The Pittsburgh Penguins have re-signed restricted free agent forward Ville Koivunen to an eight-year contract, according to multiple reports. The Penguins' official Twitter account confirmed the signing, while hockey reporter Chris Johnston also reported the deal on both Twitter and Bluesky.

Koivunen, 23, is a right-handed forward who has spent his entire NHL career with the Penguins. In the 2025-26 season, he recorded 2 goals, 5 assists, and 7 points in 39 games, with 4 of those points coming on the power play. His plus-minus rating was -10, suggesting he often plays on the checking line. Over his career, he has appeared in 47 games, tallying 2 goals, 12 assists, and 14 points. His role on the team is that of a bottom-six forward who contributes on the power play.

Later reports from Chris Johnston highlighted the significance of the contract in the context of the NHL's new CBA rules, which are set to take effect next month. These rules will limit contract terms for teams extending their own players to seven years. Koivunen's eight-year deal is likely one of the final such contracts before the new term limits are enforced.

The Penguins have secured a long-term commitment from a young forward who has shown value on the power play and has the potential to develop further. With the new CBA rules in place, Koivunen's contract may represent a rare opportunity for teams to extend players beyond the seven-year cap.