Penguins eye Kyrou, Boeser as 2026 trade targets

Jordan Kyrou’s goal total fell to 18 last season following three consecutive 30-goal campaigns, making him a potential value target for the Penguins.

Trade Targets and Contract Details

Dan Kingerski outlined four forwards whose acquisition costs vary sharply. Jordan Kyrou enters unrestricted free agency after the 2026-27 season while Andrei Svechnikov holds three years at $7.75 million after posting a career-high 31 goals.

Brock Boeser, at 29 years old, carries six remaining years at $7.25 million after scoring 40 goals three seasons ago and then 25 and 22 the past two. His lower ask compared with the others stems directly from the recent production dip.

Jason Robertson remains restricted and would likely command Rickard Rakell plus Rutger McGroarty and a first-round pick, or alternatively Rakell, Will Horcoff and a first. Dallas may reject Rakell’s age of 33 or McGroarty’s uncertainty and counter with Bill Zonnon or Sergei Murashov.

The contrast between Svechnikov’s long-term security and Boeser’s six-year commitment illustrates two acquisition paths: one expensive but proven, the other cheaper yet riskier on recent output.

Penguins’ Sellable Assets

Rickard Rakell holds two years of control and comparable trade value to Elias Lindholm or Bo Horvat. The San Jose precedent of Mikael Granlund and Cody Ceci for a first and third suggests Dubas could net a first-round pick, depth player and prospect.

Kyle Dubas rejected deadline offers for Rakell and Bryan Rust. Rust’s price remained sky high, while Rakell’s shorter term and steady production keep him movable without an overpay.

Kris Letang’s two years at $6.1 million on a 35-plus contract and last season’s struggles limit his market. Sam Girard’s continued development at a low cap hit offers more retention incentive than Tommy Novak or Justin Brazeau, whose values sit below a second-round pick.

Parker Wotherspoon’s breakout at age 28 and $1 million salary create a different calculus favoring retention over sale.

Rebuild Timeline Impact

Acquiring Boeser adds immediate secondary scoring that supports younger players without exhausting future picks. Kyrou’s rebound potential at a lower relative cost preserves assets for later windows.

Retaining Rakell through the 2026-27 season while shopping him for a first-rounder accelerates the prospect accumulation phase that began after the 2025 deadline.

The decision to move or keep Letang further shapes cap flexibility entering 2027, when multiple restricted free agents require decisions.

Dubas’s measured approach at the deadline already signaled that only strong offers will prompt action on core veterans.