Penguins’ Roster Outlook as NHL Draft Approaches

With just a month to go until the NHL Draft on June 26th, the anticipation is building for teams looking to reshape their rosters. The Pittsburgh Penguins were notably active last year, making several trades that included sending Conor Timmins to Buffalo in exchange for Connor Clifton and a high second-round pick. As the offseason approaches, it’s time to assess which players are likely to remain in Pittsburgh and which might be facing uncertain futures.

Tier 1: The Big 3 No-Brainers

At the top of the list are three foundational players: Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang. Crosby’s place on the roster is unquestionable, while Malkin’s re-signing ensures he’ll be back for his 21st season with the team. Letang, despite some skepticism surrounding his age, proved his worth in the playoffs by averaging over 26 minutes of ice time in critical games. His leadership and experience still make him a key asset for the Penguins moving forward.

Tier 2: A Class to Himself

Erik Karlsson, who turns 36 on Sunday, stands alone in his tier. As he approaches the final year of his contract, there are questions surrounding his future in Pittsburgh. Known for being selective with his no-movement clause, there have been no discussions regarding a potential exit strategy. The clock is ticking on his career, and while he finished eighth in points among defensemen last season, the Penguins’ status as serious contenders for the Cup is uncertain. Whether he will remain with the team or seek a different opportunity remains to be seen.

Tier 3: Young, Valuable Players

This group consists of players who are seen as untouchable due to their potential. Ben Kindel stands out as the crown jewel of the Penguins’ future following an impressive age-18 season, making him a prime candidate for trade inquiries that the Penguins are likely to dismiss. Egor Chinakhov, an RFA, shows promise and should be retained to see if he can reach his star potential in Pittsburgh. Arturs Silovs also demonstrated his capabilities as a 1A/1B goalie, suggesting the team may keep him around for another season, while Elmer Soderblom provided a glimpse of excitement for the future.

Tier 4: Veteran Core

In this category are players like Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell, who may attract trade interest but are likely to remain key contributors for the Penguins. Rust, a heart-and-soul player, consistently scores nearly a point per game, making him valuable to the team’s leadership and performance. Rakell’s versatility and effectiveness in various roles add to his worth, but the Penguins may need to consider their direction regarding age and roster youth. Blake Lizotte and Connor Dewar, both of whom recently signed extensions, also appear to be safe bets to stay with the team.

Tier 5: Who Would Want Them?

Some players may face uncertain futures due to their performance and contract situations. Ryan Graves has three years remaining on his contract, which could make him more appealing for trade discussions. However, his inconsistent play raises doubts about his desirability. Caleb Jones has struggled with injuries and off-ice issues, making him a less attractive option for other teams. Filip Hallander’s season ending prematurely due to blood clots adds to the uncertainty surrounding his future, while Ilya Solovyov has yet to establish himself as a reliable option.

Tier 6: Keep Your Alerts Ready

Finally, there are players like Tommy Novak and Sam Girard, who could become trade chips. Novak, while not young, had a solid season and is under contract through 2026-27, making him an affordable option for potential suitors. Girard’s reputation as a mobile defenseman could also attract interest, though the Penguins may want to see more from him before making a decision. Justin Brazeau, who had a breakout season, might also be a candidate for a trade if the Penguins feel they have similar talent in their system.

Free Agent Decisions

As the Penguins look towards free agency, several players are likely to depart. Noel Acciari may have aged out of the team’s plans, while Anthony Mantha is expected to seek a lucrative contract elsewhere. Kevin Hayes and Stuart Skinner are also on the move, with Skinner likely to find a new home as a 1B goalie. Connor Clifton and Ryan Shea represent more complex decisions, with Shea being the highest-scoring UFA left-handed defenseman this summer. The Penguins must weigh the value of retaining him against the potential for a significant payday elsewhere.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.