signed long-term. If Sherwood gets a lot of interest, Pittsburgh will have to act quickly. He seems to fit in well among the six available attackers.
Brandon Carlo could stabilize the blue line
Defense remains Pittsburgh’s most pressing concern. Injuries, inconsistency and a heavy reliance on Letang have exposed the back end, especially against faster teams. That’s where Brandon Carlo comes into play.
Carlo is not about scoring; he is a 6-foot-4 right-handed defenseman who is great at defense, killing penalties and taking on tough opponents. These skills are very useful in the playoffs, especially for the Penguins, who have struggled to hold onto the lead late in the game.
What’s more interesting is his contract. Carlo is signed through the 2026-2027 season with a $4.1 million cap hit (the Toronto Maple Leafs could cover some of that), so he’s not just a short-term solution. He gives Pittsburgh some stability without going too far down the road.
Physically, Carlo balances the Penguins defense, which can struggle in front of the net. He can open up the crease and get defensive minutes, which would allow Letang to focus more on moving the puck and creating offense, making the team better overall. He won’t be cheap, but Carlo fills a real need, and his skill set is perfect for playoff hockey.
Penguins should choose Fit over Flash
The Penguins aren’t looking for big trades anymore. To reach the playoffs, you have to be smart, not flashy. Blake Coleman, Lukas Reichel, Kiefer Sherwood and Brandon Carlo each bring something different – experience, potential, good value or consistency – but they all fit what Pittsburgh needs right now: stay competitive while still having Crosby game.
If Dubas can find the sweet spot between retaining prospects and improving the team now, the Penguins will have a good shot at the playoffs. These four players exemplify the kind of smart, hockey-oriented moves that could be crucial down the road.
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