This might be one of the more competitive training camps in recent Pittsburgh Penguins history. Notable veterans on the team going into the preseason process could be shown the door if they don't do enough. There will be young players vying for their spots, and it will be up to those on the roster bubble to prove themselves. It should lead to some interesting theatre on the ice.
Just because certain players were either traded for or signed to the club this past offseason doesn't mean they are safe.
Any sort of step back at training camp or during the preseason could witness them be sent out of Pittsburgh in a hurry. The Penguins will ultimately have some tough choices when they must make final roster decisions. It will be up to these players to make those options more difficult than they should be.
Pittsburgh Penguins have several veterans in roster bubble limbo as the season approaches
Andrei Kuzmenko
It would be a shocking move if the Pittsburgh Penguins didn't hang onto Andrei Kuzmenko this year, but it's possible. He is expected to be their Anthony Mantha replacement and on paper it makes sense. With that said, Kuzmenko is only on a one-year contract and hasn't produced big numbers since 2023. If a young forward outplays him at training camp, Kuzmenko could get traded.
Nicholas Robertson
After not only trading for Nicholas Robertson, but also extending him, the likelihood of the Penguins getting rid of him is unlikely.
That could always change if he cannot produce strong numbers as a third line winger for the club. His fit in that role seems suspect going into training camp, but it will be interesting to see how that plays out. He might not be firmly on the roster bubble unlike others on this list, but Robertson is someone who could inch closer to that ledge.
Ryan Graves
No surprise here as Ryan Graves has been on the roster bubble for the Penguins since his second year with the team. He has been one of the worst moves during Kyle Dubas' tenure as the general manager of the franchise. Graves is someone who could make the team with a strong training camp, but as his history in Pittsburgh shows, that remains a possible, yet unlikely outcome.
Justin Brazeau
Following a massive start to last season, Justin Brazeau is firmly on the outside looking in as camp approaches. The veteran forward clearly outplayed himself last year, and it showed when his production came to a screeching halt during the second half of last season. Brazeau has a small chance of sticking around on the Penguins as there are too many gunning for the same roster spot.
Hendrix Lapierre
Somewhat similar to Robertson, but Hendrix Lapierre's spot on the club isn't as safe as many assume. Yes, the Penguins traded for him and extended his contract, but that doesn't mean he's safe from the roster bubble. In fact, it's hard to locate a job that this forward could take in the lineup.
Pittsburgh has their four centers set, so unless Lapierre can be an effective bottom six winger, his job is up in the air.
Connor Dewar
Sending Connor Dewar packing after how last season went for him would be a surprising twist by the Penguins. He is probably one of the safer fourth liners for the team going into training camp despite still being on the roster bubble. Dewar played fantastic last year and got rewarded with a new contract. His job might not be in as much jeopardy as others, but it could get worse if he's not careful.
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