Here are your Pens Points for this Friday morning…
If the Pittsburgh Penguins are going to make a trade before the NHL’s March 6 trading deadline, upgrading the defense seems like the most logical route general manager Kyle Dubas will follow. Well, who are some potential players Dubas could target to improve the roster? [PensBurgh]
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Penguins goaltender Arturs Silovs said he’s embracing the “incredible opportunity” of representing Team Latvia at the 2026 Winter Olympics, calling it a once-in-a-lifetime chance to compete against the world’s best and make his country proud. [Penguins]
Defenseman Ryan Shea has emerged as a reliable NHL regular this season, posting career-high offensive numbers while cementing his role on Pittsburgh’s blueline after a couple of up-and-down years early in his career. Shea has taken advantage of the increased trust and opportunity afforded by a new coaching staff, showing he belongs at the NHL level. [Trib Live]
Updates from around the NHL…
Macklin Celebrini opened the scoring, and Jordan Binnington made 26 saves for the shutout as Team Canada rolled to a 5-0 victory over Czechia on Thursday. Penguins captain Sidney Crosby also recorded two assists. [TSN]
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American-born NHLers would not be outdone, however. Brock Nelson scored twice, and four teammates had two assists apiece, as Team USA beat Latvia 5-1. [Associated Press]
Commissioner Gary Bettman said that the league has secured greater access to Olympic content and flexibility around how games and player content are shared compared with past Olympics. He also expressed hope that this cooperation with the IOC and IIHF will continue to improve for future events. [Associated Press]
Bettman also said the league will defer to the International Ice Hockey Federation’s decisions on Russia and Belarus’ eligibility for the 2028 World Cup of Hockey. [Sportsnet]
Top NHL draft prospect and Penn State forward Gavin McKenna will continue to participate in athletic activities as he faces a misdemeanor simple assault charge. [Sportsnet]
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