Penguins GM Kyle Dubas Once Again Targets Reclamation Projects
The opening day of free agency was an interesting one for the Pittsburgh Penguins.
GM Kyle Dubas started off the signing season by inking Andrei Kuzmenko to a one-year, $5 million contract. The 30-year-old left winger scored 13 goals and put up 25 points in 52 games this past season with the Los Angeles Kings.
The Penguins then added a depth option on defense in Trevor van Riemsdyk, signing him to a two-year contract worth $4 million annually.
In addition to these signings, one of the standout moves the Penguins made was acquiring left winger Nick Robertson from the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for a 2028 fourth-round pick.
Penguins Acquire Nick Robertson From Maple Leafs
The Pittsburgh Penguins have acquired Nick Robertson from the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Nick Robertson
Considering Robertson is just 24 and is coming off a career-high 16 goals and 32 points. The exchange of value would suggest this is a tidy bit of work by Dubas, who was Leafs GM when Toronto drafted Robertson 53rd overall in 2019.
That said, this move doesn't come without its questions in the short term.
Robertson's development in the Maple Leafs organization was largely stalled due to the structure of their roster year over year and his inability to maintain a consistent role in the top six, where his skill set is ultimately best used.
That scenario could still very much play out with the Penguins, albeit with a change of scenery.
If Dubas views Robertson as someone who will maintain a roster spot beyond this current era of Penguins hockey, then the opportunities to elevate in the lineup should be there. However, that outcome is far from guaranteed.
It's still a worthwhile bet, especially for the price they paid.
With Robertson still unsigned as an RFA, there's a decent chance they get him at a number that gives the player the opportunity to outperform his contract.
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This story was originally published July 2, 2026 at 2:29 PM.