Pittsburgh Penguins: 5 Pens with a Lot to Prove in 2015-16
By Mike Necciai
Jan 13, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman
Kris Letang(58) and left wing
Chris Kunitz(14) congratulate right wing
David Perron(middle) after Perron scored a goal against the Minnesota Wild during the first period at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Penguins won 7-2. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
The Pittsburgh Penguins are entering the 2015-16 season with a revamped top-six and depth throughout the top three lines that they haven’t seen in years.
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However, the depth that I’m speaking of ranges from expensive veterans to inexpensive and inexperienced youngsters. There’s simply no in-between right now for the Pens, and it has the makings of a disaster if a few select players aren’t able to perform up to expectations next season.
When the Pittsburgh Penguins acquired Phil Kessel from the Toronto Maple Leafs, they knew that they were leaving themselves very little wiggle room under the cap. Basically, the team that you’re looking at right now is likely what we’ll see on opening night. Of course, the fourth line still needs chosen and there will be injuries and scratches, but overall the roster will stay very similar to what they currently have.
With that being said, let’s look at a few players that will have to put together a solid season if the Pittsburgh Penguins want to be true contenders.