The Pittsburgh Penguins announced on Tuesday that they have acquired forward Oliver Okuliar from the Florida Panthers, completing a trade that sent a prospect defenseman to Florida. The move comes as the club looks to bolster its forward depth heading into the next season.
Okuliar, 26, signed a one‑year contract worth $850,000, a deal that keeps the Slovakian forward under team control through the upcoming campaign. He arrives after a stint with Skellefteå AIK in the Swedish Hockey League, where he posted 15 goals and 14 assists in 2025‑26.
His playoff pedigree is notable; Okuliar tied for first in goals and ranked second in points during the SHL postseason, adding a goal and an assist in six games for Team Slovakia at the recent Winter Olympics. The forward is known for his physical brand of play and energy, traits that have made him a fan favorite in the AHL with the Charlotte Checkers.
A Heated Exchange with the Tkachuk Brothers
After a semi‑final matchup, Okuliar did not shy away from voicing his frustration, calling the Tkachuk brothers ‘scumbags’ in a terse post‑game comment. The remark has sparked discussion among analysts about the intensity of rivalries in the league.
General manager Ron Hextall emphasized that the acquisition is part of a broader strategy to add grit and depth scoring, stating that Okuliar’s blend of skill and toughness fits the Penguins’ evolving identity.