Preparing for the Trade Deadline
It was only a matter of time before Pittsburgh Penguins President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Kyle Dubas made his first move in the lead-up to the Mar. 7 NHL trade deadline. On Wednesday night, Dubas tipped the first domino with a series of trades that signaled the Penguins’ intent to recalibrate their roster. The most notable move involved trading forward Michael Bunting and a 2026 fourth-round pick to the Nashville Predators in exchange for defenseman Luke Schenn and forward Tommy Novak. Additionally, recently acquired defenseman Vincent Desharnais was dealt to the San Jose Sharks for a 2028 fifth-round pick. These moves reflect Dubas’s strategic vision for the Penguins’ future.
The Value in Tommy Novak
Dubas explained that while trading Bunting was a tough decision, Novak’s potential and fit with the Penguins made the deal worthwhile. "We looked at the two trades in totality – Desharnais, Bunting, and a pick for Novak, Schenn, and a pick," Dubas said. "Tommy was younger, under team control for an additional season over [Bunting], carried a lower cap charge, and is primarily a center. We felt that carried a large amount of value as we move ahead here with our plans." Novak, 27, has 13 goals and 22 points in 52 games this season. Over his 201 career games with Nashville, he has registered 49 goals and 117 points. Drafted in the third round (85th overall) of the 2015 NHL draft, Novak has shown significant development under Nashville’s guidance. Dubas highlighted Novak’s ability to control play, generate scoring chances, and produce at even strength, making him a valuable addition to the Penguins’ lineup as a solid third-line center.
The Intangible Strengths of Luke Schenn
In addition to Novak, the acquisition of Luke Schenn brings a wealth of experience and intangibles to the Penguins. A two-time Stanley Cup champion with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2020 and 2021, Schenn’s defensive play, character, leadership, and toughness on the blue line are qualities Dubas believes the team desperately needs. "We feel that having Luke’s defensive play, character, leadership, toughness, and spirit is something we need here to help push our program through this phase and preserve our culture and standards as we work to return to contention," Dubas said. Schenn, 35, carries a cap hit of $2.75 million through the end of the 2025-26 season and has a goal and five points in 61 games this season. Originally drafted fifth overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2008, Schenn has 44 goals and 203 points in 1,057 NHL games. His veteran presence will be crucial in mentoring younger Penguins and solidifying the team’s defensive core.
The Marketplace and Future Moves
These initial trades are just the beginning for Dubas, as several other players could be on the move within the next 48 hours. Pending unrestricted free agents like Matt Grzelcyk and Anthony Beauvillier, as well as top winger Rickard Rakell, are potential targets for further trades. The current market is a heavy seller’s market, which works in the Penguins’ favor. "This is one of the more unique markets that I’ve encountered leading up to the trade deadline," Dubas said. There’s a lot of parity and different strategies that contending teams have deployed, combined with teams that are out of the race being very clear that with the salary cap going up in 2025-26 and the two years beyond, that they plan to be aggressive with their acquisitions come July." Dubas is confident that the Penguins are well-positioned to make impactful moves, both in the coming days and heading into the summer.
Strategic Vision for the Future
Dubas’s strategic vision for the Penguins extends beyond the immediate trade deadline. "Overall, I think we are positioned well over the next few days – but especially heading into the summer and beyond – to continue to execute our plan as we have been for the last 12 months and continue to work to return the Penguins back into contention as soon as possible," he stated. The acquisitions of Novak and Schenn, along with the potential for further trades, demonstrate the Penguins’ commitment to building a balanced and competitive roster. By focusing on young talent and veteran leadership, Dubas aims to create a synergy that can propel the Penguins back to the top of the league.
Staying Informed
To keep up with the latest developments and potential trades as the deadline approaches, fans can follow and bookmark the THN – Penguins Trade Deadline Tracker. Additionally, bookmarking THN – Pittsburgh Penguins on your Google News tab will ensure you stay updated with the latest Penguins news, roster moves, player features, and more. The coming days will be crucial for the Penguins, and the decisions made by Dubas and the front office will shape the team’s future for seasons to come.
