As the 2025-26 NHL season approaches, teams are gearing up for training camps beginning in mid-September. Most teams have a clear sense of their rosters for the upcoming season, with some aiming to be contenders and others expecting to finish near the bottom. The Pittsburgh Penguins are currently in a transitional phase, awaiting the outcome of the 2026 draft lottery and trying to determine when they can realistically compete for playoff spots again.
The Penguins are an aging team, with concerns around their goaltending and defense, which suggests they’re unlikely to be playoff contenders next season. Their strategy might involve focusing on young talent, aiming to draft top prospects like Conor McDavid while navigating a difficult balance between competing and tanking. This puts the Penguins in a challenging spot as they compete with other teams also struggling to tank effectively while maintaining competitiveness.
Looking at the team’s roster, it’s neither the strongest nor the weakest the Penguins have had in the past 25 years. Forward-wise, they should see improvement if no major trades occur. Players like Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust are expected to maintain solid performances, especially when playing alongside Sidney Crosby. The signing of free agent Anthony Mantha and the return of Tommy Novak from injury are also positives. Additionally, promising young forwards like Ville Koivunen and Rutger McGroarty, along with Tristan Broz, Avery Hayes, and Philip Harlander, show potential for bigger roles.
However, defense remains a concern, especially if Eric Carlson is traded before the season starts, and goaltending is questionable following offseason changes. Overall, the Penguins’ backend is similar to last year, with minor hoped-for improvements. To secure a high draft pick, the team might need to consider bold moves involving key players.
Other teams like the Buffalo Sabres, Chicago Blackhawks, Anaheim Ducks, Boston Bruins, Seattle Kraken, and San Jose Sharks also face uncertainty or rebuilding phases, making the competitiveness for bottom playoff spots intense. For the Penguins to finish in the bottom five and have a chance at top prospects like McKenna, they need to significantly worsen their record, which is currently not guaranteed given the number of teams in similar positions.
In summary, the Penguins might end up performing similarly to last season unless GM Kyle Dubas and management decisively commit to either a rebuild or a playoff push.
Fan Take: This hover-state of the Penguins’ roster highlights the challenges many NHL teams face balancing youth development with immediate competitiveness. For hockey fans, it means an intriguing next season filled with potential breakout stars but also tough decisions on the horizon for a historic franchise aiming to find its next era of success.
