For a while, I’ve been talking about how the Penguins can retool their lineup as opposed to rebuilding it. That would be a best-case scenario for star player Sidney Crosby, who clearly has enough left in the tank to lead this team for at least another deep playoff run or two.
But the lineup we saw last season won’t get them there, as it was beyond top-heavy. Crosby, Rickard Rakell, and Bryan Rust are surefire scorers and point producers. Erik Karlsson can still deliver, as can Evgeni Malkin, even if neither are the players they once were. But still, opponents would be foolish not to account for them.
But the cupboard’s basically empty when you get below Malkin. The Penguins have a drop-off that so many other non-playoff teams, like the Detroit Red Wings and Buffalo Sabres, have dealt with. While Crosby, Rakell, and Rust will put up so many highlight-reel moments that you forget what kind of straits the Penguins are in, the reality is, there’s no real depth.
Build a strong middle six and watch the Penguins thrive
The Penguins middle six was weak last year. The fourth line wasn’t so bad, but you need more than a first and fourth line to click. But the good news here is that Kyle Dubas doesn’t need to break the bank to sign or acquire quality forwards.
And if he adds two or three forwards to bolster those currently in the middle six, he will transform both the lineups and his team’s chances in 2025-26.
What kind of players should Dubas target? Before anything else, he needs to find a forward who can put up 20 goals a season. Preferably two. The Pens finished 18th in the league last season in scoring, and it’s because their top three scorers found the net 35, 33, and 31 times, respectively, while their fourth-best scorer snagged 16 goals.
Also, find me a winger who can land a body check per game. While the Penguins were moderately physical, they still averaged fewer than 21 hits per contest. I’d like to see another punisher in the Steel City who can supplement offensively when needed.
Defensive depth would also help smooth things out
Kris Letang, Erik Karlsson, and Matt Grzelcyk, should they all return, impressed me and make a good pairing and a half. But after that, there are issues. Letang, Karlsson, and Grzelcyk were the only three blueliners to play in 74-plus games last season, so more durability is needed here.
Of course, we can’t ignore the goaltending, but with an improved middle six and a well-rounded top four with a big hitter or two on the third pairing, whoever’s in the net next season should warrant better returns. Yeah, upgrade if necessary, but acquiring solid players in front of the netminder alone will work wonders.
The Metropolitan Division may get tougher next season if the New York Rangers get it together and the Capitals find a way to stay grounded. But small changes could help the Penguins respawn and make an unprecedented run. If it’s to happen, Dubas must be active this offseason.