Penguins sign Kuzmenko in hopes of replacing Mantha's production

The Pittsburgh Penguins are finalizing their roster as the 2026-27 season approaches. Following a first-round exit last year, the team is making adjustments to sustain their competitive window while centering their strategy on veterans Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang.

Andrei Kuzmenko has signed a one-year contract, aimed at filling the offensive gap left by Anthony Mantha, who led the team in goals last season. The addition of forward Nicholas Robertson brings further scoring depth to the group. On the blue line, Trevor van Riemsdyk provides a veteran presence, while Kaedan Korczak joins as a defensive option after a trade with the Vegas Golden Knights.

General manager Kyle Dubas opted for a controlled offseason strategy rather than aggressive roster overhauls. The current core faces the challenge of maximizing their remaining time together, with team leadership emphasizing internal development and specific strategic additions over major changes. This approach allows the organization to address areas of need without sacrificing long-term flexibility.

Young players such as goaltender Sergei Murashov and forward Rutger McGroarty remain under the microscope as they push for increased roles at the NHL level. The team’s ability to generate high-danger scoring chances remains a foundational strength, as evidenced by their league-leading performance in that metric last year. With the season set to begin on September 29, the focus remains on whether these new pieces can support the core through another deep run.