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Pittsburgh Penguins: 5 Players to Watch This Season

By Matthew Rodrigopulle |
NASHVILLE, TN - JUNE 05: The NHL 100 logo is seen on a Pittsburgh Penguins jersey in the locker room prior to Game Four of the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Bridgestone Arena between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Nashville Predators on June 5, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Dave Sandford/NHLI via Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - JUNE 05: The NHL 100 logo is seen on a Pittsburgh Penguins jersey in the locker room prior to Game Four of the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Bridgestone Arena between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Nashville Predators on June 5, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Dave Sandford/NHLI via Getty Images)
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The Pittsburgh Penguins have made a number of changes to their roster since last season.

There are old faces and new faces that will don the Pittsburgh Penguins locker room this fall. Many players like Sidney Crosby and Phil Kessel have already shown what they can bring to the table. Others like Matt Hunwick and Ryan Reaves will take this season to prove themselves in Pittsburgh.

More from Pens Labyrinth

Whether they’re an old face or a new face, everyone has something to prove this year. Here are five players that I think we should pay specific attention to this season.

PITTSBURGH, PA – JUNE 08: Jake Guentzel
PITTSBURGH, PA – JUNE 08: Jake Guentzel /

Jake Guentzel

Let’s start this list off with a returning face who still has that shiny, new car effect attached to him.

Jake Guentzel is coming off quite an impressive rookie campaign. 33 points in 40 games isn’t something easy. And not to mention his league leading 13 goals in 25 games. He impressed many last season and it’s crazy to think that he did all that in half a season.

Well this year he’ll be playing in his first full season. If he stays healthy, he may be able to double his point total. 60 points isn’t hard to reach given his production rate in the past, and just the thought of having him play that good is exciting. Be sure to watch for Guentzel to light it up this season.

NASHVILLE, TN – JUNE 11: Kris Letang
NASHVILLE, TN – JUNE 11: Kris Letang /

Kris Letang

We all know what Kris Letang brings to the table, but this season is different. After missing half the season last season due to injury, he’s back to solidify the blue-line more than ever.

Many doubted our blue-line during this year’s playoffs because of our lack of a number-one defenceman. Despite this, we proved them wrong and won the Stanley Cup. Now that we have our number-one defenceman back in the lineup, we’ll be stronger than ever before.

NASHVILLE, TN – APRIL 30: Ryan Reaves
NASHVILLE, TN – APRIL 30: Ryan Reaves /

Ryan Reaves

Here’s a new face in the locker room. Ryan Reaves was traded from the St. Louis Blues to the Penguins during the draft. Many have questioned this trade and many have praised it.

Ryan Reaves isn’t really a top guy on any team. But he can surely help in his own way. His scrappy play and toughness brings a lot to the table. The Penguins had an issue defending their star players. Well hopefully here’s our solution. Let’s see what he can do.

DALLAS, TX – MARCH 3: Antti Niemi
DALLAS, TX – MARCH 3: Antti Niemi /

Antti Niemi

Antti Niemi has been playing starter for a long while now and has not been doing so great. Well let’s see how he does as a backup.

With Matt Murray as starter, Niemi’s starting abilities may translate well as a backup. Perhaps he plays better with less pressure and less starts. Time will tell if his signing was a wise decision.

NASHVILLE, TN – JUNE 11: Goaltender Matt Murray
NASHVILLE, TN – JUNE 11: Goaltender Matt Murray /

Matt Murray

And of course we all have to watch for Matt Murray this year. Two cups as a rookie is an amazing feat and he’s only going to get better.

Next: Matt Murray's NHL 18 Rating Unveiled

With Marc-Andre Fleury out of the picture now it is truly Matt Murray’s time to shine. He will get more starts and more playing time. We already know he’s an elite goaltender and one of the best in the league, but with more time to develop now, we truly should be in for some great things. Let’s see what happens this season and if Murray will really impress us all.

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