The Pittsburgh Penguins made a final move before the 2025 NHL trade deadline, acquiring defenseman Conor Timmins and center Connor Dewar from the Toronto Maple Leafs. The trade, completed just before the deadline on Friday, saw the Penguins send a late-round draft pick to Toronto in exchange for the two players, according to TSN’s Chris Johnston. The deal adds depth to the Penguins’ roster as they make a push for the postseason.
Timmins, a 26-year-old right-handed defenseman, brings a puck-moving style to Pittsburgh’s blue line. While not known for his physical play, Timmins is a strong skater who contributes offensively from the back end. This season, he has registered eight points on two goals and six assists in 51 games. He has also recorded 51 shots on goal and holds a +2 rating, reflecting his ability to maintain defensive stability while contributing offensively. Timmins’ most productive NHL season came in 2022-23, when he tallied 14 points on two goals and 12 assists in just 25 games, showcasing his offensive potential when given consistent ice time.
Along with Timmins, the Penguins added depth forward Connor Dewar, a hardworking player known for his high-intensity style. Dewar, 24, made it to the NHL by maximizing his skill set through relentless effort and competitiveness. This season, he has just three assists in 31 games but brings physicality with 80 hits. While not a prolific scorer, Dewar adds energy to the lineup and can contribute in a fourth-line role or on the penalty kill. Last season, he showed some offensive promise by scoring 11 goals in 71 games split between the Minnesota Wild and the Maple Leafs.
The trade addresses two key areas for the Penguins—defensive depth and forward grit—as they look to solidify their lineup for a potential playoff run. Timmins provides another option on the blue line, especially as injuries mount late in the season, while Dewar’s aggressive playing style adds an element of toughness to the forward group. The Penguins’ decision to part with only a late-round draft pick makes the move a low-risk acquisition that could pay dividends if both players find their stride in Pittsburgh.
With the trade deadline now passed, the Penguins will hope that Timmins and Dewar can provide the depth and reliability needed for a postseason push. While neither player is expected to dramatically shift the team’s fortunes, their complementary skill sets could prove valuable in key matchups down the stretch.
