Exploring the Penguins’ Center Depth and Lineup Strategies for the Upcoming Season

The Pittsburgh Penguins may not have made a splash in the trade market this summer, but the team has been quietly enhancing its depth and flexibility, particularly at center. As they prepare for the upcoming season, the configuration of their lineup down the middle will be a crucial aspect to watch.

Leading the charge is none other than Sidney Crosby, who at 39 years old continues to be a formidable first-line center. Last season, he secured his 21st consecutive season above a point-per-game, setting an NHL record. However, beyond Crosby, the Penguins boast a wealth of center options, including Evgeni Malkin, Rickard Rakell, Tommy Novak, Ben Kindel, Blake Lizotte, Hendrix Lapierre, and Connor Dewar. This variety allows for numerous forward combinations as the team looks to optimize its performance.

Most likely, the Penguins will stick with a proven strategy that has served them well. Projecting their forward lineup for the 2026-27 season, it’s anticipated that Crosby, Novak, Kindel, and Lizotte will anchor the middle, mirroring their roles during the Stanley Cup Playoffs and much of the previous regular season. Former head coach Mike Sullivan favored having multiple centers on each line, a philosophy current head coach Dan Muse seems to share. This setup could see Crosby paired with Rakell on the first line, while Malkin and Novak could form a potent second line.

While balance is essential, there are questions about whether Novak can effectively fill the role of a true second-line center if the Penguins aim to be serious contenders. This storyline will be one of the more captivating aspects of training camp. Rakell has experience in the center position from last season, where he grew increasingly comfortable, especially during critical stretches without Crosby or Malkin. He registered 14 goals and 24 points in a 20-game span, showcasing his value in pivotal moments.

With faceoff issues still a concern, Rakell has had the summer to refine his skills. His potential role as the second-line center could significantly enhance the Penguins’ depth. If Rakell is positioned between Egor Chinakhov and Malkin, the trio could prove to be a formidable offensive force. Meanwhile, Kindel could benefit from playing alongside Novak, a reliable two-way player, and Nick Robertson, who brings offensive potential.

Analyzing Malkin’s shift to the wing last season, it appears his days as a center may be behind him. His chemistry with Chinakhov and Novak revitalized his game, leading to an impressive 19 goals and 61 points in just 56 games. Similarly, Dewar has seen limited time at center and may not be the best fit there, given the Penguins’ depth at the position.

Kindel’s experience as an 18-year-old center last season is noteworthy; despite a modest 17-goal, 35-point output, he displayed a solid understanding of the two-way game. His growth this season could position him as a long-term solution for the Penguins’ second-line center role, which would be ideal as the team builds for the future.

Lapierre also warrants attention. After underwhelming production with the Capitals, he could thrive in Pittsburgh under Muse’s guidance. Additionally, Tristan Broz, who missed most of last season due to injuries, is poised to make an impact if called upon, demonstrating readiness for NHL competition.

Ultimately, the Penguins’ most balanced lineup may see Rakell centering the second line. This would allow for experimentation with players like Kuzmenko or Robertson alongside Crosby and Bryan Rust, while Novak’s presence on the third line could enhance its defensive reliability. Such a configuration would not only provide a potent offensive threat but also help alleviate Rakell’s faceoff challenges with Malkin’s support. As the Penguins gear up for the new season, a lineup featuring Crosby, Rakell, Kindel, and Lizotte down the middle could set the stage for success.

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