The 7 Penguins Who Won’t Be Traded

It’s the offseason. The Pittsburgh Penguins were not invited to the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and there will be changes. Exactly how president of hockey operations/GM Kyle Dubas manages to escape his straitjacket and locked trunk in the form of players’ no-movement clauses and player no-trade values is part of the magic trick everyone is waiting to see.

Of course, a few players can be quickly removed from the NHL trade chatter. Sidney Crosby, Kris Letang, and Evgeni Malkin. The trio made a stand to stay together for the ride to the end, and unless one of them asks to be traded, it’s not going to happen.

They have full no-movement clauses as well as a continued organizational commitment to building around them once again. Whether you like it or not, and there is definitely a section of the paying public who does not, the players are committed to the path.

Malkin has two years remaining, and soon to be 38 years old, decline is gaining on him like a dogged backchecker. It would be the most unlikely trade in years to see him finish his career elsewhere. The trio do have three Stanley Cup rings, and chasing a fourth at the expense of their goal of finishing their careers together is a no-go.

4 More Penguins Who Won’t Be Traded

Erik Karlsson

He makes four Penguins not on the trade block … unless he asks. The silky smooth skating defenseman did not exactly meet all potential in his first year with the Penguins, scoring only 56 points after his epic 100-point run in 2022-23 with the San Jose Sharks, but Dubas acquired Karlsson to shake up the Penguins roster.

He remains a supremely talented weapon from the blue line, and Dubas has, on multiple occasions, included Karlsson when discussing the Penguins’ core.

Bryan Rust

The Penguins’ scrappy winger, with a big heart, sizable contract, and ability to score 25 goals per season, also has a no-movement clause. Later in the season, there was a rumor that Rust would be asked to waive his NMC, but all involved shot it down without equivocation or hesitation.

Rust turned 32 on Saturday and has four years remaining on a contract with an average annual value of $5.125 million. He made a run at 30 goals this season, finishing with 28 goals and 56 points.

As the salary cap goes up, his production and value look even better.

Tristan Jarry

Sure, anything is possible, and Jarry’s new contract lacks a full NMC. Instead, Jarry has a 12-team no-trade list. However, he’s also the Penguins starting…