The Athletic's Chris Johnston released his top 20 pending UFA rankings [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7261837/2026/05/08/nhl-free-agency-rankings-big-board-2026/], with July 1 being less than two months away. Three Pittsburgh Penguins made the cut: Evgeni Malkin, Stuart Skinner, and Anthony Mantha. Malkin was given the No. 6 spot on Johnston's rankings. It is understandable, as the 39-year-old forward is still capable of producing like a star at this stage in his career. In 56 games this season, he had 19 goals, 42 assists, and 61 points. Yet, with the Penguins focused on the future, there is a chance that they could move on from the 2004 second-overall pick. Skinner was given the No. 9 spot on Johnston's list. The 6-foot-4 goaltender appeared in 50 games this season split between the Edmonton Oilers and Penguins, where he had a 23-17-9 record, an .888 save percentage, and a 2.92 goals-against average. Teams looking for a new 1B or backup goalie could consider signing Skinner if Pittsburgh does not bring him back. As for Mantha, he picked up the No. 11 spot on Johnston's rankings. The 6-foot-5 forward winger had an excellent regular-season for the Penguins, posting 33 goals, 31 assists, and 64 points in 81 games. With this, he should generate a good amount of interest if he does not re-sign with the Penguins.
