The Players Kyle Dubas Refuses to Move at the Deadline

The Pittsburgh Penguins could be buyers or even sellers at the 2023-24 trade deadline, setting up an intriguing few weeks ahead, but no matter what, every organization has its untouchables.

The veteran core won't be going anywhere

Despite whispers that Sidney Crosby could end up elsewhere soon, it's more likely than not that the trio that has brought them three Stanley Cups in Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang will retire as members of the Penguins.

Unfortunately for Jake Guentzel, who came into the organization during their last Stanley Cup win, the writing appears to be on the wall, as he is likely to move along with several other veterans such as Tristan Jarry and Erik Karlsson, who could net the team some future assets.

Untouchable young names

According to The Hockey Writers, the team have just one untouchable currently on the roster that isn't any of the above names in the form of Marcus Pettersson, with his production and influence on the top defensive pairing not so easy to replace.

Beyond Pettersson, the team are looking at the likes of Brandon Yager and Owen Pickering, who have both set themselves apart as first round picks as untouchable future assets. The team also have Sam Poulin who has 11 goals in 24 games in the AHL this season and could join the team soon, as well as goaltender Joel Blomqvist, rounding out a talented but bare cupboard of future assets for Pittsburgh.

The next five weeks could change a lot for this organization, but given where they are right now, it appears around eight players are considered untouchable for Kyle Dubas, but beyond that, a fire sale may be about to begin.

As Read on The Hockey News - Penguins' Untouchables at Trade Deadline