4 Bold Predictions for the Penguins’ Season Opener
Four bold predictions for the Penguin season opener. Imagine this, a team with too many talented players and not enough room on the ice. That’s the predicament facing the Pittsburgh Penguins as they gear up for the upcoming season. The dressing room is practically bursting at the seams, filled with name plates for veterans who have earned their stripes but may no longer fit into the team’s evolving plan. And yet, general manager Kyle Dubis continues to add experienced players to an already crowded roster while hinting at a looming shift toward youth. A promise that feels like a storm cloud hovering over the organization, ready to break at any moment. But here’s where it gets controversial. The Penguins haven’t made any major trades yet, or even minor ones for that matter. Dubis has openly stated he’s willing to part ways with veterans if necessary, wishing them well as they move on. Yet, there are simply too many seasoned players to reasonably wave and reassign to the Wilsberry Scranton Penguins, HTTPS, and WBS Penguins, their AHL affiliate. This collision of young prospects and veteran stalwarts is creating tension, and something’s got to give. So, what does this mean for the Penguins? Let’s dive into three bold predictions about how things might unfold before the puck drops on opening night. # prediction one. Patience will be put to the test. Kyle Dubis will soon find himself in a tough spot. With so many veterans still on the roster, some promising young players will likely need to cool their heels in the AHL until opportunities arise. Neither Dubis nor these players will relish this situation. Our gut tells us that clearing space by trading veterans without retaining salary or using valuable cap retention slots will take longer than anticipated. Why? Because teams eyeing playoff contention often wait until injuries pile up. Poor starts become evident or offseason acquisitions fail to deliver the expected spark. When that happens, the Penguins phone lines will light up. Veterans like Kevin Hayes, Pittsburgh hockeyow.com/pittsburgh Penguins Mike Sullivan. What Kevin Hayes must do better. Big comparison for Avery Hayes, Nol Aikiari, and Danton Heinand could attract interest from other clubs. But don’t expect deals to materialize until November at the earliest. In the meantime, younger talents like Tristan Bros seem destined to bear the brunt of this log jam. Philip Hollander, Pittsburgh hockeyow.com/penguinsan analysis, glut of veterans points to trade or a problem might also face a similar fate. And let’s not forget the wildcard factor. Players like Raphael Harvey Pinard who could unexpectedly earn a spot despite limited expectations. Ah, you’ve been following NHL rumors. You won’t be shocked to hear that Rickard Raquel’s name keeps popping up in trade discussions. Despite scoring 35 goals last season, his potential departure hasn’t generated nearly as much buzz as one might expect. Dubis isn’t under immediate pressure to deal Raquel given his 5-year contract still has three seasons remaining. However, keeping Raquel and fellow vets Brian Rust and Eric Carlson on the roster risks leaving the Penguins stuck in mediocrity with rookies Ruter McGory and Vle Kounan. https Pittsburgh hockeyow.com. Vle Kounan wants first goal growing game impressing teammates set to join the NHL fold this year and free agents like Justin Brazzo battling alongside hopefuls such as Philip Thomasino for prime ice. We predict Raquel will indeed be traded, but not for the blockbuster return fans dream of. Instead, reality may leave some supporters bitterly disappointed. Here’s the kicker. Raquel remains a highly valuable asset, arguably undervalued by GMs across the league. But since none of us get a vote, prepare for heated debates when the actual trade terms are revealed. Will Penguins fans feel betrayed, or will they see the logic behind the deal? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Here’s where opinions are sure to divide. A 35-year-old superstar with championship aspirations might seem like an ideal candidate for a trade, but Eric Carlson’s hefty contract and unique playing style make him a tricky cell. As an analyticsdriven GM, Dubis sees value in Carlson’s numbers and isn’t ready to throw in the towel just yet. Add to that Carlson’s personal preferences regarding situations and locations, which severely limit Dubis’ options, and it seems unlikely we’ll see a change anytime soon. As August approaches and vacations begin, this standoff appears poised to drag into the regular season, further complicating the Penguins already oversted defensive core. currently six deep on the right side. This imbalance raises questions about how long Dubis can delay making a decision. Bonus prediction. Matt Dumba and Jack Saint. If battle for roster spots, Matt Dumba was acquired not necessarily for his on ice contributions, but because of the attached second round draft pick. While Dumba hasn’t lived up to his dynamic potential in recent years, his $3.5 million cap hit makes him expendable. Waving him would clear a path for emerging prospects like Harrison Brunicki. Pittsburgh hockeyow.com/ Pittsburgh Penguins prospects Tristan Bros, Harrison Bruniki Next Wave or Jack St. Ivan. Speaking of St. Ivan, he’s no longer waiver exempt, meaning he must either secure a permanent roster spot or risk being claimed by another team. Though Dumba seems like the first domino to fall, could others follow suit? Connor Clifton appears relatively safe after being acquired via trade during the 2025 NHL draft, but the real wild card might be Harrison Brunicki. If he impresses enough, could he leapfrog everyone else? What do you think? Are these predictions on point or is there another twist coming our way? Join the conversation and let us know. 2027 Penguins future lineup predictions. Key players. Envisioning the Pittsburgh Penguins roster for the 2027 season is an intriguing yet ultimately feudal summer pastime. While it’s enjoyable to speculate, the reality is that a single trade or significant player movement could completely alter the landscape within the next couple of years. Nevertheless, let’s dive into what the Penguins might look like 2 years from now. Even if the future remains uncertain, by 2027, many changes are expected and the only certainty is that the future is unpredictable. Currently, only five players are signed for the 2027-28 season. Ironically, some of these players like Brian Rust and Rickard Raquel may be traded soon, while others such as Ryan Graves and Tristan Jerry are also likely to be moved if the opportunity arises. And of course, there’s the everpresent Chris Latang whose future remains a topic of discussion. Left-wing Sydney Crosby, Ruter Mcgory. It feels almost poetic that the Penguins might secure their next franchise player 21 years after Cydney Crosby, mirroring how they drafted Crosby 21 years after Mario Lemieux. Whether this new addition comes through the draft or a free agency signing remains to be seen, but we’ll leave it to your imagination to guess who it might be. Additionally, we’re assuming that the 40-year-old Crosby will choose to continue his illustrious career with the Penguins. Vil Kyunan, center free agent trade, Ben Kindle. It may be ambitious to project Kindle into a top six position in what will be his third year postdraft, but let’s remain optimistic about his development. Having played both center and wing, it might be more manageable for him to start as a winger in his rookie season and transition to center as he gains experience. The Penguins will need to bolster their center position through external acquisitions as their current prospects in that area are limited. Free agent free agent Avery Hayes. While it would be exciting to see younger talents like Mikail Illen or Melvin Fernstrom in this lineup, they will still be quite young even two years from now. Hayes, however, has the potential to carve out a niche as a small bottom six winger with a knack for scoring. Other players like Will Horov and Bill Zonan could also be on the verge of making an impact, but for now, we’ll keep them hypothetically in the Wilks Bear Scranton Penguins to start the season. Tanner How, an older player, another replacement level Dubis project. By this time, How should have fully recovered from his ACL surgery and be approaching a level of play suitable for the NHL. As is often the case, the fourth line may not be the most thrilling, likely filled with a mix of veterans acquired in the future to fill the gaps. Owen Pickering, Harrison Bernicki. Let’s hope that Pickering makes significant strides and secures a spot in the lineup. While Bernicki may not reach the heights of a dominant first pair defenseman, he has the potential to develop into a solid player, random defender, veteran player. The Penguins will need to add several defenseman in the near future. Who will step up to fill this role? That remains to be seen. Daniel Latch, Chris Leang. This pairing could be a surprising combination for the future, albeit with a slim chance of actually materializing. Latch possesses a unique blend of defensive skills reminiscent of Rob Scadiri and Hal Gil, boasting the size, positional awareness, and reach that could elevate his game beyond expectations. While it’s uncertain whether he will make a lasting impact in the NHL, this is my vision for the future. As for Leang, he may face the possibility of being medically retired by this time, but let’s not dwell on that. He still has a contract and it’s unlikely any team would be eager to trade for an aging somewhat pricey player. So he remains with the Penguins goalies a veteran and Sergey Murash by the 2027-28 season. The Penguins will have a clearer understanding of what they have in Murashave. Goalending can be unpredictable but his athleticism is certainly worth betting on. In summary, the Penguins are likely to look quite different two years from now compared to their current roster. While players like Quovenan, McGory, and Bruniki may become mainstays, it’s important to remember that last year Braden Joerger was also in the picture only to be removed before he even began his professional career. The landscape can shift rapidly. Looking ahead, 2 years is a relatively short time frame. It may be even more fascinating to consider where the team will be in 5 years when both Crosby and Latang will likely have retired and the 2025 draft class will have had time to establish themselves or not. The Penguins are currently in a transitional phase and it will take time for the prospects they are nurturing to make a significant impact in the NHL. NHL Penguins hired Dan Muse as coach key players joining the team. Imagine this. The Pittsburgh Penguins, a team that once ruled the ice, is now making bold moves to claw their way back to the Stanley Cup playoffs after a threeseason hiatus. They’ve hired a new coach, signed some serious talent, and pulled off a couple of eyeopening trades. But here’s where it gets controversial. Are these moves enough to secure a spot in the playoffs? Or are they just setting themselves up for another disappointing season? Let’s dive in and see what the Penguins have been up to. And this is the part most people miss. The behindthe-scenes maneuvers that could make or break their season. After the NHL draft, free agency, and other offseason shuffles, it’s time to assess where each team stands as they gear up for the 202526 regular season. Kicking off on October 7th. Today, we’re shining the spotlight on the Pittsburgh Penguins. 2024-25 season, 34 wins, 36 losses, 12 ties, seventh in the Metropolitan Division. Miss the Stanley Cup playoffs. New faces on the block. Anthony Mantha, forward. This 30-year-old powerhouse inked a one-year deal on July 2nd, aiming to bounce back from a torn ACL that sidelined him on November 5th, 2024. Last season, he managed seven points, four goals, three assists in 13 games for the Calgary Flames. Mantha’s physical presence and scoring ability could be just what the Penguins need to bolster their forward lineup. Matthew Dumba, defenseman, acquired in a trade with the Dallas Stars on July 10th. Dumba, along with a second round pick in the 2028 NHL draft, came in exchange for defenseman Vlatislav Kolia Chonak. Dumba, now 30, had 10 points, one goal, nine assists in 63 games last season and could slot into the third defensive pair, providing a steady hand on the blue line. Arur Silv’s goalender. The 24year-old was snagged from the Vancouver Conucks on July 13 in a trade that sent forward Chase Stillman and a fourthround pick in the 2027 NHL draft to the Canucks. Silovs had a modest season with a 2 to6 and one record, a 3.65 goals against average, and an 8.61 save percentage in 10 games, nine starts. He set to compete with Joel Blumist for the backup role, adding some muchneeded depth in the crease. Justin Brazo, forward. This 27-year-old depth forward signed a 2001 contract on July 1st. Last season, he racked up 22 points, 11 goals, 11 assists in 76 games split between the Boston Bruins and Minnesota Wild. Brazo’s versatility and grit will be valuable assets for the Penguins. Parker Wtherspoon, defenseman, another July 1st signing. Wther spoon, 27, could pair up with Dumba after a solid season with the Bruins, where he recorded seven points, one goal, six assists in 55 games. His defensive prowess and ability to contribute offensively make him a valuable addition. Connor Clifton, defenseman, acquired in a trade with the Buffalo Sabres on June 28th. Clifton, 30, comes with a proven track record, having notched 16 points, one goal, 15 assists in 73 games last season. He’s another strong candidate for the third defensive pair, bringing experience and reliability to the back end. Dan Muse, head coach. The 43-year-old Muse was hired as the Penguins firsttime NHL head coach on June 4th, replacing Mike Sullivan. Muse brings a wealth of experience from his two seasons as an assistant coach with the New York Rangers. His fresh perspective and strategic acumen could be the spark the Penguins need to reignite their playoff hopes. Key departures, Matt Grez, defenseman. An unsigned free agent, Grez had a career-high 40 points, one goal, 39 assists in 82 games last season. His departure leaves a significant void on the blue line, but the Penguins seem confident in their new acquisitions to fill the gap. Alex Nadelljikovic, goalender, traded to the San Jose Sharks on July 1st. Naduljikovic had a 32212 record with a 3.05 goals against average and an 8.98 save percentage as Pittsburgh’s primary backup over the past two seasons. His departure opens the door for younger goalies to step up and prove themselves. Pio Joseph, defenseman, signed a one-year contract with the Canucks on July 2nd. Joseph played his first four seasons with the Penguins before a brief stimp with the St. Louis Blues. He was traded back to Pittsburgh on December 18th, 2024 and contributed one assist in 24 games. His departure is a minor loss, but the Penguins have depth to cover his absence. Matt Netto, forward, and unsigned free agent. Netto had seven points, two goals, five assists in 54 games over two seasons with the Penguins, including three points, one goal, two assists in 32 games last season. His departure is relatively low impact given his limited production. Rising stars Rutar McGory, forward. This 21-year-old showed promise with three points, one goal, two assists in eight games for Pittsburgh last season. He even got a chance to play on the first line with Sydney Crosby after being recalled from the Wilsberry Scranton of the American Hockey League on March 29th. Unfortunately, a season ending lower body injury on April 8th cut his season short. McGroy’s potential is undeniable and he could be a key player in the Penguins future. Vle Kovenanin forward. The 22-year-old had seven assists in his first eight NHL games after being recalled alongside McGory. He could start the season on a line with second line center of Genny Malcin adding a dynamic young talent to the forward core. Owen Pickering defenseman. This 21-year-old had three points, one goal, two assists in 25 games as a rookie last season. Selected with the number 21 pick in the 2022 NHL draft, Pickering has the potential to earn a top pair role and become a cornerstone of the Penguins defense. Unfinished business. The Penguins still need to make decisions on Brian Rust, Rickard Raquel, and Eric Carlson. Rust has great chemistry with Crosby on the first line and has won the Stanley Cup twice in 11 seasons with Pittsburgh. Raquel led the Penguins with 35 goals as a top six wing last season. Carlson has been a standout defenseman, leading the team in points in each of his two seasons since being acquired from the Sharks on August 6th, 2023. General manager Kyle Dubis has hinted at listening to trade offers, but the future of these key players remains uncertain. Words from the top. At some point, we’re going to have to make the call to go into this mode to try to build to transition to that next era of the team contending again. We know what people say about the prospect pool and the draft class and how long of a road people think it’s going to be, but we are down there and every ounce of our focus is about getting the team back to contention as urgently as possible. General manager Kyle Dubis stat to watch. The Penguins ranked sixth in the NHL in high danger shots on goal, 656 last season with forwards accounting for 634 of those shots. Raquel led the team and ranked tied for ninth in the league with 22 high danger goals. Raquel, Crosby, and Rust all excelled from high danger areas with Penguins forwards accounting for 87.6% of their goals, 212 of 242 as a team last season. the sixth highest mark in the NHL. Troy Pearloitz Fantasy Insights. Cydney Crosby led Pittsburgh with 91 points, 33 goals, 58 assists in 80 games last season. The first time in his NHL career, he has surpassed the 90 point mark in three straight seasons. He is also one of nine players with at least 50 assists in each of the past four seasons. Crosby ranked second in assists 40 and tied for third in points 56 at five on five last season. Though Raquel 70 points in 81 games and Rust 65 points in 71 games, each set career highs in points last season. The rebuilding Penguins could opt to use Kovenan in one of those wing spots on the top line. Acquired from the Carolina Hurricanes as part of the Jake Gensel trade in March 2024, Kovenin is a deep sleeper option and ranks in the top 10 of NHL.com’s rookie rankings. Hello Chris Meanie. Projected lineup Rickard Raquel, Sydney Crosby, Brian Rust, Vil Kovenan, Evenny Malcin, Anthony Mantha, Ruter McGory, Tommy Novak, Philip Thomasino, Connor Der, Blake Lazot, Justin Brazo, Owen Pickering, Chris Latang, Ryan Graves, Eric Carlson, Parker Weatherspoon, Matthew Dumba, Tristan Jerry, Arur Salavs. So, what do you think? Are these moves enough to propel the Penguins back into playoff contention, or are they still a few pieces away from being a true contender? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s spark a lively debate. Remember, the future of the Penguins is in the hands of their new coach, their star players, and the strategic decisions made by their management. Only time will tell if these bold moves will pay off. Stay tuned for more updates as the 2025 to 26 season approaches.
00:00 – 4 Bold Predictions for the Penguins’ Season Opener
06:33 – 2027 Penguins Future Lineup: Predictions & Key Players
11:44 – NHL Penguins Hire Dan Muse as Coach & Key Players Joining the Team
1. 4 Bold Predictions for the Penguins’ Season Opener
Join us as we dive into the Pittsburgh Penguins’ upcoming season with four bold predictions that could shape their journey. From potential trades to the impact of young players, we analyze the current roster dynamics and what fans can expect. Will the veterans hold their ground, or will the youth take over? Tune in for insights and discussions on key players like Rickard Rakell and Erik Karlsson. Don’t miss out on the latest Penguins news!
2. 2027 Penguins Future Lineup: Predictions & Key Players
Uncover the potential NHL lineup of the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2027, focusing on key players, trade dynamics, and team development. Explore how the Penguins might evolve with current contracts, emerging talent, and the challenges of building a competitive roster. This analysis highlights critical positions like LW, blueliners, and goalies, while acknowledging the unpredictable nature of sports futures. Keywords: NHL, Penguins, 2027 Lineup, Future Team, Player Predictions, NHL Analysis, Team Development, Blueliners Needed, Goalies.
3. NHL Penguins Hire Dan Muse as Coach & Key Players Joining the Team
After the NHL Draft, free agency and other offseason moves, the Pittsburgh Penguins have made strategic moves to strengthen their roster. Dan Muse, the team’s first-time head coach, has been appointed, along with Anthony Mantha, Mathew Dumba, Arturs Silovs, Justin Brazeau, and Connor Clifton. These additions aim to rebuild the Penguins after a three-season absence and secure their position in the playoffs. Key departures include Matt Grzelcyk, Alex Nedeljkovic, and Rutger McGroarty, while the current roster features Parker Wotherspoon and Owen Pickering. The Penguins are also preparing for the upcoming regular season, focusing on building a competitive squad.
