If you haven't already, now's the time to flip the switch into full offseason mode. The Pittsburgh Penguins are gearing up for a busy summer as they continue retooling and building on the momentum of a 2025-26 season that saw them return to the playoffs for the first time in four years. General Manager Kyle Dubas has plenty on his plate, and the work starts now—evaluating free agents, exploring trade possibilities, and preparing for the NHL Draft.

With the Pens out of the playoffs, all eyes turn to the offseason and what Dubas has in store to reshape this team into a true contender. He's got plenty of paths to choose from, which should make for a busy and intriguing summer ahead.

One of the biggest questions Dubas and his staff face is which pending free agents to re-sign and which to let walk. Among them is defenseman Ryan Shea, who put himself in line for a significant payday after a standout season. Shea is just one of several players the Penguins need to make decisions on. The biggest name in that group, of course, is Evgeni Malkin—but Geno is far from the only unsigned player who could be brought back for another run.

Two years ago, the Penguins signed a free agent named Sebastian Aho—but not the Aho you're probably thinking of. Signed as a depth defenseman for the system, this Aho never appeared in an NHL game during his two seasons with the organization.

Meanwhile, the Stanley Cup playoffs are heating up. Second-round action is underway, with three of four series already through Game 1—Montreal and Buffalo are the lone matchup yet to begin. Carolina looks to have already overwhelmed Philadelphia, while Minnesota and Colorado are shaping up to be must-watch hockey theater.

Remember when we all thought the biggest spring event for the Penguins would be waiting to see how high they'd pick in the 2026 NHL Draft? Funny how things change when a team finds its way back to the postseason. Now, the real work begins.