Pittsburgh Penguins 2026-27 Preseason Over/Under: New Faces and Future Impact

The Pittsburgh Penguins are gearing up for the 2026-27 NHL season, and with the preseason in full swing, it’s time to take a closer look at the team’s new offseason acquisitions. As the Penguins aim to bolster their roster, the spotlight shines on how these fresh faces might shape the upcoming season.

Among the offseason arrivals, Nicholas Robertson stands out as a player with the potential to make a significant impact both immediately and in the long run. At just 24 years old, soon to be 25, Robertson has already demonstrated his NHL capabilities and has room to grow. Over the course of his career, he has averaged a pace of 17 goals per 82 games, a figure that has steadily climbed to nearly 19 goals per 82 games in the last three seasons. Notably, he has achieved this while primarily playing in a depth role, averaging only 12 minutes of ice time per game.

His efficiency as a goal-scorer is impressive; since the start of the 2023-24 season, Robertson has logged 1.09 goals per 60 minutes of 5-on-5 play, ranking him 29th among 517 forwards with at least 500 minutes of ice time. This statistic places him alongside notable players like Jack Eichel and Jordan Kyrou, while surpassing established names such as Brandon Hagel and Jake Guentzel. While this doesn’t imply he is on par with those players, it does highlight his ability to produce effectively in limited minutes.

Robertson embodies the type of player the Penguins have pursued in recent seasons: young, statistically promising, and looking for an opportunity to thrive in a larger role. The organization has seen success with similar acquisitions, including Egor Chinakhov and Elmer Soderblom, and they are hopeful that Robertson can follow suit. The question remains: can his per-minute success translate into a full season of 20 or more goals?

Another new contender for offensive contributions is Kuzmenko, who presents an interesting comparison to last season’s Anthony Mantha. While it’s unlikely Kuzmenko will replicate Mantha’s 33-goal season, he possesses offensive talent and a solid shot. After a breakout year with 39 goals in his rookie season, Kuzmenko’s scoring has fluctuated due to injuries and team changes, managing only 24 goals in 118 games since then. However, his high shooting percentage, consistently above 18 percent, suggests he can still be a goal-scoring asset, especially on the power play. Achieving the 20-goal mark is certainly within reach, especially considering he was on pace to do so last year with the Los Angeles Kings.

On the other hand, Lapierre, one of the Penguins’ first offseason moves, may have a less pronounced impact offensively. With a crowded forward lineup, his role could be limited to that of a fourth-liner or extra forward. His career total of 47 points in 158 games suggests he may not have the scoring touch the team is looking for.

Korczak, while not a standout offensive player, has shown promise in driving play and outscoring opponents during his time with Vegas. Though he played sheltered minutes, his performance indicates he could earn a more significant role with the Penguins. His average of 20 points per 82 games reflects a reliable presence on the ice.

As for Carlile, he could be this year’s version of Parker Wotherspoon, potentially offering a surprising level of production. His stint with Tampa Bay showcased his ability when given NHL opportunities, and he could emerge as a valuable addition to the Penguins’ roster.

With Korczak, Carlile, and van Riemsdyk joining the defensive ranks, the Penguins have revamped half of their defensive lineup this offseason. This shift, coupled with the possible emergence of young talents like Harrison Brunicke and Owen Pickering, could enhance the team’s defensive capabilities. Van Riemsdyk stands out as the most reliable defender among the new additions, boasting positive plus-minus ratings over the past four seasons. As the Penguins look to climb closer to the top contenders in the Eastern Conference, the effectiveness of this revamped roster remains to be seen.

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