While no one knows exactly how many moves are left for Pittsburgh this offseason, we all know Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas isn’t done.

After a draft and July 1st spent fully in seller’s mode, next season looks to be pretty rough in terms of on-ice performance. But backstage, the building blocks of the next era of Penguins hockey is starting to take shape. The Penguins have already made several moves this offseason aimed at helping them out down the line.

Dubas signed free agent forward Anthony Mantha to a contract that will be easy to move once the deadline rolls around. He also acquired defenseman Matt Dumba from Dallas, netting a second round pick in 2028 to take on his contract.

But I’m here to propose a very interesting idea for you all here today: the Penguins and Patrik Laine.

Now, why and how would the Penguins ever do this? Let’s start with the why, and I’m asking you to stay with me for a moment.

Last summer, Montreal acquired Laine’s full contract, along with a second round pick in 2026, in exchange for defenseman Jordan Harris, who has carved out a role for himself in the NHL but is not a high price. Columbus was able to offload Laine’s $8.7 million cap hit and send it across the border.

During Laine’s time in Columbus, he recorded 64 goals and 74 assists 138 points in 174 games. He had his moments with the Blue Jackets, but as has been the story of the former second overall pick’s career, he just couldn’t quite put it all together.