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Pittsburgh Penguins taking calls on veteran stars like Erik Karlsson and Kris Letang, as Kyle Dubas ‘is open for business’ (report)

Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas is reportedly ready to make serious roster changes if the team doesn’t find its groove this season… and soon. After a surprise playoff appearance last spring, the Penguins are just 5-6-1 after 12 games to start the 2026-27 campaign, sitting sixth in the Metropolitan Division and 14th in the

Penguins’ Ben Kindel returns to practice, speaks out after medical episode

The Pittsburgh Penguins recently went through a scary situation, when young forward Ben Kindel had to receive medical treatment during a flight. Kindel is now speaking for the first time after returning to team practice. “Nice to be back out there with the guys,” Kindel said, per Penguins writer Josh Yohe. “I am just happy […] The post Penguins’ Ben Kindel returns to practice, speaks out after medical episode appeared first on ClutchPoints .

Kindel grateful to be back on ice

Ben Kindel is ready to get back to hockey. A week after a vasovagal episode forced the Penguins' team plane to turn around and make an emergency landing in Salt Lake City, Kindel was back on the ice Tuesday as a full participant in practice.

Ben Kindel returns to practice a week after vasovagal episode

Ben Kindel returns to Penguins practice a week after a vasovagal episode on the team plane, skating alongside teammates Justin Brazeau, Egor Chinakhov, Evgeni Malkin and Sam Girard (who wore a no‑contact jersey). While Kindel and others practiced Tuesday, forward Elmer Soderblom is now day‑to‑day with an undisclosed upper‑body injury, joining Bryan Rust, Trevor van Riemsdyk and Ryan Graves on the injured list. The Penguins, on a brief schedule lull, will host Utah Thursday, aiming to solidify lineups after 12 games early this season.

Ville Koivunen might be figuring it out for the Penguins

Ville Koivunen, the Penguins’ controversial rookie who signed an eight‑year, $32 million deal, appears to be finally translating his AHL success to the NHL. In the past five games he’s tallied three points, including an overtime winner against Florida, putting him on a projected 40‑point pace. His on‑ice presence coincides with Pittsburgh out‑scoring opponents and dominating expected‑goals metrics, while his chemistry with Hendrix Lapierre has produced a 5‑0 advantage in 45 minutes of 5‑on‑5 play. More confident and engaged than last season, Koivunen’s vision and playmaking may justify the hefty contract in today’s cap‑tight environment.

The difference in a season: Comparing rosters from one year ago

On October 27, 2025 the Penguins beat the Blues 6-3, boosting their record to 7‑2‑1. A look back at that game shows a roster that’s shifted dramatically, especially on defense—four of six defensemen from that night are gone, prompting questions about how Pittsburgh will replace Erik Karlsson and Kris Letang. Forward lines remain largely unchanged, with Crosby and Malkin still leading, though Malkin now plays wing and has slipped from 16 points in ten games last season to 9 points in twelve this year. Meanwhile, veterans Rust and Rakell have seen a points drop, and Karlsson’s production has shifted from nine assists to a goal and 11 assists. The piece also notes Crosby’s 1,700th NHL point milestone.

Report: Penguins Listening On Erik Karlsson, Kris Letang And 2 Forwards

Penguins GM Kyle Dubas is actively fielding offers for veterans Erik Karlsson, Kris Letang, Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell, according to TSN’s Darren Dreger. The team, constrained by a cash‑strict budget and new ownership’s youth push, has placed all four players on the trade list—Karlsson (UFA, $10 M, NM clause), Letang (39, $6.1 M, NM clause, 10‑team list), Rust ($5.125 M, no protection) and Rakell ($5 M, eight‑team list). Pittsburgh sits 5‑6‑1 after a 3‑2 win over Nashville, with Karlsson leading at 12 points in 12 games. No deal is imminent, but Dubas says he’s “open for business.”

Pens Points: Needed Rest

The Pittsburgh Penguins get a welcome break after a spate of injuries, enjoying four days off before their next games on Thursday. With key players like Rickard Rakell struggling—only two goals in 12 games—the extra rest could be crucial, and the team may add fresh bodies, including defenseman Chase Pietila, who is poised for his NHL debut. Meanwhile, league news notes Leon Draisaitl earning the NHL First Star of the Week and Connor Hellebuyck’s trade to New Jersey, but the focus remains on the Penguins’ recovery and upcoming roster shake‑ups.

Soderblom day-to-day

There's be a late push from the Penguins, but not enough to salvage a point from a 5-4 loss to the Utah Mammoth late Monday night here at the Delta Center, and thus, not a single point from a four-game trip.

Why Penguins must trade Bryan Rust amid disappointing start

The Pittsburgh Penguins have gotten off to an inconsistent start to the 2026-27 NHL season after returning to the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2022 last spring. Pittsburgh’s sluggish play has once again raised questions about the futures of longtime franchise cornerstones Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang. But they’re not […] The post Why Penguins must trade Bryan Rust amid disappointing start appeared first on ClutchPoints .

Fantasy Hockey 2026-27: Weekly Strength of Schedule and Streaming Targets — Week 5

Week 5 of Daily Faceoff’s Fantasy Strength of Schedule (Oct 26‑Nov 1) flags light nights on Mon, Wed, Fri and Sun for streaming slots, while Tues, Thurs and Sat are jam‑packed. The Edmonton Oilers top the streaming chart with 4.19 True Games, led by Ryan Nugent‑Hopkins (59% rostered, 19:57 TOI, 11 shots per game) and low‑owned Kasperi Kapanen (3% rostered). Calgary boasts the best schedule for weeks 5‑6, with Joel Farabee (17% rostered, 2‑4‑point streak, 24 SOG) and Matt Coronato (9% rostered, 4‑game point streak, 4.6 shot attempts) as prime targets. The Pittsburgh Penguins sit at the bottom with only 1.41 True Games.

The week ahead: Penguins get much-needed schedule rest, and some potential returns

The Penguins head into a rare four‑day rest before a home rematch with Utah, who boast the league’s top power play (38.1%) and rank sixth in goals per game (3.83). After two solid back‑to‑back wins over Florida and Nashville, the team looks to build momentum against a fast Utah squad on Thursday, then travel to Montreal for a second showdown with the Canadiens—who are missing star center Nick Suzuki and have gone 5‑1‑1 recently. The schedule stays brutal with upcoming games versus Vegas and Boston, but key players like Evgeni Malkin, Egor Chinakhov and Justin Brazeau are expected back, prompting roster tweaks that could affect line combinations. This rest period may be pivotal for Pittsburgh’s early‑season push.

The Penguins saw the old Rickard Rakell on Saturday. They need that guy back

The Penguins rallied from a 2-1 deficit on Saturday, October 24, when Sidney Crosby and Erik Karlsson set up Rickard Rakell for a tying goal that sparked an overtime win. Rakell, who recorded his second goal of the season—a 12‑game drought—has logged 30 shots, leading the team, and continues to generate high-quality 5‑v5 chances despite a slow start. With Bryan Rust sidelined for six weeks, the Penguins’ early‑season fortunes hinge on Rakell’s ability to convert his abundant opportunities into goals, a trend that could boost the first line, power play, and overall performance.

Pens Points: Brazeau inching closer to return

The latest Pens Points note that forward Justin Brazeau is edging closer to a comeback after a lower-body injury that sidelined him since the preseason. Meanwhile, Hendrix Lapierre thrives on a line with Ville Koivunen and Evgeni Malkin, while Rickard Rakell vows to boost his scoring after a slow start, with GM Kyle Dubas confident in his chemistry alongside Sidney Crosby on the power play. League news includes the Rangers signing veteran goalie James Reimer following Igor Shesterkin’s season‑ending injury, the Hurricanes’ pursuit of Connor Hellebuyck, and Minnesota’s Quinn Hughes hinting at upcoming contract talks.

Open Thread: Colorado Avalanche @ Nashville Predators (6:00 P.M. MDT)

The Colorado Avalanche (6-4-1) head to Nashville after snapping a two‑game skid with a 6‑3 win over Tampa Bay, highlighted by Nathan MacKinnon’s four‑point night (1G/3A) and Artturi Lehonen’s game‑winner. Starting goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood looks to build momentum against a Predators squad (3-3-4) that lost in overtime to Pittsburgh. Nashville may start rookie Justus Annunen in goal against his former club, while Juuse Saros remains unbeaten in three wins. The contest at 6 PM MDT could tighten the Central Division race, with both teams fielding projected lineups that feature stars like MacKinnon, Steven Stamkos and Roman Josi.

Koivunen’s OT Goal Lifts Penguins Past Predators

Ville Koivunen nets the overtime winner 3:44 into OT, giving the Pittsburgh Penguins a 3-2 comeback win over the Nashville Predators at PPG Paints Arena on October 25, 2026. After falling behind 2-0 – first on a deflected Steven Stamkos goal, then on a Jayden Struble snap shot – Rickard Rakell ties it with 1:06 left in regulation. The Penguins outshoot Nashville 37‑26 and force 13 giveaways versus 24, though Nashville dominates faceoffs (55%). Both teams go 0‑for‑1 on power plays, and Koivunen’s snap shot, assisted by Hendrix Lapierre and Kris Letang, secures Pittsburgh’s fifth win of the season, improving to 5‑6‑1.

Avalanche Game 12 at Nashville Predators: Mini Reunion, Lines, Notes & How To Watch

The Colorado Avalanche (6‑4‑1) travel to Nashville for a 6:08 p.m. MT showdown with the Predators (3‑3‑4) on Oct. 25. It marks the first meeting since former Avs GM Chris MacFarland took over Nashville, after his trades for Jack Drury and Ross Colton. Drury (1 g, 1 a, 46% face‑off rate) and Colton (1 g, 1 a) face their old club, while rookie goalie Justus Annunen may start for Nashville against former Avs net‑minder Scott Wedgewood (1‑1‑1, .912 SV%). Colorado comes off a 6‑3 win over Tampa Bay highlighted by Nathan MacKinnon’s four points and Mackenzie Blackwood’s 31 saves, but has struggled on the road. Nashville rebounds from an OT loss to Pittsburgh and opens a five‑game homestand. Injuries include Zachary L’Heureux (upper‑body) and Nicolas Roy (lower‑body).

Gameday 12: Florida Panthers at Chicago Blackhawks

The Florida Panthers (5-4-2) aim to snap a two‑game skid against the Chicago Blackhawks (3-7-0) at the United Center this afternoon. Coming off a 5‑1 defeat to Ottawa and a shutout in their previous game, the Panthers are on the tough end of a four‑game road trip. Chicago, struggling with seven losses, looks to capitalize on Florida's recent struggles. The matchup offers a chance for the Panthers to regain momentum and for the Blackhawks to secure a rare win in the Windy City.