League: NHL Sport: Hockey Country: United States Category: Injuries

Pittsburgh Penguins face roster crunch after signing Ville Koivunen

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 8, 2026, 12:00 PM

Last updated Aug 8, 2026

Pittsburgh Penguins face roster crunch after signing Ville Koivunen

Summary

The Pittsburgh Penguins are navigating a logjam at forward after signing Ville Koivunen to an eight-year contract. General Manager Kyle Dubas emphasized that Koivunen must earn his spot during training camp, citing the competitive roster climate. The team is set with nine established forwards and two solid fourth-liners, leaving limited room for newcomers. To address the surplus, the Penguins may consider trades or roster adjustments as they prepare for the upcoming season, starting September 30.

Source Links

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Status Watch

•Ville Koivunen signed an eight-year contract with Pittsburgh.
•Kyle Dubas indicates Koivunen must earn his roster spot.
•Penguins have nine established forwards and two fourth-liners.
•Trade possibilities could help manage roster space.
•Season opens on September 30.

Latest Updates

12:00 PMYahoo Sports — Penguins forward depth: what to do with all these players?

What they're saying

"
After Ville Koivunen’s massive eight-year contract, an already crowded Pittsburgh Penguin forward depth chart is now bursting at the seems. However, Kyle Dubas didn’t paint Koivunen as a lock to make the NHL roster coming out of training camp. “He will still have to earn everything,” Dubas said. “As we have shown over the last […]
— Yahoo Sports

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