Pittsburgh Penguins Secure Roster Stability With Early Offseason Extensions

The Pittsburgh Penguins have confirmed contract extensions for forward Connor Dewar and defenseman Ilya Solovyov, marking the franchise's initial roster actions ahead of the upcoming free agency period. These moves were announced on Thursday, immediately following the team's first-round playoff exit to the Philadelphia Flyers in six games.

Dewar, who was acquired from the Toronto Maple Leafs at the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline, has signed a two-year deal running through the 2027-28 campaign. The agreement carries an average annual value of $2.25 million. This season represented his first full year in Pittsburgh, during which he recorded a career-high 30 points across 76 games.

Solovyov has signed a one-year extension worth $850,000. The defenseman split the 2025-26 season between the Colorado Avalanche and the Penguins, appearing in 14 games for the club where he averaged 14 minutes and six seconds of ice time while recording five assists.

These signings leave the Penguins with over $61 million in salary cap space heading into the free agency window, which officially commences on 1 July. The organization retains significant flexibility to address further roster needs before the deadline, despite having already secured these two players.

The NHL Draft is scheduled to take place on 26 June, presenting a further opportunity for the franchise to shape its roster before the free agency period fully opens. With several other players remaining as free agents, the management team continues to evaluate the squad's composition following the playoff disappointment.

While the immediate focus is on stabilizing the core group with Dewar and Solovyov, speculation regarding the future of long-time captain Evgeni Malkin remains a significant topic for the franchise as they navigate the transition to the 2026-27 campaign.