Penguins forward Jeff Carter in a Penguins practice.
Photo credit: Pensburgh

A number of Penguins players expected to not return in 2024/25

Published March 31, 2024 at 9:33 PM
BY RYAN SCOTT
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After this forgettable season, we take a look forward to see what the Penguins roster may look like next season.

In Kyle Dubas' quest to make the team get to a point where they can remain competitive, many are expecting to him make a number of moves in the off-season.

This would mean that a number of players may be shipped off, so here is a look at the players who may not be Penguins next season according to The Hockey Writers.

Jeff Carter




Jeff Carter is the oldest player on the Penguins roster and will become an unrestricted free agent, and it makes sense for him to part ways with the squad. It seems likely he will retire and the Penguins have enough young players to fill the gaps.

He's had a great career and the Penguins love him, but I think that's it for Jeff Carter in the Steel City.

Alex Nedeljkovic



Ned has been rock solid for the Penguins this season, but is unfortunately set to become a UFA this summer.

Other teams may be in a position to offer him more money on a long term deal and the Penguins have a few good goaltenders coming through the system. Namely, WBS starter Joel Blomqvist.

Rickard Rakell



Rakell has been very streaky this season, but at his best he has been an excellent top-6 piece. He is still under contract this summer, however his $5 Million cap hit is something the Penguins may look to move him in the off-season to free up some space on the books.

Reilly Smith



Smith has seemingly struggled to fit into the Penguins system, and a contending team may be interested in adding a talent like Smith. He was allegedly placed on the trading block around the deadline and I wouldn't be surprised if Kyle Dubas looked to get his contract off the books in return for some future pieces.

Regardless of whether any of these things or come to fruition, expect the Penguins to have a busy off-season.

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A number of Penguins players expected to not return in 2024/25

Do you expect Kyle Dubas to trade Rickard Rakell in this off-season?

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