Pens Ink Long-term Extension With Rfa; How It Affects The Islanders

The Pittsburgh Penguins just dropped a stunning contract on the NHL, signing restricted free agent Ville Koivunen to an eight-year, $32 million contract ($4 million AAV).

That sound you may hear is the cash register for Emil Heineman and Simon Holmstrom's eventual contract extensions next summer, as they're both set to become RFAs following the end of the 2026-27 season.

If the New York Islanders had plans on extending both long-term, they both just got undoubtedly more expensive.

Koivunen, 23, played 39 NHL games this past season, and has a total of 47 career NHL games.

In 2025-26, he posted two goals and seven points. In his career, he has just five more assists, a total line of 47 GP, 2G, 10A, 12Pts.

It's a massive, massive contract from the Penguins. While the cap is rising exponentially and indefinitely, given an unproven RFA eight years and a solid enough cap hit is a big bet on the player's future.

Koivunen's now signed until he's age 31, and if he hits as a solid middle-six forward, it'll age fantastic for Pittsburgh.

Meanwhile, for the Islanders, it's not the best of news. Heineman, 24, just potted 22 goals and 31 points this year. Holmstrom's posted 39 goals and 86 points in the last two seasons.

Heineman on a long-term contract could point right to that Koivunen deal and command at least another $1.5-2 million annually on an eight-year deal, minimum. If the Islanders wait, and Heineman posts another 20+ goal season while becoming more well-rounded offensively, it could become even more expensive.

Holmstrom, meanwhile, has excelled at both even strength and on the penalty kill. His biggest deficiency has been early-season consistency. If and when Holmstrom puts that together, he's an easy 25+ goal, 55-60+ point player who can play in all situations.

A long-term contract for that will cost double to two-and-a-half times what Koivunen just signed for.

While Koivunen is not the best comparable for either player, what he did just do is raise the bar entirely for RFA forwards.

Heineman and Holmstrom are better players than Koivunen, and thus will command a higher salary AAV if they signed today.