There is a rash of unsatisfied teams with salary cap space and needs, but no way to fill the lineup holes or spend the cash on a depleted crop of unrestricted free agents. The Pittsburgh Penguins are a team with a boatload of cap space and needs, but little current interest to address them in the immediate. We did our best to project the Penguins’ 2025-26 opening night roster, at least as the current situation allows. However, looking ahead to the 2026 UFAs, it could be a powerhouse class that redefines the balance of power in the NHL. Elsewhere, the NHL execs are admitting that teams liked the decentralized draft, the Toronto Maple Leafs are shopping for big names with an empty trade wallet, and the Florida Panthers have made this offseason a clean sweep, signing restricted free agent Mackie Samoskevich.

It is the last day of my two-day “vacation” in Wellsboro. I’ll ride home today after I finish up the Penguins Q&A.

Oh boy, yesterday was an absolute bust of a travel day. By the time I finished working and meetings, it was later afternoon. So, I hesitated for a minute before heading up to Watkins Glen and the Finger Lakes wine trail. It was a classic Dan moment. As picturesque as the first winery was, the flavors of their product tasted of the bland sugar water, like drinking a warm green Huggie through a paper straw … filtered through a used trash can … with subtle notes of the finest stainless steel. Quite awkwardly, it was the owner of the vineyard who came out to the extraordinary hillside patio to present my wine tasting. I think he read the disappointment on my face. Or the twitches. After a few minutes, he politely excused himself, and I quickly left … because the bugs in my teeth tasted better.

However, the wineries up there close at 5 p.m.(?!), so I only had time to visit that one. I headed back because Wellsboro is a great little town that takes care of me. It’s amazing how many locals engage in conversation and figuratively point me in the right direction. Last night, I just stopped to look around. I need to visit places more often. These small towns are a dying breed, and lately I’ve been burdened with the knowledge that sooner or later, and without warning, I will experience this and so many other things for the last time.

Pittsburgh Penguins

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: There have been a lot of additions and not yet many subtractions. We can assume one or two trades, but it’s going to be a crowded locker room in September. So, call it a 1.0 look, or an attempt at predicting what the Penguins’ lineup will be.

Steelers Now: Geez, tell us how you really feel. Former NFL head coach Eric Mangini absolutely shredded Aaron Rodgers. Mangini ripped him personally and didn’t leave any room for doubt. You can check out the beatdown on the Steelers QB.

I’m getting a bit tired of the personal attacks on Rodgers.

Pittsburgh Baseball Now: All righty. It’s getting ugly. Really, really ugly. Not even Paul Skenes could help the beleaguered Buccos from bouncing beyond their blasted season-long losing streak. The Pittsburgh Pirates lost again.

NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now

Daily Face-Off: Take a look at this list. Connor McDavid. Jack Eichel. Kirill Kaprizov. And more. Even if a few of them sign with their current teams, the 2026 UFA class could be one for the ages.

The more likely scenario for a couple of those heavyweights is a blockbuster trade. Teams learned their lesson with Johnny Gaudreau leaving Calgary versus Calgary’s return when trading Matthew Tkachuk. The next lesson teams need to learn is not to give an iron-clad no movement clause for a player’s final year. Hi, Mitch Marner.

Sportsnet: OK, Ryan Dixon has a bit of a different slant on next summer’s free agent market. Including Mike Matheson and Mason Marchment, this one is about who is most likely to hit the market next summer.

So, the NHL has a glut of cash and a dearth of players. Let’s expand!

Sportnet: NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly reversed course this week and told the folks at Sportsnet that after concluding the first decentralized draft, most teams liked it. It’s a shift from a couple of weeks ago, when even commissioner Gary Bettman admitted teams were regretting it. So, it looks like the decentralized draft is here to stay.

Booooo!

The Athletic ($): James Mirtle takes a peek at the Toronto Maple Leafs, their cap situation, their needs, and decides they can’t do anything but they’re trying. Just like the Montreal Canadiens, who are fishing in a dry pond, Toronto is chasing trades without anything to give.

*Ahem, Erik Karlsson. However, I cannot imagine Karlsson and the Toronto fans getting along very well. That seems like a dude in a MAGA hat walking into a hipster coffee shop on the Northside. Hilarity would not ensue.

Florida Hockey Now: I really thought this was a prime offer sheet opportunity. However, look out, ol’ Mackie is back. The Florida Panthers wrapped up their final loose end by signing RFA Mackie Samoskevich.

Ottawa Hockey Now: You may have missed this one. Lars Eller will wear No. 89 next season for the Ottawa Senators. Our Danny McCloskey breaks down the signing of the intense center and what it means for the Senators.