Is Drew O'Connor Ready for the Spotlight on Crosby’s Line?

As the Pittsburgh Penguins look to solidify their top line for the 2024-25 season, one of the most intriguing storylines is whether Drew O'Connor is ready to step into a starring role alongside Sidney Crosby.

Looking back at O'Connor's 2023-24 season, he played in 79 games, tallying 16 goals and 17 assists for a total of 33 points, with an impressive plus/minus rating of +14. This performance marked a significant step forward from previous seasons, where he was primarily used in a depth role.

Last season, O'Connor took on a more substantial role within the Penguins lineup. However, Jake Guentzel remained Crosby's primary linemate until his midseason trade to the Hurricanes.

When O'Connor eventually found himself playing alongside Crosby, the line performed adequately, but it didn’t stand out as a dominant force. This lack of standout performance could be attributed to a variety of factors—limited time together, differences in play style, or simply the adjustment period required when moving from a depth role to a top-line position.

Comparing O'Connor to Guentzel might seem unfair, considering their different positions in the lineup last year. But this season presents a new opportunity. The Penguins, rather quietly, have not made significant moves to fill the spot alongside Crosby, suggesting they are comfortable giving O'Connor a chance to prove himself as the right fit heading into the new season.

Embracing the Unknown: O'Connor's Potential on Crosby's Line

The biggest issue here is the unknown—an undeniable factor in this discussion—but that doesn't necessarily have to be a negative. As fans, writers, and creators, we often default to pessimism, myself included.

O'Connor may not have consistently demonstrated the high-level production we’d expect from someone playing on Crosby's line, but each season brings new opportunities.

The key detail, often lost in the noise, is that he’s taking this chance seriously. As originally reported by Penguins Team Reporter Michelle Crechiolo, O’Connor chose not to participate in this year’s World Championship in Czechia, opting instead to "focus on his training."

O'Connor is dedicated to preparing for the role ahead. While it's easy to look at the data and conclude that he might not succeed, it's just as valid to argue that his commitment gives him a real shot.

It's really that simple. Will he be as good as Jake Guentzel in this role? Better? Worse? No one can definitively answer that, but time will tell. The easy reaction is to panic, especially as the Big Three continue to age and the reality of their eventual departure sets in.

Perhaps what we need most is a little faith—faith that the Penguins know what they're doing. Things could change between now and the start of the season, but it’s worth exploring. Before we jump to conclusions or hit the panic button, let's give O'Connor the chance to prove he belongs on Crosby's wing.

The potential is there, and with the right preparation, he could be exactly what the Penguins need to keep their top line thriving.