Full Breakdown
Penguins Re-sign Forward Connor Dewar and Defenseman Ilya Solovyov
5/7/2026, 10:02:40 PM
Core Re-signings
The Pittsburgh Penguins announced Thursday that forward Connor Dewar and defenseman Ilya Solovyov have each signed extensions. Dewar secured a two-year, $4.5 million contract (AAV $2.25 million) through 2027-28. Solovyov agreed to a one-year, $850,000 deal for 2026-27. Both extensions were confirmed by President of Hockey Operations and GM Kyle Dubas.
Background & Recent Performance
In 2025-26 Dewar posted career highs with 14 goals, 16 assists and 30 points in 78 games, leading Penguins forwards in plus/minus (+16) and shorthanded ice time (209:23). He recorded two shorthanded goals, 144 hits and added two playoff goals in six games. Solovyov appeared in 30 NHL games split between Colorado and Pittsburgh, tallying one goal and seven assists for eight points—career bests—and played three playoff games for Pittsburgh. Dewar previously spent four WHL seasons (2015-19) with the Everett Silvertips, while Solovyov played one KHL season (2020-21) for Dinamo Minsk, recording nine points in 41 games.
Acquisition History
Dewar was acquired from the Toronto Maple Leafs in March 2025 in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round draft pick. Solovyov joined Pittsburgh on January 20, 2026 after a trade with the Colorado Avalanche that sent forward Valtteri Puustinen and a 2026 seventh-round pick to Colorado.
Data & Statistics
- Contract terms: Dewar – two years, $4.5 million total ($2.25 million AAV); Solovyov – one year, $850,000.
- Career totals: Dewar – 37 G, 46 A, 83 P in 316 games; Solovyov – 12 P (1 G, 11 A) in 45 games.
- Background: Dewar was a 2018 third-round pick (92nd overall, Minnesota); Solovyov a 2020 seventh-round pick (205th overall, Calgary). Solovyov logged 232 AHL games (18 G, 51 A) with Calgary and Colorado affiliates and represented Belarus at the 2021 World Championship.
Official Statements & Responses
Kyle Dubas announced the extensions. The announcement noted the deals as a “good piece of business” that lock in two players who helped Pittsburgh reach the Stanley Cup Playoffs after a season many projected as a lottery year. The remarks highlighted the modest cap hits relative to their production.
Why It Matters
Securing Dewar and Solovyov gives Pittsburgh depth at forward and defense as six unrestricted free agents—Evgeni Malkin, Kevin Hayes, Anthony Mantha, Noel Acciari, Connor Clifton, Ryan Shea and Stuart Skinner—approach July 1. Dewar’s $2.25 million AAV provides a forward with proven shorthanded skill and playoff experience; Solovyov’s $850,000 deal adds a blueliner at a low salary, helping the club balance talent within the rising NHL salary cap.
What’s Next
The Penguins must address the pending free-agent decisions before July 1, shaping the roster for the 2026-27 campaign. Front-office priorities include evaluating long-term contracts for core veterans, maintaining cap flexibility, and building around the newly secured contributions of Dewar and Solovyov.
