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Penguins Navigate Coaching Change and Roster Shifts as Future Beckons
The Pittsburgh penguins are entering a new era, marked by a notable coaching transition and a series of roster adjustments. Mike Sullivan, who guided the team to Stanley Cup victories in his first two seasons, will not be returning after the penguins missed the playoffs in the last three of his ten campaigns at the helm.
Key Departures Shaping the Lineup
Several players have moved on from Pittsburgh this offseason:
Matt Grzelcyk (Defenseman): Grzelcyk, who was without a contract, contributed 40 points (one goal, 39 assists) in 82 games last season. This was his sole year with the Penguins, following a nine-year tenure with the Boston Bruins. Alex Nedeljkovic (Goaltender): Nedeljkovic was traded to the San Jose Sharks on July 1st. In his two seasons as Pittsburgh’s backup, he posted a 32-22-12 record with a 3.05 goals-against average and an .898 save percentage.
Pierre-Olivier Joseph (Defenseman): Joseph inked a one-year deal with the Vancouver Canucks on July 2nd. He spent his initial four seasons with the Penguins before a brief stint with the St.Louis Blues. Acquired back by Pittsburgh on December 18, 2024, he appeared in 24 games.
Matt Nieto (Forward): Nieto, also unsigned, recorded seven points (two goals, five assists) over two seasons with the Penguins, tallying three points (one goal, two assists) in 32 games last season.
Prospects Poised for NHL Possibility
The Penguins have several promising young players knocking on the door of the NHL roster:
Rutger McGroarty (Forward): The 21-year-old forward registered three points (one goal, two assists) in eight games for the Penguins last season. He even skated on the top line with Sidney Crosby after being recalled from the AHL’s Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins on March 29th, before his season was cut short by a lower-body injury on April 8th.
Ville Koivunen (Forward): Koivunen impressed with seven assists in his first eight NHL contests, earning a recall concurrently with McGroarty. The 22-year-old winger could possibly start the season on the second line alongside centre Evgeni Malkin.
* Owen Pickering (Defenseman): Pickering, also 21, notched three points (one goal, two assists) in 25 games during his rookie season. Drafted 21st overall in 2022, Pickering is a candidate to play on Pittsburgh’s top defensive pairing.
Areas of Focus for the Roster
The Penguins are evaluating the futures of key veteran players, including Bryan Rust, rickard Rakell, and erik Karlsson. Rust has formed a strong partnership with Crosby on the top line and is a two-time Stanley Cup champion in 11 seasons with Pittsburgh. Rakell led the Penguins in goals last season with 35. Karlsson has been the team’s leading scorer among defensemen in both seasons since his acquisition from the Sharks on August 6, 2023. General manager Kyle Dubas has indicated a willingness to listen to offers for these three players as the organization pivots towards the future.
Management’s Vision for the future
“We may have to make the decision to enter this phase and build to make the transition to the next era of this team and become contenders again,” stated General Manager Kyle Dubas. “We know what people say about the prospect pool, the draft class, and the long road ahead. But we are on the ground and resolute to become contenders as quickly as possible.”
Projected training Camp Lineup
Here’s a glimpse of how the Penguins might line up during training camp:
Forwards:
Rickard Rakell — Sidney Crosby — Bryan Rust
Ville Koivunen — evgeni Malkin — Anthony Mantha
Rutger McGroarty — Tommy Novak — Philip Tomasino
Connor Dewar — Blake Lizotte — Justin Brazeau
Defensemen:
Owen Pickering — Kris Letang
Ryan Graves — Erik Karlsson
Parker wotherspoon — Mathew Dumba
Goaltenders:
tristan Jarry
Arthur Silov
