Penguins sign winger Connor Dewar, defenseman Ilya Solovyov to contract extensions

AtlanticBruinsCanadiensLightningMaple LeafsPanthersRed WingsSabresSenatorsMetropolitanBlue JacketsCapitalsDevilsFlyersHurricanesIslandersPenguinsRangersCentralAvalancheBlackhawksBluesJetsMammothPredatorsStarsWildPacificCanucksDucksFlamesGolden KnightsKingsKrakenOilersSharksScores & ScheduleStandingsPodcastsFantasyNHL OddsNHL PicksPlayoff bracketNHL Draft rankingRed Light NewsletterStanley Cup Connor Dewar, 26, signed a two-year contract with a $2.25 million average annual value. Steph Chambers / Getty Images Share article2PITTSBURGH — At least two-thirds of the Pittsburgh Penguins’ outstanding fourth line is returning. Connor Dewar, 26, just wrapped up the best season of his career and was rewarded with a two-year contract with a $2.25 million average annual value that will keep him in Pittsburgh through 2028-29, the team announced Thursday. With center Blake Lizotte signing a three-year extension in January, the Penguins’ fourth line is mostly locked up for the near future. The Penguins also announced Thursday that they signed 25-year-old defenseman Ilya Solovyov, acquired midway through the season from Colorado, to a one-year, $850,000 contract. Solovyov played limited but effective minutes in the final three games of the Penguins’ playoff series against Philadelphia. Dewar, one of the Penguins’ best penalty killers, scored a career-high 14 goals in 2025-26. Since being acquired from Toronto late in 2024-25, Dewar has 18 goals in 95 games — a healthy total for a player who plays so low in the lineup. He was one of the Penguins’ best players in their first-round loss to the Flyers, scoring two goals and killing penalties well. Lizotte, Dewar and Noel Acciari formed one of the best fourth lines in franchise history. Because Acciari is 34 and the Penguins have more potential bottom-six pieces, such as Avery Hayes, in their system, Acciari was always the least likely of the three to return. He is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Dewar told The Athletic last month that he wanted to return. “It’s been a good fit for me,” he said. “I like it here a lot. I like being part of this team.” Dewar also said he felt desperate after his career went sideways in Toronto. It showed on the ice, as he found his game — and some financial security — in Pittsburgh. Solovyov played well in his first Stanley Cup playoff games this spring. His skating probably needs to improve to become a legitimate top-six defenseman, but the Penguins love his physicality, his 6-foot-3, 210-pound frame and his attitude. He will at least provide the Penguins with valuable blue-line depth. Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms