Penguins’ Kyle Dubas had Sidney Crosby in mind for deadline decisions

The Pittsburgh Penguins and general manager Kyle Dubas made some transactions of Deadline Day on Friday, however, they did not trade forward Rickard Rakell.

Earlier in the day, the Penguins flipped defenseman Luke Schenn to the Winnipeg Jets in exchange for a second-round selection in the 2026 NHL Draft and fourth-round selection in the 2027 NHL Draft.

Schenn did not get a chance to play for the Penguins after Wednesday’s trade as it was clear that Dubas’ plan was to move him again for picks and tools for a rebuild in Pittsburgh. Schenn came along with forward Tommy Novak for Michael Bunting and a 2026 fourth-round pick.

Pittsburgh also traded forward Anthony Beauvillier to the Washington Capitals in exchange for a second-round pick and shipped forward Cody Glass to the New Jersey Devils for a third-round pick on Friday, but Rakell stayed put.

When asked about his deadline plans and what prompted some moves, Dubas admitted that he kept his captain Sidney Crosby in mind, saying per Josh Yohe, that his goal is to rebuild the Penguins as quickly as possible so that Crosby and the other Penguins big names have another crack or two at a championship before they are done.

There was reportedly heavy interest in Rakell, but Crosby had been vocal about liking the top forward on his team.
I guess Dubas is listening to his captain and still managed to get some pieces for a retooling.