Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Penguins Ink Dewar to $4.5 M Deal, Extend Solovyov

5/7/2026

42 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Penguins Sign Dewar

The Pittsburgh Penguins signed forward Connor Dewar to a $4.5 million contract with a $2.25 million cap hit Thursday and defenseman Ilya Solovyov to a $850,000 extension before July 1 free agency.
Dewar posted 14 goals and 30 points in 78 games in 2025-26 after Toronto traded him in March 2025.
Solovyov, 25, logged one goal and eight points in 30 NHL games after Colorado sent him to Pittsburgh on Jan. 20, 2026 for Valtteri Puustinen.

Summary

Dewar Scores

Connor Dewar, traded from Minnesota for a fifth-round pick, scored two goals in the 2026 playoffs as Pittsburgh forced a game-five loss to the Philadelphia Flyers, after posting highs of 14 goals, 30 points and a +16 rating in 2025-26.
General manager Kyle Dubas faces pressure to improve the Penguins’ forwards despite the surprise postseason run.
Assistant coach Ben Kindel pledged to fix the mistake that helped cause Pittsburgh’s playoff exit.

History

Historical Context

After overhauling the roster in 1990-91—trading for Larry Murphy and drafting Jaromir Jagr—the Penguins captured their first Stanley Cup, beating the Minnesota North Stars in six games with an 8-0 Game 6 victory. The 1991 rebuild model now resurfaces as GM Kyle Dubas signs forward Connor Dewar to a $4.5 million deal, hoping to repeat that championship momentum.

1 of 3

Penguins Sign Dewar

The Pittsburgh Penguins signed forward Connor Dewar to a $4.5 million contract with a $2.25 million cap hit Thursday and defenseman Ilya Solovyov to a $850,000 extension before July 1 free agency.
Dewar posted 14 goals and 30 points in 78 games in 2025-26 after Toronto traded him in March 2025.
Solovyov, 25, logged one goal and eight points in 30 NHL games after Colorado sent him to Pittsburgh on Jan. 20, 2026 for Valtteri Puustinen.

1 / 3