Penguins lock up forward Ville Koivunen with eight-year, $32 million deal

The Pittsburgh Penguins have re-signed restricted-free-agent forward Ville Koivunen to an eight-year, $32 million contract (average $4 million). General manager Kyle Dubas said Koivunen must “earn everything” in training camp and the upcoming season.

Why Did the Penguins Sign Ville Koivunen to an Eight-Year Contract? Deal Details and Long-Term Plans

Koivunen was drafted by the Carolina Hurricanes in the second round (No. 51) of the 2021 NHL Draft and traded to Pittsburgh on March 7, 2024 in a six-player deal that sent Jake Guentzel to Carolina. After a strong AHL rookie season with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, he made his NHL debut in March 2025 and appeared in 47 games, all with the Penguins.

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• NHL 2025-26: 2 goals, 5 assists (7 points) in 39 games.

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• Career NHL: 2 goals, 12 assists (14 points) in 47 games.

Easton Cowan now has a $32-million contract comparable before his Maple Leafs breakout

• AHL 2025-26 regular season: 13 goals, 28 assists (41 points) in 34 games (second on the team).

Koivunen signs 8-year, $32 million contract with Penguins

• AHL 2025-26 playoffs: 4 goals, 5 assists (9 points) in 15 games, helping Wilkes-Barre reach the Eastern Conference Final.

Koivunen signs 8-year, $32 million contract with Penguins

Dubas noted that market trends for older forwards and the restricted-free-agent market shaped the deal and emphasized the value of AHL playoff experience for prospects.

Koivunen signs 8-year, $32 million contract with Penguins

• “He will still have to earn everything,” — Kyle Dubas, Pittsburgh general manager

Kyle Dubas Provides Insight into Ville Koivunen Contract

The extension reflects Pittsburgh’s focus on younger talent as veterans Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang age. Koivunen is viewed as a potential top-nine forward with strong hockey IQ and work ethic, and his contract joins the longer deals held by the franchise’s core players.

Why Did the Penguins Sign Ville Koivunen to an Eight-Year Contract? Deal Details and Long-Term Plans

• 2021: Drafted 51st overall by Carolina.

Penguins re-sign Koivunen to 8-year, $32M deal

• March 7, 2024: Traded to Pittsburgh.

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• 2024-25: NHL debut, 7 assists in 8 games.

Reuters

• 2025-26: Split season between NHL (39 games) and AHL (34 games, 41 points).

Easton Cowan now has a $32-million contract comparable before his Maple Leafs breakout

• August 6: Contract announced.

Kyle Dubas Provides Insight into Ville Koivunen Contract

• September (upcoming): Training camp opens; Koivunen must earn a roster spot.

Kyle Dubas Provides Insight into Ville Koivunen Contract

Training camp opens in September. Dubas said Koivunen must show improvements in power and speed to secure an NHL roster spot for the 2026-27 season, with the possibility of an AHL assignment if depth requires it.

Koivunen signs 8-year, $32 million contract with Penguins