Two years ago, in his postseason press conference, Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas specifically cited the Washington Capitals as one of two teams that were models for rebuilding without using the hockey equivalent of gasoline and matches to first burn it down.

On Wednesday, Washington completed their second big trade in two days, significantly bolstering their top two lines when they acquired Alex Tuch from the Buffalo Sabres in a sign-and-trade that netted Tuch an $84 million payday and Buffalo a mere third-round pick.

To this point, the Penguins and Washington rebuilds have followed similar paths, though Washington had a good head start.

In the last 24 months, each team has made the playoffs, and each team has seen its AHL affiliate go on an extended AHL playoff run. Washington surprised most by making the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2024-25, and the Penguins surprised most by making the playoffs in 2025-26.

However, it’s in the various states of rebuild that this week, Washington showed the advantage of that head start.

While Dubas stated he wanted to acquire a player aged in his later 20s who was an impact player, it was Washington who pulled the trick by acquiring high-scoring winger Jordan Kyrou from the St. Louis Blues.

Then, with their impact player in hand, Washington doubled down by executing a sign-and-trade with Buffalo for free-agent-to-be Tuch. Washington then lavished an eight-year deal with an average annual value of $10.5 million on the player who turned 30 last month.

A gritty winger, Tuch has scored at least 33 goals in three of the last four seasons as he found a greater role in Buffalo than his bottom-six duty in Vegas.

For those who remark that Tuch’s contract is expensive, don’t forget that the salary cap is going to spike again next season to something close to $113 million, and probably keep going up for years after that. Some estimates say it could be over $130 million in just a few years.

Today’s $10 million is tomorrow’s bargain, just like Rickard Rakell’s $5 million AAV Penguins contract was hefty when he signed it four years ago. Whether or not Tuch’s deal will age well is beside the point–half of the contract will be prime years, and a couple more should be quite serviceable. Washington can worry about 2034, many years from now, when that contract is less than 7% of the salary cap.

Indeed, Dubas had hoped to be able to acquire a Kyrou type. And if he did, a Tuch type would have made sense, too, because the Penguins have nothing in the middle. They have a bevy of 25 and under players, a few players who are at least 33, and still more three players who are 38 and older.

Jason Robertson remains unsigned in Dallas, and perhaps Dubas can leverage the farm for him, though plenty of teams are interested. The simple truth is that Washington was able to go big this year because they started a couple of years ahead of the Penguins. Dubas can play catch-up, but he’s not yet there.

And now Washington has made the huge leap forward. Their top nine is impressive with only two players 30 and older (Tom Wilson, 33, and Tuch, 30). They have four players who are 25 and under (and three were draft picks) with big-time potential who have already had some success in the NHL (Alieksai Protas, Ilya Protas, Ryan Leonard). And 24-year-old Justin Sourdif had 15 goals from the third line this season, too.

Oh, and they have Cole Hutson, thought to be a stud defenseman ready to make the leap. He had 10 points (3-7-10) in 14 NHL games at the end of the season after his Boston U campaign ended.

If Dubas tries to make the big splash, he very likely does not have enough trade capital to acquire a big name and have anything left. Yes, the Penguins have young players like Rutger McGroarty on the way, with Ben Kindel already here, but the depth and quality are not similar.

Yet.

It’s OK that Washington is ahead. It proves that Dubas is on a plausible path and lights the way. Penguins fans should also note that Washington didn’t spend assets too soon, and now they are packed with players under 30, most of whom are 25 and under, and they could easily (and should) send Alex Ovechkin’s call to voicemail when he wants to return.

Dubas was right to emulate Washington, and he would be right to do so when the time is right.

Tags: kyle dubas nhl trade Pittsburgh Penguins Washington Capitals

Categorized:NHL Trade Rumors Penguins Trade Talk

What’s going on in Pittsburgh this weekend, June 25-28? Find out here. Know of a cool event? Email us.

Thursday, June 25, Friday, June 26, & Saturday, June 27
Pittsburgh Dance Workshop and Choreography Festival at the Charity Randall Theatre
Various times
Bringing together emerging and established choreographers from across the region and elsewhere to present original works, the Pittsburgh Choreography Festival provides a platform for artistic innovation, collaboration and the creation of new dance experiences for local audiences. Featured artists and companies performing this year include Anthony Alterio, Bodiography, Confluence Ballet Co., D.A.N.A Movement Ensemble, Ebony Cunningham, Get Down Gang, Jothika Gorur, PearlArts Movement & Sound, Shana Simmons Dance, Texture Contemporary Ballet and others. Festival performances take place on Friday and Saturday at the University of Pittsburgh’s Charity Randall Theatre at 7 p.m.

Looking for something more intensive and hands-on? In conjunction with the festival, the Pittsburgh Dance Workshop offers classes, workshops and performance opportunities. Drop-in public classes run through Thursday and are $20. Tickets.

Thursday, June 25
“The Birdcage” at The Plaza at North Shore
6 p.m.
Pittsburghers have a new open-air movie theater to add to their summer fun list. Watch flicks under the stars at one of the city’s newest outdoor venues when The Plaza at North Shore launches its summer movies series on the big screen. To celebrate Pride Month, the free series kicks off with a 30th anniversary screening of “The Birdcage,” starring Robin Williams and Nathan Lane. Produced and directed by Mike Nichols, the 1996 comedy follows a gay couple who own a legendary drag club in South Beach, Miami.

A special pop-up performance with photo opps featuring local drag artists will get the revelry started at 6pm. The film begins at 7:30 p.m. Hosted by local personality Joe King, the drag show will pay homage to The Birdcage’s iconic characters and songs. The Plaza’s on-site eatery, SugarBird, will get in on the fun with tropical cocktails, soft serve ice cream, fried chicken, popcorn and cotton candy for moviegoers. The Plaza will host free movies on select Thursday nights through September. Attendees are encouraged to BYOS (bring your own seat). Information.

Thursday, June 25-Sunday, June 28
“BEAUTIFUL: The Carole King Musical” at the Benedum Center
7:30 p.m., 1 p.m., 6 p.m., 2 p.m.
What do you get when you cross a musical, a biopic and a jukebox filled with hits? Find out when the Pittsburgh CLO presents this all-new production of “BEAUTIFUL: The Carole King Musical.” Sing your your heart out to iconic songs like “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” “It’s Too Late,” “So Far Away” and more when this production rocks the Benedum. Be inspired by the remarkable true story of “a girl from Brooklyn who became one of the most successful singer-songwriters in music history.”

The must-see musical stars Kyra Kennedy (Carole King), Dylan S. Wallach (Gerry Goffin), Lee Harrington (Cynthia Weil) and Barrett Riggins (Barry Mann). The creative team features Director/Choreographer Dan Knechtges and Music Director Catie Brown. Don’t miss the Talkback with Cast on Thursday, June 25, following the performance, and the Female Singer-Songwriter Brunch on Sunday, June 28, at 11:30 a.m. Tickets.

Friday, June 26
Turn It Upstream Music Festival in Frick Park Hollow
5 p.m.
There’s a new music festival in town with an important mission. To celebrate the organization’s silver anniversary, UpstreamPgh is hosting a music festival in Frick Park Hollow near Regent Square. Turning upstream and turning up the music, the 25th anniversary party is hosted by WQED television producer, writer and narrator Rick Sebak. Welcoming all ages, the vibrant summer evening features music by Beauty Slap, Colatura, NASH.V.ILL, the anonymous chronicles, and DJ BusCrates. Located along Tranquil Trail, the festival midway will be lined with local artists and vendors, interactive demonstrations and activities for all ages, including eco-friendly screenprinting.

East End Brewing Co. and Goodlander Cocktail Brewery will offer a mix of alcoholic and NA options. Food will be provided by local food trucks Mr. Bulgogi and La Palapa. The event’s silent auction showcases unique items like lunch with Rick Sebak and a private hike with renowned mushroom hunter, Barbora Batokova. Proceeds from the sustainable, zero-waste event will support UpstreamPgh’s community engagement, clean water advocacy, and green stormwater infrastructure programming. Tickets. Read more about summer music festivals in NEXT.

Friday, June 26: Gallery Crawl in the Cultural District
5:30-9 p.m.
Now that summer is officially here, that means you have even more ways — and more daylight hours — to explore the city’s creative offerings. With its expanded year-round schedule, the Gallery Crawl in the Cultural District makes contemporary art even more accessible. Head Downtown to find the sidewalk stop signs identifying the participating venues in this multi-venue “open house” presented by Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. Free to all, each crawl showcases what’s new in Pittsburgh’s dynamic art and entertainment scene Downtown. From visual arts, live music, dance, spoken word and more — it’s a chance to experience one of the liveliest nights in the city within a walkable footprint. Information.

Friday, June 26
Pride and Joy at The August Wilson African American Cultural Center
6 p.m.-12 a.m.
Keep your Pittsburgh Pride Month jubilation going right into summer, when the August Wilson African American Cultural Center hosts its fourth annual celebration “uplifting and honoring Black queer joy, creativity, music and community.” The festivities kick off with a special live podcast experience hosted by Rian-Louis. Dubbed RIANOUTLOUD!, the engaging conversation will feature “Black queer community and arts leaders and changemakers discussing creativity, identity, community impact and the importance of visibility and representation within the arts and beyond.” The program includes light refreshments and a cash bar.

Next, the party heats up with performances by Maya Universe and Manny Dibiachi, followed by an electrifying DJ battle between HUNY XO and Queen Father. Pride-goers are invited to “dance, celebrate, connect and experience a night centered on love, liberation and community.” Free STI testing and health resources will be available on-site through event partner, Central Outreach. Partygoers can also fuel up at Quick-E Food Truck. Register for free. Find more to do in the 2026 NEXT Pride Guide.

Friday, June 26
Sharif Bey: “Homecoming” Opening Reception at the Andy Warhol Museum
7-9 p.m.
For its next special exhibition, the Warhol Museum is showcasing the work and creative practice of Pittsburgh-born ceramic artist, sculptor and educator Sharif Bey. Celebrating Bey’s return to his hometown, the exhibit features “monumental ceramic sculptures” inspired by modernism, functional pottery and Oceanic and African art. Don’t miss tonight’s free opening reception featuring live music by the artist’s cousin, Ublai Bey and his band, Timeless.

Highlighting Bey’s “artistic development and emergence as a significant voice in contemporary art,” the works on view explore a range of themes, including childhood memories, Pittsburgh’s urban landscape, identity, home, personal history, memory, artistic roots and more. Bey’s work will be shown alongside artwork from the museum’s permanent collection by Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat, underscoring how the three artists “engage deeply with themes of identity, culture and societal commentary.” “Homecoming” also aims to honor community arts education and Pittsburgh’s role in supporting artistic innovation. The exhibit will be on view through Oct. 12. Free with registration.

Saturday, June 27
Community Day and Charmed at Contemporary Craft
10 a.m.-4 p.m.
In conjunction with its next Community Day, the event will showcase handmade charms by 40 artists from around the country, including makers of contemporary jewelry along with Pittsburgh-based artists and regional craftspeople. All of the original charms are for sale to the public. Peruse a curated selection of pendants, keychains, charms and chains created by artists working in a wide range of craft media, such as metal, wood, beadwork and more.

Representing a vast array of materials, sizes, and styles, many of the featured pieces were fabricated exclusively for “Charmed,” and will be only available at The Store at Contemporary Craft. Featured artists include Lauren Kalman, Terry Lavin, Dongyi Wu, Jason Stein, Maria Camera-Smith, Sarah Sindler, Amanda Stumpf, Andrew Thornton and many more. Get a first look at the “Charmed” preview on Thursday, June 25, from 5 to 8 p.m., where attendees can shop the collection early and participate in an artist-led activity with Andrew Thornton. Registration is encouraged, but not required.

Saturday, June 27
Andy Warhol Bridge 100th Birthday Bash
11 a.m.-3 p.m.
As America celebrates its 250th birthday, one of Pittsburgh’s oldest and longest Sister Bridges will mark its milestone centennial. Join Allegheny County to celebrate the only bridge in the country named for a visual artist. A free festival with games, music, food and summer fun, the unique bridge bash will also feature community art projects led by the Andy Warhol Museum and the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. To celebrate the heritage of the bridge, local artist strawberryluna has created a special edition commemorative poster.

In 1925, Allegheny County awarded a contract to the American Bridge Co. to build the only three identically designed self-anchored suspension bridges in the world – now dubbed the Sister Bridges. Opened on June 17, 1926, the Seventh Street Bridge cost $1.4 million to build and is the oldest of the three Sister Bridges — and the longest, at 1,061 feet. In 2005, the Seventh Street Bridge was renamed to honor the King of Pop Art in celebration of the 10th anniversary of The Andy Warhol Museum just blocks away. The bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic for the free event. Information.

Saturday, June 27
Bellevue Pride at Andrew Bayne Park
12-4 p.m.
Head up the Ohio to Bellevue for the borough’s signature Pride celebration. For its fifth annual event, the festivities are revolving around the theme of “Fire and Dragons” to reflect concepts of transformation and renewal. The free community festival will fill Andrew Bayne Park with live stage entertainment, dozens of activities, scores of food trucks and more. Emceed by Gay Fieri, the festivities will feature accordionist Pat Septak, Pittsburgh-based cover band, Candy Ring, the Cool Kids Collaborative, DJs and more. Pop into the artisan fair featuring 40 booths showcasing local makers and area nonprofits. Organized by a consortium of local LGBTQIA+ volunteers and board members, Bellevue Pride aims to create an inclusive, welcoming and safe environment for the LGBTQ+ community all year long. Information. Find more to do in the 2026 NEXT Pride Guide.

Saturday, June 27
Yinzilla Day Block Party at the Alternate Histories Studio
3-7 p.m.
The monsters are due on Greenfield Avenue, and you’re invited to their friendly party. The studio’s second annual Yinzilla Day promises to be a “big celebration of Pittsburgh’s favorite monster.” Be there when Alternate Histories debuts this year’s new Yinzilla T-shirts and glassware, and shop in the mini maker market for everything from leather goods, artwork and zines, to illustrations, stickers and accessories. Check out screen-printing demos with Fio Avocado and make your very own Monongahela Monster T-shirt. Sample the new Yinzilla beer produced in collaboration with East End Brewing, enjoy summer tunes by local surf rock band The Yeggs and grab dinner from the La Palapa Taco Truck. Information.

Saturday, June 27

WYEP Summer Music Festival at Schenley Plaza
4 p.m.
Spread out a blanket and plop down a lawn chair to enjoy music with family and friends under the stars. Celebrating both national and homegrown music, this year’s festival will fill Oakland’s green space with live sets from Michigander, Ratboys, Jobi Riccio, Cam Chambers and Kahone Concept. The free rain-or-shine event is open to all ages. Looking for a bite to eat? The Porch at Schenley offers seated dining, and takeout is available through kiosks featuring cuisine from Asia Tea House, K Station and Omar’s Halal Grill. Information. Read more about summer music festivals in NEXT.

Sunday, June 28
OpenStreetsPGH through Downtown Pittsburgh and the South Side
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
If you’ve ever wanted to stroll, bike, skate or dance through the middle of the city’s streets with nary a car in sight, mark your calendar now for the kickoff of OpenStreetsPGH. Transforming Pittsburgh roadways into vibrant car-free spaces, this season’s inaugural event takes urban adventurers on a route through Downtown Pittsburgh and the historic South Side — including the rare chance to traverse an iconic tunnel and bridge without cars.

Hosted by BikePGH, the free event celebrates active transportation and community connection while highlighting the city’s neighborhoods, landmark architecture and dramatic topography. Join the 2-mile journey from Downtown Pittsburgh through Market Square, up Forbes Avenue and through the Armstrong Tunnel. Continue your journey across the scenic 10th Street Bridge to the South Side’s eclectic East Carson Street commercial corridor. Pop into Activity Hubs along the route to join fitness classes for all ages and abilities, participate in art activities and relax at cooling stations. Visit the Duquesne Light Co. Community Wellness Hub in Market Square to participate in BikePGH’s “off the course banana-themed Side Quest” and fitness classes hosted by the YMCA. At the Edgar Snyder Kids Hub, BikePGH will lead a “Learn to Ride” course for youth on East Carson between 19th and 21st streets. View a map. Read more about the event in NEXT.

Sunday, June 28
Queer Craft Market: Pride Edition at City Theatre
2-6 p.m.
Get crafty during Pride Month. This year, Pittsburgh’s premier queer DIY market takes the wares over to the South Side to set up shop in two spaces within City Theatre’s campus for the first time. Showcasing Pittsburgh’s talented LGBTQ+ maker community, the eclectic marketplace will feature more than 40 local vendors selling a wide variety of handmade Pride goods, from pins to prints to pens and more. Follow the market on Instagram to get a sneak peek of the wares on sale this weekend. Information.

6 more things to do this weekend in Pittsburgh

Thursday, June 25-Sunday, June 28: In Your Write Mind Writers Workshop at Seton Hill University in Greensburg

Friday, June 26: Jamie Baum Septet at MCG Jazz, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, June 26, & Saturday, June 27: Pittsburgh Noise Fest at Little Giant Studios

Saturday, June 27: PGH Social Club at the Schenley Park Overlook, 3-6 p.m.

Saturday, June 27: Reel Q presents “She’s the He” at The Glitterbox Theater, 7 p.m.

Sunday, June 28: Days Gone By Vintage Market at Velum Fermentation, 12-5 p.m.

Don’t miss the NEXTpittsburgh 2026 Pride Guide