In 30 words or less, Post-Gazette beat reporter Matt Vensel gives the lowdown on the 30 players most likely to pull on a Penguins sweater in the 2022-23 season.
FORWARDS
Josh Archibald: The 2011 sixth-round pick returns after five years away. Speedy right-shot winger must perform well to fend off rising forward prospects.
Teddy Blueger: Hard-working center grows his game each year. How will he be deployed? Back in a checking role or maybe more offensive opportunity?
Drake Caggiula: Journeyman signed a one-year deal this summer. Did not crack roster after decent preseason and is on track to play first career AHL game.
Jeff Carter: Rugged center is the oldest (37) on one of the league’s oldest teams. Will he be the Carter from the first half of 2021-22 or his subpar second?
Sidney Crosby: Penguins captain looks to become first 35-plus player to win the Hart since Joe Sakic in 2006-07. Averaged 1.22 points per game last season.
Jake Guentzel: One of the NHL’s biggest bargains with his $6 million salary, he led the Pens in goals and points last season. Can the winger get to 50 goals?
Filip Hallander: Defense-first winger enters second year in North America. Can his offensive game expand? If not, he projects as a Zach Aston-Reese type.
Danton Heinen: Back in Pittsburgh after finding lukewarm interest in free agency. Not likely to get near 20 goals again but can still be a useful middle-six wing.
Kasperi Kapanen: Curiously re-signed after immensely disappointing year. Play in camp and preseason suggests he may have diversified his offensive game.
Evgeni Malkin: Polarizing player sticks around after uneven 2021-22. Further removed from knee surgery, but his age (36) and injury history concern.
Brock McGinn: Was billed as a Tanev-esque tone-setter but underwhelmed in first season here. Useful penalty-killer must be more noticeable at 5-on-5.
Drew O’Connor: Starting season in AHL, where he was a point-per-game player in 2021-22. Will get another call to NHL. Does he earn a permanent spot?
Ryan Poehling: The 23-year-old former first-round pick arrives from Montreal. Not a regular yet but his ability to play center or wing help in that endeavor.
Sam Poulin: Top forward prospect was among final cuts. Impressed team with transition to center. Will get big minutes in AHL while awaiting NHL debut.
Valtteri Puustinen: Skilled, undersized right winger had quiet NHL camp but is one to monitor in minors with the possibility he provides late-season jolt.
Rickard Rakell: Despite a lack of goal-scoring, 2022 trade deadline pickup got a lucrative contract in July. Will start the season on Crosby’s right wing.
Bryan Rust: Versatile winger will play with Malkin in the opener, but expect to see him back with Crosby at some point. All-Star invite is a realistic target.
Jason Zucker: Pens were open to shedding his salary but now must hope for a bounce-back in his contract year. If not, he’s one to watch at the deadline.
DEFENSE
Brian Dumoulin: Performance dipped in recent seasons as lower-body injuries piled up. Pens need him to stay healthy and up his game to go on Cup run.
Mark Friedman: Due to cap crunch, agitator sent to AHL to start the season. His feistiness and ability to play both sides on D will be assets once injuries hit.
Pierre-Oliver Joseph: Here now but could be gone at any minute. 23-year-old is good enough to be NHL regular somewhere, but Pens prefer other options.
Kris Letang: Experienced a renaissance since Todd Reirden’s return. Will turn 36 in April but could finish top 10 in Norris voting for third straight year.
Jeff Petry: Trade acquisition is 34 and coming off lost season in Montreal. But he checks a bunch of boxes, including size, skating and breakout abilities.
Marcus Pettersson: Inconsistent blue-liner is still here after defensive overhaul. Will play with Petry to open season and hang back while Petry roams.
Chad Ruhwedel: Dependable righty could be slotted back into reserve role. But with four of six regulars on D over 30, he might still play 40-plus games.
Jan Rutta: Steady, stay-at-home defender signed in free agency. Will play the right side on third pair, be a key penalty killer. Won two Cups in Tampa.
Ty Smith: Pens are excited about potential of former first-rounder acquired in John Marino trade. Daring, young puck-mover won’t be in minors for long.
GOALIES
Casey DeSmith: Veteran No. 2 looks physically and mentally strong after second groin surgery in as many years. Must take work off Tristan Jarry’s plate.
Tristan Jarry: Coming off his second All-Star nod in three years, but postseason poise remains a question mark. Chance to make big bucks in contract year.
Dustin Tokarski: Sharing Wilkes-Barre/Scranton net with young Filip Lindberg. Likely first in line now in event of injury, but Lindberg could overtake him.
Matt Vensel: mvensel@post-gazette.com and Twitter @mattvensel.
First Published: October 12, 2022, 9:30 a.m.
Updated: October 12, 2022, 12:53 p.m.
