Kaeden Korczak Acquired by Penguins from Vegas
p/c: David Zalubowski
A day before the NHL free agency period begins on Wednesday, the Pittsburgh Penguins swung a deal with the Vegas Golden Knights. It’s a swap of defensemen, as Pittsburgh is acquiring Kaeden Korczak, while Parker Wotherspoon is headed to Vegas. The Penguins are retaining 50% of Wotherspoon’s remaining salary.
A second round selection of the Golden Knights in 2019, Korczak played parts of four seasons in Vegas. The 6’3, 207 pound defenseman registered 102 hits and 95 blocked shots in 2025-26; both of which are career bests.
Wotherspoon signed a two-year contract for $2 million with the Penguins last year.
The 28-year-old Wotherspoon enjoyed perhaps his best season in the NHL for Pittsburgh; compiling 162 hits, second most on the team, while being paired on top alongside Erik Karlsson, and becoming a major contributor on the penalty kill.
At 25, Korczak gives the Penguins years of control, as he’s signed through 2029-30, for a $3.25 million AAV.
While Vegas was clearly looking to move cap space with this trade, they are getting back a solid defenseman, on the short-term, for a fraction of the cost.