With roughly a month left before Penguins hockey returns, many questions surround the team, including which players have the most to prove in the 2024-25 season.
Before diving into the names, it’s important to recognize that the Penguins as a team—and as an organization—have much to prove. Beyond a few new faces in the bottom six, not much has changed for the roster.
This season’s success will depend heavily on those who underperformed last season and those whose careers may be winding down. It won't be easy either, with many division rival games packed into one month in 2025.
As the Penguins focus on building for the future, the returning players have a lot to prove—not just to us as fans, but more importantly, to themselves.
Let’s get into it.
No player on this list has more to prove in 2024 than defenseman Ryan Graves.
Graves' performance in the 2023-24 season fell short of expectations, as he was often outmuscled in front of the net and struggled to find chemistry with both Kris Letang and Erik Karlsson.
With his size (6-foot-5, 220 pounds), he did not establish himself physically as expected, leaving the Penguins vulnerable, especially against more aggressive teams.
In 2024-25, Graves has much to prove as he aims to become the reliable defender the Penguins expected when they signed him last season.
He will likely be paired with Karlsson or Letang again—unless Letang suddenly decides a trade to Montreal (and those irresistible bagels) is in order. But if his struggles continue, he could find himself relegated to the third pairing alongside someone like Sebastian Aho.
Evgeni Malkin may not initially appear to have much to prove in the 2024-25 season, given his vast accomplishments in the NHL. Yet, there remains a case to be made for the contrary.
Entering his 19th season with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Malkin's 2023-24 campaign, though productive, revealed a slight decline in performance.
His consistency fluctuated, marked by periods of both hot streaks and cold spells, which can be partly attributed to the challenges faced by his linemates. In some games, he disappeared; in others, he showed flashes of greatness.
The upcoming 2024-25 season is expected to be similar to the last, requiring Geno to demonstrate his effectiveness despite advancing age.
Based on his experience, there is confidence that he is ready to take on this challenge. Regardless of who's on his line come October.
Nobody struggled throughout the 2023-24 season quite like Rickard Rakell, who suffered a right shoulder injury early in the season that hampered his performance.
While the injury certainly impacted his play, Rakell could not recapture the form that made him a key player for the Pens during the 2022-23 season, even after his return.
His inability to consistently contribute, especially during crucial moments of the season, raised concerns about his effectiveness as a top-six forward, especially among the fanbase.
In 2024, it will be necessary for Rakell to approach the season with determination, remaining healthy, returning to his previous form, and finding ways to be effective in his lineup.
According to Daily Faceoff, he is currently projected to play alongside Sidney Crosby, replacing Drew O'Connor on the top line. Regardless of his placement—whether on Crosby's line or Geno's—Rakell must elevate his game.
While other players on this list faced struggles in 2023, Drew O'Connor showed noticeable progress, especially in the later part of the season.
Although not perfect, O'Connor's role evolved significantly, especially following injuries to key players like Jake Guentzel. He found himself in a top-six role, including time on the first line with Sidney Crosby.
Whether O'Connor remains in the top-six will depend on various factors, including the potential placement of Rickard Rakell on Crosby's line.
Regardless of his placement, O'Connor has plenty to prove in 2024. The question remains: Will he establish himself as a top-six player for the Penguins, or will he continue in a bottom-six role?
That's what's on the table.
Valtteri Puustinen got more time with the Penguins in 2023 and made some noise—quickly.
Over 52 games, he put up 20 points (5 goals, 15 assists), becoming one of the team's more reliable depth scorers, even with limited ice time. No one expected that before the season started.
Puustinen's ability to drive possession and create high-danger scoring chances stood out, especially with the Penguins struggling to get scoring from their depth players.
Looking ahead to 2024, he's projected to have a top-six role, with a lot to prove in that position. With the roster mostly unchanged outside of a few depth spots, expect more from him this year.