Now that we are a few days into July, the majority of this year's top free agents have found their new homes. Because of this and the 2025 unrestricted free agent (UFA) class being far weaker than in most years, the expectation is that the trade market will start to heat up. 

The Pittsburgh Penguins are undoubtedly a team to watch incredibly closely right now because of this. 

With UFA forwards like Brock Boeser and Nikolaj Ehlers off the board, it would not be surprising in the slightest if teams looking for top-six wingers contact the Penguins. Both Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell are viewed among this year's top trade candidates, and interest in their services could skyrocket. Both players undoubtedly have high trade values right now, as they each had career years in 2024-25. Therefore, the Penguins would have the potential to land a nice return for both players if they opted to move them.

Meanwhile, the free-agent market for right-shot defensemen also did not have many notable options. With this, perhaps this could help Erik Karlsson's trade market heat up a bit. Teams looking for more offense from the point could consider pursuing Karlsson, especially if the Penguins are open to the prospect of retaining some salary. 

Nevertheless, it is going to be interesting to see what moves the Penguins make before the start of the season is here. With teams still looking to improve their rosters, it would be understandable if some of Pittsburgh's top trade candidates soon start to draw more interest around the league.

New Penguins Forward Could Be Big Surprise The <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins">Pittsburgh Penguins </a>have brought in several new players this off-season as they continue to retool their roster. Among the Penguins' newcomers is winger Justin Brazeau, as the Metropolitan Division club signed him to a two-year, $3 million contract.

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