Former Penguins in-line for a Stanley Cup
Several former Pittsburgh Penguins players are still in contention to win the Stanley Cup as their current teams advance through the 2026 NHL playoffs. Players like Jordan Staal, Reilly Smith, and Brett Kulak are contributing to deep playoff runs with the Hurricanes, Golden Knights, and Avalanche, respectively. With multiple ex-Penguins on competing teams, one is likely to earn a championship this season.
- ▪Jordan Staal, a former Stanley Cup champion with the Penguins, is now captain of the Carolina Hurricanes, who started the 2026 playoffs with an 8-0 record.
- ▪Reilly Smith and Brandon Saad, both former Penguins, are playing for the Vegas Golden Knights in their Stanley Cup pursuit.
- ▪Brett Kulak, who recently left the Penguins, has contributed five points in nine games for the Colorado Avalanche, including an overtime goal to eliminate Minnesota.
- ▪Mike Matheson plays for the Montreal Canadiens, while Jason Zucker and Conor Timmins are with the Buffalo Sabres, putting more ex-Penguins in the playoff mix.
- ▪Sidney Crosby, though not playing, is closely connected to the action as a former teammate of Nathan MacKinnon of the Avalanche.
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