Penguins Say Another Roster Move Is Coming
Spezza answered questions by email from the beat writers after the deal, and he confirmed that "a subsequent move will have to be made once Kuzmenko is activated off non-roster, but we have to get through the next two games and determine where our roster stands at that point before making any decisions."
The Penguins' roster is full at 23 players, which is why a spot will have to be cleared when Andrei Kuzmenko is ready to return.
Spezza didn't say whether that move will be a trade, a trip through waivers, or something else, only that the team will decide after the next two games.
Hallander Was The One Who Went
Spezza said Hallander didn't ask for a trade, and he spoke about why he was the player moved.
"We had to make a move due to our depth at forward, and by looking at past performances and future potential, Filip was the player we determined was expendable," Spezza said.
"In our trade discussions, the Oilers had interest in Filip, while we had interest in Stastney."
He added that Pittsburgh holds Hallander "in high regard as a player and person, especially after the adversity he faced and overcame last season."
TRADE 🔄 The #Oilers have acquired forward Filip Hallander from the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for defenceman Spencer Stastney. https://t.co/aKWKdvL8j7
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) October 7, 2026
Hallander is 26, was a 2018 second-round pick, and had a goal and two assists in two games this season, but he has played only 18 NHL games across four seasons, according to ESPN.
Stastney is also 26, carries a $1.525 million cap hit through 2026-27, and has four goals and 15 assists in 117 career games with Edmonton and Nashville, including two goals and eight assists in 66 games split between the two teams last season.
Spezza described him as a left-shot defenseman with experience on both sides who will compete with Pittsburgh's existing defensemen for ice time, and he's listed among the scratches for Wednesday's game in Washington.
Elliotte Friedman reported Monday that the Oilers would prefer to move one of their depth defensemen, "Spencer Stastney maybe," and Oilersnation noted the swap clears $675,000 in cap space for Edmonton.
Who Could Be Squeezed Next
Kuzmenko was granted non-roster status by the NHL after the death of his father on September 24, and he rejoined the team October 2 and played two games without a point.
Coach Dan Muse said he'll keep skating with the Penguins but won't play on the road trip, which means he's out for Wednesday in Washington and Friday in Columbus, and his status for Saturday's home game against Dallas hasn't been announced.
Bryan Rust was activated from injured reserve Wednesday after missing the first three games with an upper-body injury suffered in the preseason finale, and he scored in his debut against the Capitals.
The Penguins are 2-2-0 and have more forwards than spots, with Elmer Soderblom, who has been a healthy scratch, described by Pittsburgh Hockey Now as an obvious candidate, and David Gustafsson serving as the extra forward on opening night.
Kindel and goalie Sergei Murashov are the only players on the roster who are exempt from waivers, and that Ville Koivunen's eight-year contract makes him harder to risk losing.
Justin Brazeau is also on injured reserve with a lower-body injury and will need a spot when he's healthy.
